Overcoming Temptation

You are in a constant battle for your mind. That’s where temptation begins. When God gives you an idea, that’s inspiration. But when the devil gives you an idea, that’s temptation. Every day, you have to choose which ideas you’re going to accept.

The Bible says if you want to overcome temptation you need to resist the devil. How can you do that? By replacing tempting thoughts with biblical truth.

There are two steps you can take to prepare for battle:

The first step is to “accept God’s salvation as your helmet.” What does a helmet do? It protects your mind. Your mind is where the battle against temptation is fought. Before you can say “no” to the devil, you have to say “yes” to Jesus Christ.

The second step is to “take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,” and use it against the devil’s temptations. This requires memorizing Scripture so you will know top article how to counter the devil’s lies. He isn’t afraid of your opinion, but he will flee from God’s truth.

When you memorize Bible verses, you always have God’s Word with you. If you only keep your Bible on a desk at home, what good will it be when you’re tempted at work, at the movies, in traffic, or in the grocery store? Memorizing Scripture gets the Bible off your desk and into your heart. Once it’s in your heart, the Holy Spirit can bring it back to your mind at the moment of temptation, so you can replace the devil’s ideas with the truth of God’s Word.