Jesus’ experience with temptation is recorded in Matthew chapter 4. We all experience temptation.
Here’s some practical takeaways about how to deal with temptation:
- Realize that your life as a believer involves temptation. Being tempted isn’t a sin, it’s giving into it that becomes a problem. Pay attention to the ones that keep tripping you up.
- Recognize the threat of temptation (especially in your moments of weakness). Jesus was tempted when he was on the verge of starving to death after not eating for 40 days. When we’re not addressing our physical and emotional needs, we’re a lot more vulnerable to temptation.
- Raise your intake of the Bible to fight temptation. Jesus’ response to Satan’s offers of temptation were based on scripture. Fight the enemy’s lies with truth about who God is and who you are because of what Jesus has done for you.
- Rest in Jesus— the one who is victorious over temptation. You will mess up, but remind yourself of your true identity. Keep fighting the temptation but remember to rest in your relationship with Jesus. Because Jesus took care of your sin on the cross, when God looks at you, he sees the purity and goodness of Jesus instead of all the ways you’ve given into temptation.
