5 Ways to Overcome Temptation

4. Clean out the cupboards

It’s time to empty your life of the things that tempt you. If you struggle with pornography, you cannot keep your computer in a secluded room without some type of accountability software installed. If you have difficulty controlling your drinking, you cannot keep alcohol in your house or frequent bars and clubs. If you have anger-related issues, you cannot watch violent movies or listen to music that indulges or inflames your anger. If you are obsessed with gossip, stop lounging around the water cooler, and turn off TMZ. Paul urges us in Ephesians 4:27, “Do not give the devil a foothold.” Translation: Do your utmost to eliminate any chance of either the devil or your own evil desires grabbing hold of any corner of your life and climbing further into your heart to bend it to his will.

5. Fill your mind with God’s word

You have a direct line to the truth! If there were ever a charge given to Christians, it surely would be to know more Scripture. Knowing God’s Word inside and out should be a primary objective for every Christian, because having a good handle on Scripture is essential to tackle our temptations. When Jesus withstood the devil’s tricks, He did so each time by responding with a verse from Scripture. And there’s no other way to be able to quote the Word at any given moment than by reading the Bible every single day and letting it permeate your being. Like listening to your favorite song over and over again, daily time in God’s Word will get it into your heart and mind and come out of your mouth in the most critical situations. We know this is a system that works, because Christ was “tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin” (Hebrews 4:15). To read more, check out Pastor Dudley Rutherford’s new book God Has an App for That!

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