Reducing Temptation
Because of the tragic consequences of sin (Rom. 6:23; Isa. 59:1-2), the Bible presents temptation as something to be avoided even if the cost is great (Prov. 4:14-15; Heb. 11:25; Matt. 6:13). Therefore, there may not be a more practical study for the Christian than one that focuses on how to avoid temptation as much as we can. No doubt, Satan will see to it that we regularly face his subtle ploys (1 Pet. 5:8; Eph. 6:11; 2 Cor. 2:11); but there are several things we can do to reduce those occasions.
Study the Bible Regularly
I fear that many Christians have so filled their schedules with work and play that time for sober reflection on God’s word has been reduced to a few minutes on Sundays and an occasional Wednesday night. While there is a time for both work and play, we increase our opportunities to sin when we sacrifice spiritual nourishment on the altar of lesser things.
David wrote, “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Psa. 119:11, ESV). The more space the word of God occupies in our hearts, the more equipped we’ll be to fight the temptations that seek to bring us down. Jesus saw the value of Holy Scripture when he fought off Satan’s enticements with the devastating phrase, “It is written…” (Matt. 4:1-11). In his description of the Christian’s armor, Paul was careful to include “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Eph. 6:17). Keeping that sword close to our sides, yea, even hiding its message in our hearts, will increase our hatred of every false way (Psa. 119:104), and result in less sin in our lives.
Watch and Pray
On the night of his betrayal and arrest, Jesus went to the garden of Gethsemane to pray. After a period of intense communication with his Father, the Son of God returned to find his closest disciples sleeping. On that occasion, the Lord thought this word of warning appropriate, “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matt. 26:41). Sometimes our sins are not the result of being ignorant of right and wrong, but weakness in living up to what we already know. No doubt the disciples knew that they should avoid temptation. Neither was their problem a lack of desire. The spirit was willing. Jesus recognized, however, that they needed help doing what they already knew they needed to do. His remedy for that weakness was for them to “watch and pray.”
Christians should always be alert to their surroundings and mindful of the subtle ways of their great adversary (1 Cor. 16:13; 1 Pet. 5:8; 2 Cor. 2:11; 11:13-15). And since we sometimes find ourselves struggling, not with knowledge, but with living up to what we already know (Rom. 7:15), we should often pray that on those occasions when we are led away by our own lusts and enticed, that God would help and strengthen us to overcome temptation and to do his will (Matt. 6:13; James 1:14; Heb. 2:18; Phil. 2:12-13; Eph. 3:14-16; Heb. 13:20-21).
Choose Friends Wisely
The Bible has much to say about the benefits of godly companions and the dangers of ungodly ones. Regarding sinners, the Bible warns, “My son, do not walk in the way with them; hold back your foot from their paths” (Prov. 1:15). “The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray” (Prov. 12:26, NKJV). “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals’” (1 Cor. 15:33).
It is difficult enough to face temptation without our closest comrades being part of the problem. But when we surround ourselves with “those who call evil good and good evil” (Isa. 5:20), we are increasing the chances of having to face more and greater allurements to sin. How much wiser it is to choose as our friends those who will strengthen us in the faith (Jude 20) instead of lure us from it.
Guard Your Thoughts
James wrote, “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire” (1:14). Solomon warned, “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life” (Prov. 4:23). No sin has ever been committed that did not first begin in the mind (Matt. 15:19; 5:28). It is no wonder, then, that God places a high premium on “taking every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5), thinking on those things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, and praiseworthy (Phil. 4:8), and focusing our thoughts “on things that are above, not on things that are on earth” (Col. 3:2).
Let us never forget these passages, especially when we make entertainment and recreational choices. It would do us well to make David’s prayer our own, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer” (Psa. 19:14). That desire will keep us from many a sin.
Conclusion
“The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations” (2 Pet. 2:9, NKJV). The four things mentioned above are ways in which God can do that very thing. But on those occasions when Satan pushes through our barriers, we are promised that “God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Cor. 10:13).
Paul admonishes us never to give opportunity to the devil (Eph. 4:27). Yet many of us do by refusing to study the Bible daily, surrounding ourselves with ungodly friends, failing to pray, and being indiscriminate in what we allow to take residence in our minds.
Then we wonder why living faithfully is such a struggle.
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