How To Take the Teeth Out of Temptation

1 Corinthians 10:13

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹³ No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

You do not have to be a follower of Jesus Christ very long to experience temptations. Let's face it even though our old self is dead and buried with Christ (Romans 6:8) , it can put up one heck of a fight.  We can get overwhelmed with the battle sometimes and then another temptation presents itself and that is to give in.  

There are a few things that I hope will help you as they have helped me. 

1. Temptation is not a sin.  Just because you are tempted does not mean you are committing a sin. It is when we let our earthly desires draw us away in our minds (we can sin with our thoughts) or physically that is when we commit the sin.

2. Bring your thoughts captive. 2 Corinthians 10:5.  You see a good looking woman you have a choice to dwell on her looks and walk right into sin or you there is a man that is not your husband. He is kind and sweet and shows you attention that you do not get at home.  You have had a very stressful day you just want to rest and recharge or check out; you think about taking just one drink, just to relax a bit or you think about looking at some material on the internet or in your night stand.  You get the point.  Our temptations begin in our minds and we have the ability through Christ to stop them their before they become sin.  How? Scripture began to quote scripture like our Savior did. Sing some praise music or a hymn or a psalm.  These will help in getting you to think on.  Colossians 3:13 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 

3. Bring it into the light.  Sometimes our flesh gets nasty when it does not get it's way and no matter how many scriptures you throw at it or how many songs you remember it still insist on being gratified.   It is at these times when you need to call in for back up.  Tell your spouse about the temptation or a close brother or sister in the Lord or your pastor.  When we bring these things into the light the darkness is dispelled and looses it's power over you.  

I hope this helps.  I would like to hear from some of you if you get a chance.  God bless!

Romans 8:37

New King James Version (NKJV)

³⁷ Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.