If you’re tired of feeling like you’re constantly resisting temptation without real victory, you’re not alone. That’s because you’re only trying to resist your temptation instead of trying to overcome it for good.
You can’t outwill your temptation. Every time you think your discipline is airtight enough, something slips under the surface, undermining all of your efforts. It’s what leads to that constant, frustrating cycle that’s keeping you stuck.
The key to truly overcoming your temptation lies in understanding it, sharing it, and bringing it into the light. Here’s how to do that:
3 steps to overcome temptation for good
1. Notice and name it
The source of your temptation may seem obvious on the surface. For example, if your temptation is to have one too many drinks, you may think that alcohol is the problem. But the insidious nature of temptation is that it runs a lot deeper than we realize. If you have trouble keeping your drinking under control, alcohol is not always the obvious cause. Rather, people in your social circle, places where you find yourself tempted to overindulge, and practices that keep you following this destructive pattern help to perpetuate this behavior.
The same is true for all temptations—and people who overcome temptation take the time to notice and name the people, places, and practices that lead to regret. The more you notice and name yours, the more power you have to outsmart them.
People
The people we surround ourselves with have a massive impact on our lives. Proverbs 13:20 says, “Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.” The reality is, you have people in your life who are either Lifters or Leaners.
- Lifters are the people who encourage you to live out your full potential. They’re the ones who call you up and call you out because they want what’s best for you.
- Leaners are those who tend to pull you down, keep you stagnant, and drag you away from living your best life.
If you want to overcome temptation, you need more Lifters than Leaners in your life. Who is influencing your choices? Are they encouraging you to follow Jesus, or are they pulling you away?
Places
Where you spend your time matters. If you’re constantly finding yourself in places that fuel temptation, it may be time to make some changes. If you know the bar triggers old habits or late-night isolation has you looking at websites you know you shouldn’t, then noticing and naming those places (and taking steps to stay out of them) is crucial for real change.
💡 One of the most common places temptation festers? Our devices. Here’s how to set wise tech boundaries and take back control of your scroll.
Practices
Do you have habits that consistently lead you into temptation? Maybe it’s scrolling late at night, going to the club, or engaging in conversations that steer your thoughts in the wrong direction. Identifying these practices is the first step to breaking their hold on you.
2. Share it with others
Isolation is a breeding ground for temptation. Trying to fight it alone is a losing battle.
The New Testament tells us to “carry each other’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2), and that includes being honest about the things we struggle with. If you’re hiding a habit, numbing out with substances, or feeling tempted in secret, bring it out into the light. Choose someone who follows Jesus, someone you trust, and allow them to walk with you toward freedom. (Groups are a great way to do this at LCBC!)
When you share your struggle with someone who will encourage you, pray for you, and walk alongside you, temptation starts to lose its grip.
3. Bring it to God
Here’s the good news: you can bring your temptation to God. He already knows you struggles. He isn’t surprised or disgusted. In fact, it’s just the opposite: he understands.
Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 10:13 that “God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” God knows temptation isn’t the same thing as sin, even though our temptation may have caused us to sin in the past. God is merciful! Not only will he forgive you for the ways you’ve fallen short, but he can also strengthen you to keep you from doing it again.
You can endure temptation—and overcome it!
The real key to overcoming temptation lies in recognizing its root causes, bringing it into the light, and relying on God’s strength to endure. Take one step today: notice and name it, share it with someone, and bring it to God. You’re not alone in this, and you don’t have to fight it alone. God is faithful, and he’s ready to help you overcome temptation!
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Shame can be a powerful force keeping you from overcoming temptation. Are you falling for its lies? Here’s how to tell.
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LCBC stands for Lives Changed By Christ. We are one church in multiple locations across Pennsylvania. Find the location closest to you or join us for Church Online. We can’t wait to connect with you!