How To Overcome Temptation -Bishop FEB Idahosa

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Hebrews 4:15

15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities;  but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

 

The opening scripture makes us understand that Jesus was tempted as we are, yet did not sin. Every temptation we have gone through as individuals, Jesus also went through and overcame. If Jesus overcame these temptations, you also can overcome. No matter the temptation that comes your way, you can overcome them.

My focus in this message is not about sexual sin or other form of sin, but my focus is on the decision you make in the face of any sin. What happens (whether you stand or fall) in the face of any temptation is based on the decisions you make. Everything you deal with is based on decision. Anywhere you are now as a person is based on decision. In anything you are confronted with, what matters is the choice you make, but not the sin or problem you are confronted with. The issue now is what choice you make when faced with a temptation.

Temptation can be likened to a situation where you are faced with two paths; the decision you make at this crossroad will determine whether you stand or fall into the temptation. The choice of making a right or wrong decision lies on you. As a Christian you know what is right and what is wrong, so it depends on you on what decision to make. It is important you chose what is right.

Jesus was always faced with the decision to choose the wrong or right path, but He always ended up choosing what was right. God expects the same from you: always choose what is right. Be very careful in the face of temptation. The higher you go, the more the temptations and the bigger the fall when you fall into these temptations. The devil can tempt you in any area of your life.

The following are three keys that will help you overcome temptation:

1. Decide to focus on Jesus. Decide to be like Christ. Let Jesus be your perfect example on how to overcome temptation. Though He was tempted several times, but He didn’t fall into sin. His example should be your focus. If He didn’t fall when tempted, you too shouldn’t fall when you are tempted. Focus on Jesus and not on the temptation you are confronted with. When confronted with the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life, take your eyes away from these things and fix them on the word of God. When tempted make sure you put your focus on Christ. A temptation will overcome you when you take your eyes away from Jesus and put them on the wrong things. Always focus on Jesus, don’t think you are now so high spiritually that you can no longer fall into temptation. Your focus should be on Jesus alone and not on your human ability.

2. Decide before you have to decide. Don’t wait before you are faced with a temptation before you decide how you are going to act in the face of that temptation. A lot of times before you face a temptation, you will see it before it comes. So don’t wait in the heat of the moment before you make a decision not to fall into the temptation. Make your decision not in the middle of the temptation, but make it before you even get there. Make your decision not to fall into sin now and not tomorrow. It is easier not to fall into a temptation when you decide not to fall into it before it even comes. Make your choice to flee from sin before it happens. Make your choice before you get to the place of temptation.

3. Decide to walk through the consequences of your decision. Always learn to see the consequence of your choices. Learn to “have hindsight in a foresight position.” When you see upfront what you should have done, it helps you make a better decision. Learn to have the ability to see the end from the beginning. Decide upfront to walk through the consequences. If the consequences are not pleasant, decide now not to go in that direction. Ask yourself, what are the consequences of my decisions; will it take me up or bring me down? Ask yourself, how will the consequences of my decisions affect my life? Ask yourself, can I explain the reasons for my decisions to my family and friends? If the consequences of your decisions will destroy you or bring you shame, don’t make the decisions.


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