“Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41.
Here are some verses on this subject matter of temptation. After these verses, I will summarize these teachings into “Ten Teachings on Temptation”.
Luke 22:40
When He arrived at the place, He said to them, ” Pray that you may not enter into temptation.”
Matthew 6:13
‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. [For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.]’
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.
Galatians 6:1
[ Bear One Another’s Burdens ] Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.
1 Timothy 6:8-10 “If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
Hebrews 2:17-18 “Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to who come to the aid of those who are tempted.”
Hebrews 4:15-16 “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
James 5:20
“let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.”
1 Corinthians 6:18
Flee immorality. Every other sin that a man commits is outside the body, but the immoral man sins against his own body.
1 Corinthians 10:14
Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.
1 Timothy 6:11
But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.
2 Timothy 2:22
Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
James 4:7
Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
In summary, I will divide the teachings into points. But, remember that these are only some of the teachings. Search the Scriptures for other teachings as well!
1. The most effective weapon against temptation is prayer. Keep praying that you will not enter temptation (that you will escape). But, if you are tempted, also keep praying that you may be able to endure it!
2. Remember that God is faithful and will not allow you to be tempted above your ability to endure it and that God will provide the way of escape. Look for that way of escape! Flee through that way of escape!
3. Don’t allow your guard to slip down as you see others tempted; look out for yourself too! You could also be tempted, so be on your guard.
4. Particularly beware of the “love of money” which is the root of all sorts of temptations and evils. Be content and thankful with what you have.
5. Look to your Savior Jesus Christ who was tempted but resisted temptation. He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted. Draw near to the throne of grace to find mercy, grace, and other help.
6. Help others turn away from their sins.
7. Keep watching! Be alert! Consider how you might be tempted.
8. Flee from temptation! Don’t play “footsies” with temptation. Don’t see how close “to the line” that you can get without crossing over. Flee from temptation!
9. Submit to God. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.
10. Resist temptation.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 