Victory thro' the Vanquisher!

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"In that Jesus Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted" (Heb 2:18)

To overcome temptations, look to Jesus. The answer is in Him. He was tempted like us "in all points," but He overcame (Heb 4:15). "He is able to aid those who are tempted" (Heb 2:18).

On our part we are to first surrender the organs of our body as a living sacrifice on God's altar (Rom 12:1). We are no more ours. We are bought with a price. We belong to God. Make a covenant with your eyes that you will no more look at someone lustfully (Job 31:1). Present your hands to God so it may not touch the forbidden. And your legs not to go where Christ Himself would not go (Rom 6:13). And so on. Remind yourself of this commitment each morning.

The power to say no to sin is yours by the indwelling Christ. You are dead, buried, raised and seated with Him (Rom 6:3,4). Meditate on this fact of identification with Christ as often as possible. To receive a fresh supply of strength to resist temptation He has taught us to pray. Our flesh is weak. Our desire to overcome temptation becomes effective only when we "watch and pray" (Mt 26:41). We can see our failures and the reason for them clearly only when we sit quietly before God in prayer.

When Christ was tempted He wielded the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, against Satan (Mt 4:4,7,10; Eph 6:17). Be regular in Bible meditation. David hid God's Word in his heart that he might not sin against Him (Psa 119:11). Saturate yourself with the Scriptures. Memorize Bible verses on a regular basis. At the hour of temptation the Holy Spirit will bring to your remembrance the appropriate passage.

Don't be a loner. You need the fellowship of God's children. "A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. A threefold cord is not quickly broken" (Eccl 4:9-12). Meet with a couple of believers regularly at home or workspot for Bible meditation and prayer. You will be encouraged and strengthened in your walk with God.

Everytime you overcome temptation the battle will only be intensified. But "He who is in you is greater than He who is in the world" (1 Jn 4:4). Take refuge under the blood of Jesus. Depend on His grace. "Sin shall not have dominion over you!" (Rom 6:14).

On the victory side, On the victory side...
No foe can daunt me, no fear can haunt me.
With Christ within the fight we'll win...
On the victory side!
  

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