How to overcome persistent temptations?
Week 2 – After “analysis” last week, we will look at “actions” this week:
Part 4. Avoid the situations where I am most tempted – including time, place, people and desire. I will not be able to resist temptations. Therefore, my best action is to avoid temptations from the beginning.
Proverbs 4:27 – Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.
Part 5. Cry out to God and/or quote Scripture for help. The power of Jesus’ name healed a crippled man (Acts 3:6) and will help me today to fight against temptations. God’s word has the same power as Jesus’ name because God spoke things into existence. God told us to call out to Him and/or recall His word.
Psalm 50:15 – Call upon me in the day of trouble. I will deliver you, you will honor me.
Hebrews 4:15-16 – For we do not have a high priest who is unable to symphathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet was without sin. Psalm 119:11 – I’ve hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
Part 6. Refocus my attention on something else. Walk away. Don’t resist temptations because I am not as strong as I think.
Romans 12:21 – Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
2Cor 10:5 - We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Until next week, meditate on what we have learned today and last week. God wants to set us free from our persistent temptations by changing us from the inside out. God promises to transform us into new creatures. We will be light of the world and salt of the earth... Remember God knows what we have to face in life and that we are weak. Everyday, pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance and strength. Matthew 26:41 – Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.