Overcoming temptation. Well, that’s easier said than done. As we strive for victory during our Christian walk, I heard a great message which provides practical tips and Godly wisdom for success.
We all face temptations, but recognizing where they originate, and how to avoid or tackle them, I think will go a long way towards our happiness now and eternally.
Temptations versus Trials.
What’s the difference. The Greek word, peirasmos, is the same word for both temptation and trial, yet we know these words are different. Trial is a test of faith. Whereas, temptation whether from outside or within typically involves a temptation of the flesh.
As we read in the Catechism, “Temptation is an attraction, either from outside oneself or from within, to act contrary to right reason and the commandments of God. Jesus himself during his life on earth was tempted, put to the test, to manifest the opposition between himself and the devil and the triumph of his saving work over Satan (CCC 538).
The Catechism also teaches that the so-called capital sins: pride, greed, envy, anger, lust, gluttony, and sloth/laziness, are the root of all temptation. These vices replace the vision of the good (God) with the illusions of self-fulfillment, self-power, and self-advancement. Some temptations seem harmless and others are truly perverse. All temptations should be resisted with God’s grace or they will lead to sin, and the pain that accompanies sin.
Sources of Temptation
- The World
- The Flesh (our passions)
- The Devil.
What is the process of temptation?
Sin is conceived, then its born, and finally sin can mature. Mature sin will kill you. Perhaps in this abortifacient culture, we can turn our contraceptive mentality, and abort sin before it is conceived. We do not want to have a contraceptive or abortifacient mentality with respect to human life, but we can have a contraceptive mentality with regard to sin.
Where does sin originate?
How is sin conceived? Our sensory experiences get us predisposed to sin. What we see, hear, feel. These are powerful mediums. We must have good custody over our senses. We can close our eyes, and our ears to things which lure us into sin.
God will not test us beyond our measure. God always provides a way out of sin too. There is a lot of wisdom in the Bible on strategies to avoid temptation. Two examples of this are:
1 Peter 5 says, “Stay sober and alert. Resist the devil who is prowling around like a roaring lion seeking for someone to devour.”
1 Corinthians 10:13 says, “No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.”
Know Your Weapons
Three powerful tactical weapons help in the battle. First, know who are you? You have a filial relationship with God. You are a child of God. Second, prayer and fasting works. If you are facing a significant battle of temptation, deny your flesh through fasting, and rely on God. He will strengthen you to overcome. And third, realize in all things. It’s not my will, but God’s will be done.
Avoid Temptation Tactics
When entering a battle, to be victorious, you must know your enemy. Figuring out the tactic to combat temptation depends on first identifying the source or type of temptation. God provides three remedies or anecdotes for these sources of temptation.
In Galatians 5, the works of the flesh our identified. Live by the Spirit, I say, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For what the flesh desires is opposed to the Spirit, and what the Spirit desires is opposed to the flesh; for these are opposed to each other, to prevent you from doing what you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not subject to the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious: fornication, impurity, licentiousness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, factions, 21 envy,[a] drunkenness, carousing, and things like these. I am warning you, as I warned you before: those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Take authority over the devil by living the law of Love for one another.
Galatians 6 offers the following advice to overcome temptation. It says, “Bear one another’s burdens. My friends, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. Take care that you yourselves are not tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill[b] the law of Christ. 3 For if those who are nothing think they are something, they deceive themselves. 4 All must test their own work; then that work, rather than their neighbor’s work, will become a cause for pride. 5 For all must carry their own loads. 7 Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow. 8 If you sow to your own flesh, you will reap corruption from the flesh; but if you sow to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life from the Spirit. 9 So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. 10 So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith.
I hope these morsels of spiritual advice for overcoming temptation are helpful.
To hear a full message on Overcoming Temptation by Father Al Lauer, of Presentation Ministries www.presentationministries.com Click the play button below.