War Zone- Week 10 Tactics of the Enemy vs. Strategies of the Believer (Temptation Part 2)

Today we will continue our study on the tactics of the enemy: Temptation. This is part two of the study on temptation.   

Last week we looked at the three categories that all temptations fall under: desire of the flesh, desire of the eye, the pride of life. We also looked at Biblical examples of individuals who fell into sin in each category. In this lesson we will look at the steps we must take to overcome temptation before we yield and sin.  

How then can we overcome the varied and numerous temptations we face each day? 

First, we must turn TO GOD rather than away from God.  

As I stated last week, temptation is not sin! However, when the enemy brings temptation our way, he tries to get us to feel guilty for those thoughts. Again, the initial thought/temptation is not sin.  However, dwelling on said thoughts can lead to sin.  

The enemy’s goal is to keep us from running to the Father when we are being tempted. When we give into the guilt and condemnation the enemy throws at us, he stands a better chance of getting us to fall into sin. However, he knows if we run to the Father, we will overcome the temptation. God will tell us how to overcome as well as giving us His strength with which to resist!!  

Romans 6:17-18, But thanks be to God, for you were slaves of sin, but you have obeyed from the heart that form of teaching to which you were entrusted, and having been freed from sin, you became the slaves of righteousness. (MEV) 

2 Peter 2:9, So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while keeping the wicked under punishment until the day of final judgment. (NLT) 

Hebrews 4:15-16, For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who was in every sense tempted like we are, yet without sin. Let us then come with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (MEV) 

Second, we must get into the Word! 

When we get into the Word, the Word gets into us. As we begin to renew our minds, making our thoughts conform to the Word, Holy Spirit has verse/ammunition to remind us of when temptation comes.  

I taught fourth grade for 12 years. Each time my students were ready to take a test, I would pray with them (I taught in a Christian School) that Holy Spirit would help them remember the things they had studied. The day before the test I would remind them that if they did not study, Holy Spirit would have nothing to remind them of during the test.  

The same is true with us. Temptations are tests of our faith and obedience. If we have the Word hidden in our hearts it will be there when the temptations arise.  

2 Corinthians 10:4-6, For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds, casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is complete. (MEV) 

Romans 12:2, Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (NLT) 

Psalm 119:11. I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. (NLT) 

Ephesians 5:18, Do not get drunk with wine, for that is wickedness (corruption, stupidity), but be filled with the [Holy] Spirit and constantly guided by Him. (AMP) 

Colossians 3:16, Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. (MEV) 

Galatians 5:16, I say then, walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. (MEV) 

Psalm 16:11, You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (ESV) 

In Matthew 4:1-11 we read the account of the temptation of Jesus. We know that with every temptation the devil presented to Jesus, Jesus’ response was the written Word of God. Each time the devil had to move on because he could not argue with the Word.  

We, like Jesus must use the Word when temptations come our way. This use of the Word is resisting the devil. James 4:7 says, So be subject to God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him], and he will flee from you. (AMPC) 

Thirdly, we must make preparation for temptation. 

1. We must understand that temptation will come. It is inevitable. All mankind faces temptation and none of it is new, nor is it beyond our ability to resist. The key here is that we must choose to resist. If we wait until temptation strikes it is too late! We must determine beforehand how we will respond to temptation.   

1 Corinthians 10:13, No temptation [regardless of its source] has overtaken or enticed you that is not common to human experience [nor is any temptation unusual or beyond human resistance]; but God is faithful [to His word—He is compassionate and trustworthy], and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability [to resist], but along with the temptation He [has in the past and is now and] will [always] provide the way out as well, so that you will be able to endure it [without yielding, and will overcome temptation with joy]. (AMP) 

2.We must determine before we are tempted that we will overcome and that we will not make provision for the flesh, in other words, we will not compromise with the enemy! 

Romans 13:14, But clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for [nor even think about gratifying] the flesh in regard to its improper desires. (AMP) 

3.We need to choose to allow Jesus to satisfy our needs and desires not any external source. How often, for instance, do we sing a song like, He’s All I Need, and then turn around and give into the desires of our flesh or our eyes rather than letting Him meet our needs.   

Psalm 37:4, Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. (NLT) 

Matthew 6:25-33 lists for us the things' believers need and worry about and then culminates with verse 33: But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (MEV) When we seek God first, He will supply for all our needs. 

And again in 2 Peter 1:3 we read, His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who has called us by His own glory and excellence. (MEV)  

God provides all that we need to live godly lives. This is referring to spiritual provision to live godly lives, however, we must understand that our Heavenly Father is not in the habit of leaving any area of our lives with lack. If we are seeking Him first, He will meet all our needs and give us the desires of our heart.  

4.We must also deny ungodliness in every area of our lives.  

Titus 2:11-12, For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly desires, we should live soberly, righteously, and in godliness in this present world. (MEV) 

Fourth, we must be accountable and transparent with a trusted, believing friend. 

2 Timothy 2:22, Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. (NLT) 

The easiest way for the enemy to get us to fall into/choose sin is to keep us isolated from others through shame and guilt. If we find ourselves facing strong, persistent temptation we need to choose a friend who will hold us accountable and who will stand on the Word with and for us so we can resist the devil, rise above the temptation, and walk away in victory!! 

Fifth, we must have an eternal mindset.  

 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, Our light affliction, which lasts but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. (MEV) 

The temptations and trials we face in this life are fleeting when compared to eternity. We need to continually look at the things that we can see and remind ourselves that this world is not our home. We are building, here and now, a foundation for eternity. This life in our “earth suit” is temporary! We are being prepared to reign and rule with Christ for eternity!! 

Finally, we must out last the devil! 

James 1:12, Blessed [happy, spiritually prosperous, favored by God] is the man who is steadfast under trial and perseveres when tempted; for when he has passed the test and been approved, he will receive the [victor’s] crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. (AMP) 

When the enemy persists, we resist! And resist, and resist, and resist!!!  

In conclusion, to overcome temptation we must turn to God rather than away from him. We must get into the Word so the Word gets into us. We must make preparation for temptation, planning how we will respond before the enemy strikes. We must be accountable and transparent with a trusted, believing friend and not allow the enemy to get us to isolate. We must have an eternal mindset, seeing our current trials as building blocks for eternity. We must out last the devil by resisting every time temptation rears its ugly head!! 

I leave you with this: Romans 8:37, No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. (NLT)