Topical Bible: Temptation: Saints should Resist, in Faith

◄ Temptation: Saints should Resist, in Faith ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Temptation is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, representing the trials and enticements that challenge the faith and obedience of believers. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings on how saints are to resist temptation, emphasizing the necessity of faith and reliance on God's strength.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible consistently calls believers to resist temptation, highlighting the importance of steadfast faith. James 4:7 instructs, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." This verse underscores the dual action required of believers: submission to God and active resistance against the devil's schemes.

The Role of Faith

Faith is central to resisting temptation. Ephesians 6:16 advises, "In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one." The imagery of a shield suggests that faith acts as a protective barrier against the attacks of temptation, enabling believers to stand firm.

Jesus as the Model

Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate example of resisting temptation. In Matthew 4:1-11 , Jesus is led into the wilderness and tempted by the devil. Despite the allure of power, sustenance, and divine protection, Jesus resists each temptation by quoting Scripture, demonstrating the power of God's Word in overcoming trials. His response highlights the importance of knowing and applying Scripture in moments of temptation.

The Power of the Holy Spirit

Believers are not left to resist temptation in their own strength. Galatians 5:16 encourages, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live in accordance with God's will, providing the strength needed to overcome the desires that lead to sin.

Prayer and Watchfulness

Prayer is a vital tool in resisting temptation. Jesus instructed His disciples in Matthew 26:41 , "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." This exhortation highlights the necessity of vigilance and prayerful dependence on God to withstand the weaknesses of the flesh.

Community and Accountability

The Christian community plays a significant role in helping believers resist temptation. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages, "And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Fellowship with other believers provides support, encouragement, and accountability, which are essential in the battle against temptation.

Promises of Deliverance

God promises deliverance to those who resist temptation. 1 Corinthians 10:13 assures believers, "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it." This promise offers hope and assurance that God provides a way out of every temptation, enabling believers to endure and overcome.

Conclusion

The call to resist temptation is a fundamental aspect of the Christian life. Through faith, reliance on the Holy Spirit, prayer, Scripture, and the support of the Christian community, believers are equipped to stand firm against the trials and enticements that seek to lead them astray.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ephesians 6:16
Above all, taking the shield of faith, with which you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Peter 5:9
Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brothers that are in the world.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Fighting Holiness
... fighting saints as well as kissing saints'; truly the ... in the things which He suffered,
we should wonder whether ... Then comes the temptation to charge against our ...
/.../howard/standards of life and service/xv fighting holiness.htm

Wherein the Same Point is Handled.
... the celestial King, it is necessary, that it should be pure ... at holiness, passed through
this doleful valley of temptation, and the greater Saints they were ...
/.../the spiritual guide which disentangles the soul/chap x wherein the same.htm

The Pilgrim's Longings
... us to pray, "Lead us not into temptation," but, at ... faith he gives should have its
test, should glorify his ... enough in the world for sinners, but not for saints. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/the pilgrims longings.htm

Letter vi. Temptation.
... and from the experience of eminent saints who have ... You should, therefore, with the
most untiring vigilance, watch in ... This is no doubt the temptation of Satan. ...
/.../a practical directory for young christian females/letter vi temptation.htm

The Necessity of Diligently Seeking the Saints' Rest.
... brethren, while they neglect the kingly dignity of the saints! ... The wind of temptation
carries him away as a feather ... Should not we be more active for our own ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter vii the necessity of.htm

Thou Shalt not Commit Adultery.
... unchastity, indecent words, tales and ditties, temptation to which ... This all the saints
have wept over and ... soft beds and clothes, that we should avoid excessive ...
/.../luther/a treatise on good works/thou shalt not commit adultery.htm

All Saints' Day, or St Ursula's Day
... THE INNER WAY SERMON XXVII All Saints' Day, or St ... inclined, that it is most needful
he should exercise himself ... out all sin when he becomes aware of temptation. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xxvii all saints day.htm

The Worst Things Work for Good to the Godly
... "Lest I should be exalted ... (vii.) Temptations work for good, as they make the saints
long more ... heaven is a place of rest, no bullets of temptation fly there. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/the worst things work for.htm

The Monk Nilus.
... It was the temptation which his Saviour had passed through before ... the sober mind,
which is able to resist all the ... as was then paid to the saints should be paid ...
//christianbookshelf.org/neander/light in the dark places/the monk nilus.htm

On the First Commandment
... In the lives of the saints there are many ... Such a thought alone should keep you from
sinning ... after confession you strongly resist the first temptation to mortal ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 30 on the first.htm