11. 1 Peter 5:8-9
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
This is one of my favorite Bible verses about temptation because it creates such a powerful visual.
You respond much differently to temptation when you look at it for what it is – a prowling lion waiting to devour you – instead of what it feels like in the moment (something that will make you feel good).
Most of us would fight for our lives without hesitation but in those moments of “little” temptations, it doesn’t feel like it’s a worthy fight.
Every temptation is a worthy fight, my friends. Resist and stand firm in your faith.
12. Ephesians 6:12
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
This is the other part of temptation that is tricky. As much as I love the visual of the prowling lion, I’m not fighting an animal for my physical safety. I’m fighting against evil in this dark world for my soul.
Temptation often comes in the form of physical things – a tempting food, a charming man, an irresistible TV show that we can’t miss…but our struggle is not against those things. That’s just the surface level.
Our struggle with temptation is our fight against our selfishness.
13. James 4:17
If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.
We often think temptation has to look overtly sinful, like the 7 deadly sins. But that struggle against our selfishness seeps into every decision we make throughout our days.
I can’t even count the number of times I knew I should have chosen differently. Even though I saw an opportunity to love or to serve, I missed it. I didn’t act when I know I could have.
It’s easy not to feel guilty about those because it sure doesn’t feel like sinning when you’re not actively pursuing something sinful. But that’s the sneaky part of sin! You can sin by missing those opportunities to do good, too.
Another good reason to be on guard and watchful, making the most of every opportunity.
14. James 1:12
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
And remember, this is such a worthy fight. Every battle is worthy when you resist temptation, no matter how small. There is no such thing as a “no big deal” temptation when you’re dealing with matters of your heart and soul.
Don’t give up fighting, even when it feels like you fight the same battle 100 times a day (I use these Bible verses on endurance to help when I feel like giving up).
Persevere and the Lord has promised you the most beautiful of rewards.
15. Psalm 37:4
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
This is one of my favorite Bible verses about temptation because it hits temptation at its core – your heart.
When we are taking delight in the Lord, our heart desires good things and our walk with Christ overflows with joy. When we take delight in ourselves, our heart craves things that destroy us piece by piece. We end up feeling bitter that God is withholding things we love from us.
I don’t know about you, but I want to choose the life overflowing with joy, not bitterness and jealousy.
