Understanding Spiritual Warfare: Victory Through God's Presence, Prayer, and SurrenderSample

Defeat Temptation

Every battle begins in the mind, and temptation is usually the first shot fired. When we are tempted, we can feel as if we are the only ones facing such an intense desire to do something we know is wrong. It can feel overwhelming and isolating.

But 1 Corinthians 10:13 tells us, “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” (NLT).

Temptation in this passage comes from a Greek word that means “a test, trial, or enticement to sin.” Temptation itself isn’t a sin, but it is a moment of choice—a crossroads of decision.

Temptation, while difficult, actually does a couple of positive things. First, it reveals what is hidden in our hearts. James points out that our temptations occur when we are drawn away by evil desires already in our hearts, temptations that will lead to sin if not dealt with (1:13-15). When you are tempted, use that as an opportunity for the Holy Spirit to help you see hidden wrong thoughts or desires you need to surrender.

Second, temptation provides an opportunity to strengthen our faith muscles by trusting God. Resisting temptation is a statement in the spiritual realm, a declaration that says, “I will obey God. I will trust him in all things.”

The process of resisting builds faith and perseverance. In the same way that lifting weights fatigues your muscles but also makes them stronger in the end, so your fight against temptation will strengthen your spiritual muscles so you can stand firm in the face of trials.

Temptation often feels overwhelming because of what is going on in the brain. During temptation, your brain releases dopamine, the neurotransmitter tied to anticipation and reward. This activates the limbic system, the emotional center of your brain, and can make the desire feel overwhelming and urgent. At the same time, your prefrontal cortex (the logical, decision-making part of your brain) is being overridden by the flood of emotion. Your body may even respond physically: your heart rate increases, muscles become tense, and you feel like you can focus on nothing else but the need to get what you want.

But none of that means you're powerless. Your body is reacting automatically, but your mind doesn’t have to surrender control. You can interrupt the cycle. Here’s how:

1. Recognize the urge for what it is—temptation. It’s not sin, so don’t feel condemned or guilty for having the urge.
2. Respond quickly. Don’t flirt with the temptation. Don’t go along with it for a bit. Go straight to God in prayer. One of the most powerful prayers you can pray is simply, “Jesus, help me!” As Psalms 46:1 reminds us, he is our “ever-present help.” So ask for his wisdom and strength. Then obey immediately.
3. Identify the lie behind the temptation and replace it with truth. Use God’s Word as a sword to defeat the enemy’s lies. Declare it boldly. Stand on it with courage and faith.
4. Worship. Turn your heart and mind to God. As you focus on him, turning your mind away from earthly things and onto his goodness (Colossians 3:1-2), the urge to sin loses its power.
5. If necessary, call a trusted friend. Share your experience and ask for prayer (Ecclesiastes 4:9).

You can resist the temptation to sin. “By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life” (2 Peter 1:3, NLT). In him, we have the strength to resist and live in victory!

Reflection Questions

1. What temptations are the hardest for me to resist? Why?
2. What lies might I be believing that make those temptations so powerful? What truth from God’s Word do I need to accept instead?