Consider that the original sin involved food. No wonder many scrumptious snacks, enticing treats, and delectable dishes continually tempt us. The Bible does not mention that Satan told Eve how delicious the fruit would taste. Yet Eve was tempted by how good the fruit looked for food. We read in Genesis 3:6, “When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it” (emphasis mine). The temptation of food is as ancient as mankind. Therefore, how do we fight the battle of temptation?
Anticipate the battle of temptation
First, recognize no one escapes temptation. Not even Jesus. (Luke 3:1-14). But Jesus did not give in to temptation. Because he was born as a human to be the perfect, sinless and final sacrifice for the sins of the world.
In addition, the apostle Paul struggled with fighting the battle of temptation, as we do. He writes, “And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway” (Romans 7:18-19 NLT).
So, prepare for the battle of temptation. Going out to eat? Look at the restaurant menu online ahead of time and decide on healthy choices. Likewise, going to a party? Eat a healthy snack beforehand. In addition, travel with healthy snacks to ward off temptation by airline snacks and fast food, and try to keep unhealthy food out of the house.
Ask God for help
Once upon a time, I thought I possessed enough willpower to fight the battle of temptation alone. To myself, I said, “that cookie looks really good; I don’t need the cookie; I really won’t eat the cookie; I absolutely will not eat the cookie.” However, I quickly discovered willpower only works for a short time. I focused on the cookie. I ate the cookie and lost the battle. And I may or may not have eaten the entire box of cookies!
But God’s power through the Holy Spirit will never run out. He “never grows weak or weary.” And the best news is, “He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless” (Isaiah 40:28-31 NLT).
Paul writes more in Romans to tell us where genuine help comes from, “Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 7:24-25, NLT).
Therefore, ask the Holy Spirit for help. He is patient. He does not have a limit on the number of times you can ask for help, so keep asking!
Absorb God’s Word
Jesus answered Satan’s temptation by quoting the Word of God (Matthew 4:1-10).
Know God’s Word. Study it. Memorize it. Digest it, as Ezekiel did when God instructed him to eat the scroll (Ezekiel 3:3). God’s word strengthens you and sweetens your life like honey (Psalm 19:9-10).
Here is a short and useful verse to memorize and recall when tempted: “I have hidden your word in my heart that I may not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11).
Avoid tempting situations
God promises a way out of the battle of temptation. Paul writes, “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And 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” (1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT).
For example, focus on other things when tempted. Redirect your thoughts. Leave the room. Be aware when you are most likely to be tempted by food. For example, if you are lonely, bored, tired, or stressed out.
Finally, be prudent. Flee temptation just like you would run away from a dangerous situation, such as a house fire or approaching tornado (Proverbs 22:3).
Conclusion
Fight the battle of the temptation of food by anticipating temptation, asking the Holy Spirit for help, absorbing God’s Word, and avoiding tempting situations. Then you will win the battle of temptation!
