How to Win Over Temptation - Martin Wiles

The temptations that come into your life are no different from what other experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can stand up against it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT

He was a mischievous boy who often succumbed to temptation.

One reason Mark Twain wrote The Adventures of Tom Sawyer was to ridicule books produced at the time that portrayed young boys as clean-cut and always obedient to authorities. Tom didn’t fit the mold. He continually outfoxed his Aunt Polly even though she continued to believe he was a good boy down deep inside. Tom once joined the Cadets of Temperance, but only because he liked their gaudy uniforms and wanted to be the envy of other people as he marched in their parades. But the temptations to swear, drink, and smoke were too great. He eventually quit the club.

I can’t say I was much different than Tom during adolescence. Sadly, I gave in repeatedly to many of my temptations. Only later in life did I learn I could win over them.

Paul says God will not allow temptations to be so strong that we can’t endure them with his help. Evidently, I was doing something wrong. Winning over temptation involves knowing our weaknesses. Satan doesn’t know everything but learns about our weaknesses through interaction with us. Once he understands them, he zeroes in on these very things. Admitting our weaknesses isn’t easy or pleasant, but doing so is the first step toward success.

We must also trust the Source of victory: God’s Spirit within us. God doesn’t bring temptation but wants to help us overcome it--and will if we seek him. Satan tempted Jesus in every way he tempts us. But Jesus overcame and can help us see the way out of the tempting situation. All we must do is seek his guidance.

Staying away from bad sources is also a good idea. Tom didn’t; neither did I. Spending too much time with friends who have bad habits is unwise. Only God can give us the wisdom to be his light around sinful activity while at the same time avoiding the activity itself.

Additionally, putting on God’s armor is wise. Thinking about godly things, standing for truth, carrying God’s love wherever we go, walking by faith, and soaking in God’s Word are all measured steps to win over temptation.

Make sure you are winning over temptation. If you’re not, you can.

Father, thank you for the assurance that I can win over temptation. 

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