One thing that you will certainly find when you become a Christian is that you do not suddenly become perfect! You will mess up at times and you will feel tempted to do what you know is wrong. It is important that you do not get discouraged by this or give up. Learning to handle temptation is a crucial part of living as a Christian.

The Reality of Temptation

Every Christian faces temptation. Following Jesus doesn’t remove it. In fact, it actually makes us more aware of it. Our conscience becomes more sensitive as we want to please God. Temptation is anything that pulls us away from God’s way and toward sin.

The good news is this: temptation itself is not sin, and God always provides help. Jesus himself was tempted (Matthew 4:1–11), so he knows what it’s like. And he shows us how to stand firm.

Why This Matters

1. Temptation Is Real

We all feel its pull, whether in our thoughts, our desires, our habits, or our relationships. It’s part of living in a broken world. But recognising temptation is the first step toward resisting it.

‘Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away..’ (James 1:14)

2. You Are Not Alone

Jesus knows the struggle, and he promises to be with us. We are never left to fight temptation in our own strength.

‘Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.’ (Hebrews 2:18)

3. God Provides a Way Out

Temptation can feel overwhelming, but God always makes an escape route, whether through prayer, Scripture, a change of focus, or reaching out to a trusted friend.

‘When you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.’ (1 Corinthians 10:13)

4. Small Choices Matter

Victory over temptation doesn’t usually come through one dramatic moment, but through daily choices to say “yes” to God and “no” to sin. Each small act of obedience builds strength for the next battle.

How to Overcome Temptation

Follow Jesus’ Example

When tempted in the wilderness, Jesus answered each temptation with Scripture (Matthew 4:3-11). Knowing God’s Word helps us recognise lies and hold on to truth.

Pray for Strength

In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus taught us to pray: “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one” (Matthew 6:13). Prayer is a lifeline when we feel weak.

Stay Connected

Temptation thrives in secrecy. Share your struggles with a trusted Christian friend. Accountability brings light, and light drives out darkness (1 John 1:6-7)

Change Your Focus

Sometimes the best response is simply to walk away, change the subject, or shift your attention. Filling your mind with God’s goodness is the surest way to crowd out destructive desires. (Philippians 4:8-9)

Receiving Forgiveness

Temptation is part of the Christian life, but it does not have to define you. Each time you turn away from it and turn toward Jesus, you grow stronger in faith and closer to him.

You may stumble at times, but remember, God’s forgiveness is greater than your failures. His Spirit is at work in you, shaping you to become more like Christ.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What temptations do you find most challenging right now, and why do you think those areas are vulnerable for you? Consider thought patterns, habits, relationships, emotions, pressures.
2. How does knowing that Jesus himself was tempted change the way you think about your own struggles? Does it make it easier to approach him honestly?
3. What usually helps you resist temptation, and what tends to make it harder?

Putting It Into Practice

1. Name Your Temptations Honestly. Don’t minimise or ignore them. Bring them into the light through prayer and, when appropriate, conversation with a trusted Christian. Honesty is the beginning of victory.
2. Prepare Before the Battle. Temptation is easier to face when you are spiritually prepared. Build rhythms of prayer, Scripture, and worship into ordinary life, not just moments of crisis.
3. Choose One Small Step of Obedience. Instead of aiming for instant perfection, focus on one faithful choice today – turning off, walking away, saying no, or choosing something better. Small choices shape strong character.

More from the Bible:

Study Jesus’ Temptation (Matthew 4:1–11)
Read the passage slowly. What was Jesus tempted to do? What truths from Scripture did he use to respond? What does this teach you about how temptation often works?

Trace the Path of Temptation (James 1:13–15)
Write down the stages James describes—from desire to sin to consequences. Reflect on where temptation usually gains a foothold in your own life.

Remember This:

“You cannot keep birds from flying over your head, but you can keep them from building a nest in your hair.” (Martin Luther)

Recommended Resources

Arthur Wallis, Living God’s Way – a very helpful chapter on temptation

John Mark Comer, Live No Lies – an excellent book on the battles we fight as Christians and includes some excellent material on temptation. I have written review of this book here, and a book summary of it here.