How to Overcome Temptation With God’s Power

I am addicted to sugar. While I was growing up, our family usually sat down at the dinner table together. Dessert and coffee signaled the end of the meal. Always. Even if it was store-bought cookies. And home-baked brownies were a special treat. (From a box mix because my mom was not much of a baker.) So now my tastebuds scream for something sweet, else the meal is not complete. Even though I try to choose healthier options such as fruit or yogurt, my downfall is still a pan of freshly baked brownies.

What food, drink, or other habits continually entice you, no matter how hard you try to resist them?

As a Christian and follower of the Daniel Plan, I know in my head that I can harness God’s power within me to fight temptation, because my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. But how do I translate this knowledge in my head to what I put in my mouth? What steps can I take to overcome temptation with God’s power?

While pondering this question, I recently studied these verses in the book of James, “So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world” (James 4:7-8, NLT).

James gives us practical advice on how to live a Christian life. Let’s examine this scripture together and answer the question, how do we overcome temptation with God’s power rather than our willpower?

Humble ourselves

Our role model for humility is Jesus. He humbled himself by leaving heaven, coming to earth as a man, and dying on a cross for the sins of humanity. Anything we do to be more like Jesus is such a poor imitation and can never measure up.

Therefore, to humble ourselves, or submit as some translations say, we admit the need for God and accept we cannot do it on our own. Yikes, this is a daily or even hourly struggle. Because we are human. Because our pride drives us to depend on ourselves, not on God.

James probably knew this was a tough thing to do because he mentions humbling ourselves a second time in James 4:10, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”

Resist the devil

After we humble ourselves and admit we cannot do it on our own, we must take a stand and hold our ground in Jesus’ name. Remember that Jesus was human just like us and was tempted by Satan after a 40-day fast (Matthew 4:1-11).

And what did Jesus say in Matthew 4:10, “Away from me, Satan!” If Jesus said it after fasting for 40 days, then I am confident it will work for me. I will call out in Jesus’ name to banish Satan if that’s what it takes to resist those brownies!

The Greek word for resist (anthístēmi) was a military term in classical Greek historical literature meaning “to strongly resist an opponent.” Regard temptation as a soldier views the enemy. Lock and load! Prepare for battle. Take a firm stand against the enemy and don’t give up.

Come close to God

How do you come close to God?

Cry out to God in prayer. Remember, as believers, we have the power in us that performed miracles—turned water into wine, calmed the storm, walked on water, healed the sick and the blind, and even raised the dead to life.

In John 14:14, Jesus said, “You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” This is an extraordinary promise! All we have to do is ask, and we receive anything in Jesus’ name, meaning in His will for us.

And what else did Jesus do when he was tempted? He quoted scripture.

Therefore, read and memorize God’s Word. Recite it out loud, as Jesus did. (see the section at the end of this post for some suggestions)

Also, God will give us a way out if we ask Him for it. As Paul wrote, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Scriptures to help us overcome temptation with God’s power

Watch for the second post on this topic and a printable of these verses (and more) for download next week.

The LORD is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him (Nahum 1:7, NLT).

The LORD is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth (Psalm 145:18, NLT).

Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always (Psalm 105:4, NIV).

Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'” (Matthew 4:10, NIV).

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20, NIV)

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. (Philippians 1:6, NLT)

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7, NIV)

And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. (1 John 5:15, NIV)