We’ve all been tempted and we all have our weak moments, with our words, our emotions and our attitudes. But one thing is for sure, when we are tempted, we have some choices to make and usually we make them pretty fast. Many times temptations come at times when we LEAST expect it, and if we are not careful, we can get ourselves in a whole world of trouble in just a short moment.
A life time of character can be destroyed in a moment’s weakness.
“Fight the good fight of the faith…” 1 Timothy 6:12
Yes, God is a God of peace, but when it comes to temptation you will have to #FIGHT! If you choose not to, you will lose every time. So put on the gloves, cue the intro music, here is how to get your Rocky Balboa on!
How To FIGHT When You Are Tempted
1. Train Incessantly –
The best way to be ready for the fight is train for the fight. That means you gotta train, daily – IT – NEVER – ENDS! Be rigorous about your routine and unrelenting in your discipline. If it is true that your enemy “prowls around like a lion ready to devour you” (1 Peter 5:8), then you better be ready to FIGHT when the temptation comes. Be ready.
2. RUN –
Sometimes the best way to fight is to leave the situation. Stop the conversation, turn off the computer, run from the situation, get outta that mall! Flee, run, Get the HECK OUTTA THERE! You gotta get outta there! Your future depends on it. (1 Timothy 6:11)
3. Depend On Jesus –
What is it about us that makes us depend on our own strength when there is the power of Jesus at work within us? He gives us everything we need to live a life of victory. “We are more than conquerors, we are overcomers!” (Romans 8:37) Part of the reason we give in is because we haven’t given it up! Your dependance that is.
4. Speak Against It –
Open your mouth, “Not on My WATCH!” Look, you’ve worked too hard and it’s taken blood, sweat, and tears to get to where you are. So speak up, literally! Many temptations come when we are alone when no one else is watching. We make foolish decisions based on pleasure, pride and possessions. Just simply open your mouth, and speak out loud against the enemy who is trying to work in you. Jesus spoke against the demonic forces, so should we.
5. Think Ahead –
Many times we put ourselves in compromising situations because we have thought, “that would never happen to me.” What you are capable of is incomprehensible, so BE CAREFUL. Don’t underestimate the cunningness of the enemy and OVERESTIMATE your ability to deal with the evil brewing in your own heart. Don’t be naive, protect yourself from compromising situations and you may have already won the fight.
You’ve got this – train, run, depend, speak and think! Remember what is in the heart eventually comes out.
Josh
This Sunday September 24 – “His Story” Series Week #2 through the Gospels
October 8 – New Service times 9:30am & 11:00am
Josh Conn is the founding pastor of 217church, a contemporary church in Mercer County NJ. 217church meets Sundays at 10:30am at Sharon Elementary school in Robbinsville, NJ. Visit www.217church.com for more information, or watch a weekend message here. On Sunday October 8, 2017 we are going to 2 services times of 9:30 am & 11:00 am.
Boxing Gloves Image by generation bass is licensed under CC by 2.0
If we ever think that we are alone …we are not! The enemy is there, and Jesus Christ is waiting to give us His strength …all we have to do is ask, receive and believe. Let his Peace deliver you and fill your heart. “for there is no fear were there is perfect peace”
Great article! The enemy never sleeps. The Bible says he comes to kill, steal, and destroy you. Now I know and understand why God tells us to put on the whole armor of God so we can stand against the schemes of the enemy.