Bombarded by Temptation: How to Win the Battle

Temptation is something we all face. No matter who you are or how strong your faith might be, the reality is that we all have flesh that resists God's ways. The good news is that God has provided us with strategies to overcome temptation and experience victory in our daily lives.

Why Do We All Face Temptation?

First Corinthians 10:13 reminds us: "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man. But God is faithful who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able to bear. But with the temptation will also make the way of escape that you may be able to bear it."

Temptation is universal because we all have flesh that naturally opposes God's ways. When we're born into this world, we enter with a sin nature - a flesh that resists God's will. Romans 8:7 explains that "the mindset of the flesh is hostile to God because it does not submit to God's law." In fact, Scripture tells us that our flesh cannot submit to God's law - it's impossible.

This is why we need to understand an important truth: temptation itself is not a sign of failure. It's simply part of the human experience.

The Battle Between Flesh and Spirit

We are made up of three parts: spirit, soul, and body. Our physical body often becomes an ally to the enemy's temptations. From Adam, we inherited flesh that resists God, but from Christ, we receive a spirit that desires to obey God.

First Corinthians 15:22 explains: "Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life." We may be born in Adam's shadow, but we are born again in Christ's light.

Why Is Our Flesh So Weak?

The story of David and Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 11 illustrates how our flesh can lead us astray when we're not where we're supposed to be. The passage notes that it was "the season when kings were supposed to be at battle," yet David remained at his palace. Had he been in the right place, he might never have encountered that particular temptation.

Our flesh is weak because it's aligned with this fallen world system - focused on sin and self rather than God's kingdom. This is why Jesus instructed His disciples to "watch and pray so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak" (Matthew 26:41).

How Does the Enemy Use Our Weakness?

Satan is real, and he's strategic. In Luke 22:31-34, Jesus warned Peter: "Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail."

The enemy looks to amplify what God has called us to crucify. One of his favorite tactics is to speak to us in first-person singular to trick us into rebellion - making us think his thoughts are our thoughts. Remember when Peter tried to discourage Jesus from going to the cross? Jesus responded, "Get behind me, Satan," recognizing the source of that influence.

The enemy's goal is to derail our destiny. Often, his attacks are strongest when our breakthrough is closest. Just when we're on the verge of victory, temptation can hit hardest.

How Can Prayer Help Us Overcome Temptation?

Prayer strengthens us for battle. Jesus instructed His disciples to "keep watch and pray so that you will not give in to temptation" (Matthew 26:41). When we cultivate a relationship with God through time in His presence, we fall deeper in love with Him, which weakens temptation's grip on our lives.

In Matthew 6, Jesus taught that when we pray in secret, our Father who sees in secret will reward us openly. Some of that "open reward" is the strength to resist temptation when it comes. Many want the Lord to reward them publicly but won't sit with Him privately.

Prayer keeps our spirit strong and our flesh in check. It prepares us for the inevitable moments when temptation will arise.

How Do We Fight Back Against Temptation?

We fight back with our mouth! Proverbs 13:2 says, "Wise words will win you a good meal." Speaking God's Word transforms fear and weakness into triumph and endurance.

When temptation comes, we need to respond as Jesus did when tempted in the wilderness - with Scripture. "It is written..." became His weapon of choice. When we speak God's Word, we release faith, activating the power of God within us to move forward in obedience.

Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that "death and life are in the power of the tongue." Our words can either strengthen our flesh or empower our spirit. When temptation rises, we can declare, "Not today, Satan!" and watch that temptation lose its power.

Life Application

This week, commit to strengthening yourself through prayer before temptation strikes. Set aside dedicated time each day to be alone with God, building your spiritual muscles for the battles ahead.

When temptation comes (and it will), remember your "escape hatch" - speak God's Word out loud or in your heart. Don't be caught unprepared; memorize Scripture verses that address your specific areas of weakness.

Ask yourself:

• What temptations consistently bombard me, and what Scriptures can I memorize to counter them?

• Am I spending enough time in God's presence to strengthen my spirit for the battles I face?

• When temptation comes, do I recognize it as an opportunity to experience God's power working through me?

Remember, victory over temptation isn't about your strength but about God's power working in you. As Ephesians 3:20 promises, God "is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us." With God's help, you can overcome any temptation that comes your way.