As children of God we are in this world but not of this world, this means we live in this world but our life is from God (1 Jn. 5:4). However, this doesn’t exempt us from temptations that are in the world; especially sexual temptations. The truth is God would have us be victorious in our dealings with any kind of temptation. Temptations can come in different ways, it may be through what we see, hear, feel or think, so it’s important to have the right knowledge that would help us to win over them. Here are a few examples in scripture:
Genesis 3:1,6– “And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? …And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.”
Here, we see Eve being tempted of the devil in the garden with a suggestion that was contrary to God’s word. Eventually, she was deceived and sinned after she considered and acted on the thought. Another example of temptation in the Bible is in Matthew 4. Here again, the devil tempted Jesus to act in a way that was contrary to God’s plan: to prove he was the Son of God instead of trusting in God.
Matthew 4:3-4 (KJV)
And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
Lastly, In Gen. 39: 7-13 , Joseph is sexually tempted by the wife of Potiphar to commit adultery with her but he resists and flees. These show that temptations can come through the mind, the devil and even another person! The good news is- temptation can be subdued or resisted. Here are seven truths that can help you to win:
1. You are Loved: It is very easy when facing a temptation to forget that God loves you and is on your side. God is always for us, making a way of escape in time of need. Whenever you are faced with temptation , run boldly to the father. Break off the feeling of condemnation by standing firm in the love of God. (See Hebrews 4:15-16)
2. You are NOT your temptation: Temptations are common to everyone, so much so that even Jesus faced them. See yourself outside of the temptation because you’re standing with Christ will always be by faith. As a believer when sinful thoughts arise in your minds, do not take it as your identity, Christ alone is your identity.
3. You are Dead to Sin: Now that you know Christ is your identity, you need to constantly renew your mind with who you are in Him. Christ’s death was the death of your old nature of sin. Romans 6:6-7- “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him , that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin.” You no longer have any obligation to sin or the things of flesh.
4. You have a New Heart: In the same vein, when Christ rose again he gave access to a new life to whosoever believes in Him. This new life is in consistency with doing God’s will and is greater than the powers of hell itself. Ezekiel 36:26- “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.”
5. Guard your heart: My best friend puts it like this “don’t gamble with your eyes”. The truth is we need to be responsible with what we feed our eyes, ears and mind. Cut off anything that is inconsistent with the ways of God and leads to sin in the things you read, watch or listen to. Garbage in, garbage out ; we reap what we sow.
6. Take advantage of community: the body of Christ a family. Learn to build and enjoy good relationships with others. Don’t forsake the assembly of God in church, small groups or even virtually. Reach out to people you trust when you need help.
7. Flee when necessary: “And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within. And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.” – Genesis 39:11-12 (KJV). If you’re confronted with this type of physical temptation, do not stay to fight it there on your own . Learn from Joseph, run to a safer environment.
Whenever you’re faced with a temptation, whether sexual or otherwise. Don’t see yourself as weak or defeated. See yourself the way God sees you, then rise up and win. Sometimes, it may take time, but never give up because you have everything you need. Remember, “Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to God. The best invitation we ever received!”- 2 Peter 1:3
Blessings, Stay Free 💓
The Freedom Guide 