Being human, you will always face temptation. It isn’t one time but happens multiple times during your lifetime. No one is immune to these temptations, which does not mean you give in to them. If you are facing temptations, look at this blog, which has 12 biblical passages and principles that will empower you to resist and overcome temptations.
Hebrew 2:18 and Hebrew 4:15
For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
These verses describe that even though Jesus never sinned in his life, he did know how the weight of temptation felt. He asks his followers that the next time they feel burdened by temptation, they should remember Jesus and share their burden. The Lord is standing, ready to help them at the very moment.
Matthew 26:41
“Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
This verse emphasizes that one should pray to avoid temptation. Jesus also advises you to watch and put your guard up against temptation. Sometimes, you might be able to see the temptation coming for you, but other times, it might surprise you. Therefore, you need to be careful.
Corinthians 10:13
“No temptation has come upon you except what is common to humanity. But God is faithful; he will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation he will also provide a way out so that you may be able to bear it.”
This verse explains that one has to face different situations in life, and at times, it might feel that the only way out is to give in. You need to trust God since he is faithful and will always provide a solution to escape this temptation. Whether you take advantage to escape the temptation is up to you.
Peter 5:9
Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
The devil plans to accomplish the plan of your destruction through temptation. You should call God now, stand firm in your faith, and remember that you are not alone in this fight; God is there with you. While you call Christ in your battle against the devil, he supports you through powerful encouragement to resist temptation.
Luke 4:13
“And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.”
This verse refers to the time when Satan was determined to win the war against Jesus by making him prey to temptation. Having lost every battle, he returned when Jesus hung on the cross and unleashed every power to convince Jesus to abort his mission. The verse is a reminder that during your lifetime, you will come across multiple people who will relentlessly provoke you to fulfill your temptation, but like Jesus, you need to stay away till your final breath.
Ephesians 6:10-11
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
This verse compares your fighting of temptations to a battle fought in war. One does not go to a physical war without proper equipment and gear. Similarly, fighting temptations is no different, and you need to gear up with the whole armor of God. It comprises a Belt of Truth, Breastplate of Righteousness, Shield of Faith, Sword of Spirit, Helmet of Salvation, Shoes fit to bring peace and Praying in Spirit. All this armor makes you ready to fight against any scheme plotted by the enemy.
Matthew 4:3-4
And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But he answered, “It is written,
“‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
This verse describes how Jesus faced every temptation one faces in this world. It is known that Satan attacked him multiple times to make Jesus prey to his temptations and commit sin. Jesus fought Satan every time with the Scripture. Here, the learning stands that to succeed like Jesus in fighting temptations, you must fill your mind and heart with the Word of God. With this equipment, you can fight them successfully.
John 2:1-2
“My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father – Jesus Christ the righteous one. He himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for those of the whole world.”
This verse explains that we do not need a perfect battle record against temptation. Jesus, who was perfect, never succumbed to temptations and, hence, never sinned.
Satan waits for you to make a sin and fall into the trap of despair by mentally reminding you of your imperfections. He would tempt you to forget the Gospel and make more sins. Even though you are not a perfect human and stumble occasionally, you should repent from all your sins and put hope in Jesus Christ. As followers of the Lord, try to avoid sin as far as possible.
Mark 7:20-23
“What comes out of a person is what defiles them. For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and defile a person.”
This verse shifts the focus from external actions to internal thoughts and motivation.
According to Jesus, the natural source of heresy is the human heart, where all evil thoughts and desires arise. The verse describes how all evil acts stem from destructive thoughts and make the person unclean. The external world would present opportunities, but the urge to act on them comes from within. Jesus emphasizes the importance of focusing on internal thoughts and desires by focusing on good thoughts and intentions, ultimately leading to a clean path.
Luke 4:1-2
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.
This verse describes a pivotal movement where Jesus battled with temptation. Jesus fasted for 40 days while he was stuck in the wilderness. It made him more susceptible to falling into temptations. The devil presents temptations like physical comfort, power, and control to exploit our weaknesses. The verse teaches that temptation is a natural part of life, and they are their most potent when we are weak. Faith and Scripture are the only tools that can guide you in resisting the temptations.
Matthew 13:22
The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful.
This verse is an imagery of seeds that represent good words. The different soil types show how people receive the same message in multiple ways. The seed represents the teachings and message of God. We, as humans, fall into the temptation of prioritizing worldly matters over God’s learnings. The thorns symbolize wealth and earthly possessions that tend to divert our attention and hinder following God’s teachings.
We should focus and harvest seeds of faith to stay away from temptations.
James 1:13-14
“No one undergoing a trial should say, ‘I am being tempted by God,’ since God is not tempted by evil, and he himself doesn’t tempt anyone. But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desire.”
This verse explains God does not test us in temptations through some trials or difficulties. Temptations arise from ourselves, and the desires become so strong that they easily lure us from doing the right thing. Jesus teaches us that while we might face challenges in fighting our desires, resisting them and staying on the right path is essential.