Conquering Temptation

Scripture tells us that “each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it has run its course, brings forth death.” (James 1:14–15, NASB 2020)

This points us toward some important truths. First, we are enticed, we are tempted, by fleshly desires. The way of the world is to do what feels good, eat what tastes good, and so on. The world tells us that this is the way to satisfaction. It says that if we are still dissatisfied, we just need more of whatever it was that we were using to gain satisfaction.

This is the earthy, fleshly way of life that continually pulls us like gravity. Satisfaction cannot be found there.

Next, this passage tells us that this lust, this fleshly temptation, gives birth to sin. What we are seeing here is that we always have a point of decision when we are being tempted. One of the problems we face in resisting temptation is that we fail to recognize that decision point. We react almost instinctively, so when we are not watching closely enough it appears as though there was no opportunity for a decision at all.

This is a subtle lie from our enemy and once we recognize it, we can become more aware of those moments in which we choose ungodly attitudes and actions.

The Lord has not left us helpless. He kindly guides us to renew our minds and be transformed by it. He gives us some examples saying things such as “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8, NASB 2020)

Paul often guides us to “put on” godliness. He knew that we have no real power to do this, so he often tells us who we are first. Holy Spirit tells us through Paul that it is because God has made us holy, righteous, and blameless and that He is working in us to desire and to live godly lives.

When we realize the profound truth that we have been made new and that we share in the very nature of our Heavenly Father, we find ourselves increasingly drawn to emulating Him.

In short, we do not conquer temptation by using our willpower and trying really really hard. Rather, we conquer temptation by becoming more fully convinced of the amazing truth that God has made us so holy that He lives in us and we live in Him.

We carry within ourselves the Dynamo energizing us to godliness.