Day 27 - Defeating Temptation

Run from anything that gives you the evil thoughts ...but stay close to anything that makes you want to do right

2 TIMOTHY 2:22 (LB)

Remember that the temptation that comes into your life are no different from what others experience.  And God is faithful.  He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it.  When you are tempted, he will show you a way out that will not give in to it.

1 CORINTHIANS 10:13 (NLT)

"To reduce temptation, keep your mind occupied with God's Word and other good thoughts." p211

"If you are serious about defeating temptation you must manage your mind and monitor your media intake.  The wisest man who ever lived warned, 'Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.'  Don't allow trash into your mind indiscriminately. Be selective.  Choose carefully what you think about....  This takes lifetime of practice, but with the help of the Holy Spirit you can reprogram the way you think." p212

"Reveal your struggle to a godly friend or support group.  You don't have to broadcast it to the whole world, but you need at least one person you can honestly share your struggles with...  You need help from other people.  Some temptations are only overcome with the help of a partner who prays for you, encourages you, and holds you accountable." p212

"Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed." p212

"Do you really want to be healed of that persistent temptation that keeps defeating you over and over?  God's solution is plain:  Don't repress it; confess it! Don't conceal it; reveal it! Reaving your feeling is the beginning of healing." p212-3

"The reason we hide our faults is pride.  We want others to think we have everything 'under control.'  The truth is, whatever you can't talk about is already out of control in your life: problems with your finances, marriage, kids, thoughts, sexuality, secret habits, or anything else.  If you could handle it on your own, you would have already done so.  But you can't.  Willpower and personal resolutions aren't enough." p213

"How can we resist the devil? Paul tells us, "Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.'  The first step is to accept God's salvation.  You won't be able to say no to the devil unless you've already said yes to Christ.  Without Christ we are defenceless against the devil, but with 'the helmet of salvation' our minds are protected by God.  Remember this:  If you are a believer, satan cannot force you to do anything.  He can only suggest."

"...you must use the Word of God as your weapon against satan.  Jesus modelled this when He was tempted in the wilderness.  Every time satan suggested a temptation, Jesus countered by quoting scripture.  He didn't argue with satan.  He didn't say 'Im not hungry', when tempted to use His power to meet a personal need.  He simply quoted Scripture from memory.  We must do the same.  There is power in God's Word, and satan fears it." p215

Point to Ponder:

There is always a way out.

Verses to Remember:

"God is faithful.  He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it.  When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it." 

1 CORINTHIANS 10:13b (NLT)

Questions to Consider:

Who could I ask to be a spiritual partner to help me defeat a persistent temptation by praying for me?