Because of the eternally tragic consequences of sin (Rom. 6:23; Isa. 59:1-2), the Bible clearly presents temptation as something to be avoided even if the cost is great (Prov. 4:14-15; Heb. 11:25; Matt. 6:13). Therefore, there may not be a more practical study for the Christian than one that focuses on how to avoid temptation. Though Satan will no doubt see to it that we regularly face his subtle ploys (1 Pet. 5:8; Eph. 6:11; 2 Cor. 2:11), there are a number of things that we can do to keep those occasions to a minimum.

Study the Bible Regularly

Many Christians, like most of American society, have so filled their schedules with work and play that time for sober reflection on God’s word has been reduced to a few minutes on Sunday mornings and an occasional Wednesday night. While there is a time for both work and play (Ecc. 3:1-8), we greatly increase our opportunities to sin when we schedule our work and play at the expense of spiritual nourishment.

David wrote, “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You” (Psa. 119:11). The more we make God’s word a part of our thoughts and lives, which cannot happen apart from diligent study, the more equipped we’ll be to fight the temptations that seek to bring us down. Jesus saw the value of Holy Scripture when He fought off Satan’s enticements with the devastating phrase, “It is written…” (Matt. 4:1-11). In his description of the Christian’s armor, Paul was careful to include “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Eph. 6:17). Keeping that sword close to our sides, yea, even hiding its message in our hearts, will increase our hatred of every false way (Psa. 119:104), and result in less sin in our lives.

Watch and Pray

On the night of His betrayal and arrest, Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. After a period of intense prayer to the Father, Jesus returned to find His dearest disciples sleeping. The Lord thought this word of warning appropriate on that occasion, “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matt. 26:41). Sometimes our sins are not the result of ignorance of what is right and wrong, but mere weakness in living up to what we already know. No doubt the disciples knew that they should avoid temptation. Their problem was not a lack of desire to do what was right. The spirit was willing. What Jesus recognized was that they needed help accomplishing what they already knew they needed to do. Jesus’ remedy for that weakness was for them to “watch and pray.”

Christians should always be alert to their surroundings and mindful of the subtle ways of their great adversary (1 Cor. 16:13; 1 Pet. 5:8; 2 Cor. 2:11; 11:13-15). And since we sometimes find ourselves struggling, not with knowledge, but with living up to what we already know (Rom. 7:15), we should always pray that God would not lead us into temptation, and, on those occasions when we are led away by our own lusts and enticed, that He would help and strengthen us to overcome temptation and to do His will (Matt. 6:13; James 1:14; Heb. 2:18; Phil. 2:12-13; Eph. 3:14-16; Heb. 13:20-21).

Choose Friends Wisely

The Bible has much to say about the benefits of godly companions and the dangers of keeping as our close friends those who care little about spiritual things. Regarding sinners, the Bible warns, “My son, do not walk in the way with them, keep your foot from their path” (Prov. 1:15-16). “The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray” (Prov. 12:26). “Do not be deceived: evil company corrupts good habits” (1 Cor. 15:33).

It is difficult enough to face and battle temptation without our closest associates and friends being part of the problem. But when we surround ourselves with those who “love darkness rather than light” (John 3:19), we are increasing the chances of having to face more and greater allurements to sin. How much wiser it is to choose as our closest friends those who will strengthen us “in the most holy faith” (Jude 20) instead of lure us from it.

Guard Your Thoughts

James wrote, “Each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed” (1:14). Solomon warned, “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life” (Prov. 4:23). No sin has ever been committed that did not first begin in the mind (Matt. 15:19; 5:28). It is no wonder, then, that God places a high premium on “bringing every thought into captivity unto the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5), thinking on those things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, virtuous and praiseworthy (Phil. 4:8), and focusing our thoughts “on things above, not on things of the earth” (Col. 3:2).

May we never forget these passages, especially when we choose to turn on our television sets and radios. Our prayer should always be like David’s, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer” (Psa. 19:14). With that desire motivating us each day, we will keep ourselves from many a sin.

Conclusion

“The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations” (2 Pet. 2:9). The four things mentioned in this article are ways in which God can do that very thing. But on those occasions when we do confront enticement from Satan, we are promised that “God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Cor. 10:13).

Paul admonishes us not to “give place to the devil” (Eph. 4:27). Yet so many of us do by refusing to study the Bible daily, surrounding ourselves with ungodly friends, failing to pray, and saturating our minds with whatever filth society chooses to dump out.

And some of us wonder why we struggle so much living the Christian life!

Eddie Parrish