Overcoming Temptation

  How can I overcome temptation?

As it has been said, our battles are in our mind.

The Bible often speaks of the heart. In many verses, the heart is describing our mind where our thoughts are. For example, "And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?" - Matthew 9:4 KJV (Luke 24:38, Act 8:22, James 4:8).

One of Thayer’s definitions of heart is, “the center and seat of spiritual life, the soul or mind, as it is the fountain and seat of the thoughts, passions, desires, appetites, affections, purposes, endeavors…”

Proverbs speaks of our heart, but we can see the meaning is our mind:

"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." - Proverbs 4:23 KJV Another translation of this verse, "Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life." - Proverbs 4:23 NLT

We need to guard our mind. Our senses are exposed to the world around us. We can make choices that limit temptations, by choosing carefully what we look at, and what we listen to.

Often, we do not choose the things we are exposed to (what we see, what we hear). We can, however, choose if we will allow our mind to think on these things. We must guard our minds, continually being aware of our thoughts. If we are being tempted, or having an evil thought, we must put it out of our mind. 

"Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man [And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, "God is tempting me." God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else]: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust [desires], and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin [These desires give birth to sinful actions]: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." - James 1:13-15 KJV

When we are an overcomer of temptations, Jesus gives us His promise.

"Blessed is the man that endureth temptation [who remains steadfast under trial]: for when he is tried [for when he has stood the test], he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him." - James 1:12 KJV

[God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. NLT]