Temptation is a part of life. Everyone who claims to be a Christ follower and who takes discipleship seriously must deal with resisting temptation and take it very serious.

Temptation is loosely defined as something we want but should not have because of our limitations imposed by ourselves, society, or our faith. All three are very good reasons but it’s seems almost always easier to indulge our urges than to resist them. If it is imposed by ourselves, it is easier to give in. Imposed by our faith, it is difficult to see the consequences. Imposed by society, well, that’s what prisons are for.

So this part is very important. In James 1: 13-15, it is made very clear that God does not tempt you. Each person is tempted when they are, here is an important word, “dragged”, away by their own evil desire and enticed. Make no mistake, you are in for the fight of your life when you try to combat temptation. In the world of a Christian, temptation leads to sin and sin leads to death of the spirit. The more you give into temptation, the spirit dies a little bit more. It is a bit like a drug. When you do it, it might be satisfying but you always come down and you are right back where you started, wanting it again. Again and again turns into a habit which then becomes self-justifying. 

Secondary Scripture:

1 Corinthians 10:12-13
Romans 7:21-23
Ephesians 4:22
Psalms 119:11
2 John 2:1
James 1:14-15
1 Corinthians 10:13
Galatians 5:16-17
Ephesians 6:10-11
Palms 119:9
Genesis 39:9
Job 31:1
Philippians 3:8
1 Timothy 6:11
Psalms 97:10
James 4:7
Matthew 4:10
Hebrews 2:14-18
Philippians 4:13