Two Steps to Handle Temptation

In review of Ephesians 6:17 it says to “Accept God’s salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (NCV).

I need supernatural power to defeat Satan, and God has provided this to me by giving me his Holy Spirit who dwells within me and God's armor surrounding me. When I feel discouraged, remember Jesus' words to Peter: "Upon this rock I will build my church, and all the power of hell will not conquer it."

In order to handle temptation, I need to claim the promises of God that he has given in his Word about temptation. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says: “God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it” (NIV).

I can’t think or believe that “I couldn’t help myself. It was impossible to resist. Or, I had no choice but to give in.” When I say that, I’m calling God a liar! God says he’ll always offer an escape from the temptation I face. It may be tough and painful. It might even be embarrassing. But there will always be a way out. God makes sure of it! This is his promise.

Satan is constantly battling for my mind. That’s where the battle happens. When God gives me an idea, it’s inspiration. When the Devil gives me an idea, it’s temptation. I choose every day which thought I’m going to dwell on.

I can change my mind by replacing the temptation with truth, and truth is found in the Bible.

Prepare for temptation and resist the Devil, with Ephesians 6:17 which says, “Accept God’s salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (NCV).

There are two things I need to do in order to handle temptation. Salvation is the first step: “Accept God’s salvation as your helmet.” What does a helmet do? It protects your head and my mind, and that’s where the battle is going on. Before I can say no to the Devil, I have to learn to say yes to Jesus Christ. I’ve got to have his power through salvation.

The second step is to receive God’s Word to use as a sword. Truth is the antidote to temptation. I can keep my Bible near at hand, but when I’m at work and tempted, I need to get the truth that is in that book into my mind.

The single most effective tool to combating temptation is to memorize Scripture. If I don’t have any verses memorized, I have no weapon for the fight! When the Devil comes along, how will I counter him? He’s not afraid of my opinion, but he does fear the truth. The sword of God is God’s truth, but it only becomes a weapon when is close at hand from memory. So I need to memorize it.

In summary, Accept God’s salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, This is God's provision. To handle the temptation, claim the promise of God, "God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it”.  It may be tough and painful. It might even be embarrassing. But there will always be a way out. Satan is constantly battling for my mind. That’s where the battle happens. two things I need to do in order to handle temptation. Salvation is the first step: “Accept God’s salvation as your helmet.” The helmet protects your head and my mind, and that’s where the battle is going on. The second step is to receive God’s Word to use as a sword. Truth is the antidote to temptation. Satan does fear the truth. The sword of God is God’s truth, but it only becomes a weapon when is close at hand from my memory.

Father thank you for the reminder about temptations this morning. I pray today for your Spirit to help remind me of your truth and my own practice of memorizing scripture. I ask for your wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership and my interaction with others. I ask these things through your Son Jesus name, Amen.