Conquering Temptation 2

Guess who knows every tactic the enemy uses against us?

He’s called the Good Shepherd, our Advocate, the Lion of Judah, and our Everlasting Father. Jesus knows the temptations that come our way, and He offers us guidance to navigate these snares.

Remember when He said, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” – Matthew 26:41 (NIV)?

It’s a call to stay alert, to recognize the traps before they ensnare us.

Recognizing the Temptations in Our Lives:

We’re all tempted by different things, but some temptations are common, especially among younger generations trying to find their footing in a complex world. Here are a few common temptations and their biblical antidotes:

1. Lust and Sexual Immorality:

The allure of sexual sin is strong, particularly in a culture that often glorifies it. Yet, we are called to flee from it. 

“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.” – 1 Corinthians 6:18 (NIV).

Teach and model purity, recognizing our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit.

2. Pride and Self-Sufficiency:

 The desire to be self-reliant and self-glorifying is a subtle trap. 

“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” – Proverbs 16:18 (NIV).

Encourage humility and dependence on God’s strength rather than our own.

3. Materialism and Greed: 

The temptation to accumulate wealth and possessions can divert our hearts from God. To be clear, wealth is NOT bad, but we should never chase wealth more than we follow Jesus. Where your heart is, your treasure is.  

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” – 1 Timothy 6:10 (NIV).

Teach contentment and generosity as antidotes to greed.

4. Seeking Approval from Others (Peer Pressure):

Wanting to fit in can lead to compromising values.

“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people?” – Galatians 1:10 (NIV).

Ground yourself and others in the knowledge that we live to please God above all.

Creating Safe Spaces for Open Conversations

It’s crucial to create environments where open dialogue is encouraged. Small groups, mentorship programs, and family discussions help build resilience against these temptations. Let’s foster communities where honesty is met with grace, and confession leads to growth.

“Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” – James 5:16 (NIV).



Encourage those around you to confess their struggles and to pray for one another. This is how we stay vigilant and protect ourselves from the enemy’s schemes.

Stay tuned for Part 3, where we’ll focus on the power of drawing near to Jesus and grounding ourselves in His Word for strength against temptation.