RELATIONAL LEADERSHIP

HOW TO FIGHT TEMPTATION

My meeting with a group of men this morning for our Victory Small Group was very refreshing.

We are going through a series (even in our small group) on the topic of Biblical Manhood. We want to get back to the Scriptures and see what the Bible says about certain things men deal with in day after day.

Today’s topic was DEALING WITH TEMPTATION.

The book of James clearly gives us instructions what to do.

So give yourselves completely to God. Stand against the devil, and the devil will run from you. (James 4:7, NCV)

1. GIVE YOURSELF TO GOD.

The New International Version says to ‘submit’ to God.

Watching Frankie Edgar demolish Gray Maynard in UFC 136 illustrates submission. If you saw the fight, Edgar knocked him down and started punishing him to his defeat. Maynard tried (and that’s the operative word – TRIED) to recover, but he was out cold.

But submitting to God is different. It is voluntary and not compulsory.

He waits.

He patiently waits for you to surrender.

2. STAND AGAINST THE DEVIL.

This can’t be the first step or else you will eventually fail.

The first step “IS” the first step – submit to God.

After which, we then resist the enemy.

One of the most powerful statements Jesus declared was when he said, “IT IS FINISHED!” Standing against the enemy is exhausting not to mention frustrating.

But to live life in the knowledge that my life is no longer mine and that because of His grace, I can fight the battle, then victory is indeed inevitable.

Remember, we are not marching for victory but marching from victory.

Jesus won it already at the cross.

3. THE DEVIL WILL FLEE.

The third step is no longer yours but your enemy’s. When you’ve submitted and resisted, the Bible says that he (the devil) has no other option but to run away.

It’s like magnet repelling.

No striving. No forcing the issue. He will be forced to flee.

PS. If you have practical thoughts on how to fight temptation, let me know and leave a comment to help others who will read this blog.

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Paolo Punzalan's avatar

Posted by:

Paolo Punzalan

Husband, father, pastor and most importantly, Christ follower.

4 responses to “HOW TO FIGHT TEMPTATION”

  1. Terrence Gil Buenaflor Avatar
    Terrence Gil Buenaflor

    Thanks Pastor Paolo! My wife & I are one of the many from our ENCQ Family who are always encourage by your preachings, posts & blogs (of course also from our other Pastors & Sr. Pastors in VCF). This is another reminder to us that we cannot do it alone or by own strength. We cannot resist the devil or temptation by our own might or power; but only by the Spirit of our God! We have to fully submit to Him so that we will be empowered & strengthen to stand against the devil. I do remember what Ptr. Robert said in one of his preaching, run from it & not towards it (pertaining to Joseph when he refused and ran away from Pothipar’s wife). Do not go on the ledge; stay away from the line..

    Blessings!

    Reply
  2. Dong Lambrento Avatar
    Dong Lambrento

    Thanks ptr Paulo for this. if there is one verse in the bible that i keep on tossing inside my head its this. Men like us knows this experience first hand, and daily the numbers? at times overwhelming.

    Here’s what God has been telling me all these years about this verse:

    GIVE YOURSELF TO GOD.
    The most important. But the crucial thing about his is the – TIMING. Resisting is at most times doesn’t and shouldn’t happen DURING the time temptation. It should be way before that – spending consistent time with God each day in prayer and His word is the key to this and putting it to practice. Of course there are instances as well where you have to rebuke the enemy at his face pronto!

    STAND AGAINST THE DEVIL.
    This is easy Do item#1
    THE DEVIL WILL FLEE.
    This is his problem =)

    Gob bless your heart pastor. Me and my family are praying for you.

    regards,
    Dong

    Reply
  3. Leo Labaton Avatar
    Leo Labaton

    thank you sir for sharing God’s word… i am personally digesting this and will share it with other men in our community, God bless you more…

    Reply
  4. Daphne Salvador Avatar
    Daphne Salvador

    Pastor paolo this may be surprising I’am the daughter of Mitzi Curiouso, you are the one who host their marriage. I’ve read your blogs hoping I can find strength to submit myself to God, I have a problem resisting temptation, but now I want to change myself and I want to submit myself to God can you please help me?

    Reply

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