Avoiding Temptation
Tuesday March 15, 2016
God wants us to live in victory over temptation. He promises that in every situation this is possible. For those of us who have struggled with addictions and relapsed numerous times, that’s incredibly good news.
The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. (1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT)
One of the best ways to overcome temptation is to stay as far away from it as possible. How do we do that? Here are some practical ideas:
* Realize that temptation will be an ongoing issue in life not a one-time issue. Only as we establish a personal and transparent relationship with God will we have the tools available that will help us succeed in a moment of temptation. God's name is a place of protection. Good people can run there and be safe. (Proverbs 18:10 MSG)
* Read the Bible and apply the truths we learn to our daily life. I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. (Psalm 119:11 NLT)* Pray and ask God to keep us conscious of what is helpful or harmful so He can reprogram our thinking. Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing but the body is weak! And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. (Matthew 26:41 NLT, Matthew 6:13 NIV)
* Avoid places, people, and actions that invoke tempting thoughts. Stay away from every kind of evil. Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior. (1 Thessalonians 5:22, 2 Timothy 2:16 NLT
* Be practical in everyday living. We need to eat well, exercise, get sleep, schedule events, do kind things, make reasonable plans and live in the discipline of the plan. Empty and unstructured time can easily make us vulnerable to temptation. So be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. (Ephesians 5:15-17 NLT)Let’s live well with God today and avoid as many moments of temptation as possible.
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