What to Do When You Struggle With Temptation

If I were to guess which Bible verse Christians most frequently quote regarding the constant struggle with temptation, I’d say James 4:7.

“Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

James gives good advice. But if it were simple to follow, young Christians wouldn’t struggle with sins like pornography, sexual sin, and parental disrespect.

Help Me Jesus, I Just Can’t Stop!

What’s your impossible-to-resist temptation? Maybe you’re not tempted by racy photos, but your self-control melts when you’re alone with your boyfriend. You might never feel the urge to rob a convenience store, but cuss words roll off your tongue like saliva. I have no problem resisting a bowl of jellybeans, but a bag of Butterfingers? All bets are off.

How do you overcome the most powerful sin—the one that keeps you coming back for more even when you don’t want to do it anymore?

To answer that, you must first recognize sin’s powerful grip.

Sin: The Great Slave Driver

This past week, the great U.S. of A. celebrated Independence Day with parades, fireworks, and red-white-and-blue T-shirts. Ours is a country known for freedom. People come here to escape the oppression of tyrants.

But even in the United States, people live in slavery. And you might be one of them.

Consider the four different types of slaves:

Sin isn’t just a single act or accumulation of acts. Sin is a condition of the heart.

• Robots have no control over themselves.
• Fugitives run in shame or fear.
• Prisoners aren’t free to come and go.
• Invalids are physically weak or disabled.

When sin infects your heart, you become all of these. You know you shouldn’t go to that website, or play one more round of that video game, or peek at the answers on your neighbor’s test. But another force has control of the wheel. Shame and fear have you on edge. You’re a prisoner, and your sin renders you disabled.

Sin isn’t just a single act or accumulation of acts. Sin is a condition of the heart. That’s what makes it so powerful, and until you recognize that, you will never win your struggle with temptation.

Treatment for a Sick Heart

What do you do when your physical heart is sick? You go to a doctor who then suggests lifestyle changes, medicine, or surgery. Sometimes a transplant is needed.

No, my friend, to be free from slavery to the flesh requires heart surgery by the Great Surgeon. But just like when you or your parents sign a form consenting to treatment from a medical doctor, God waits for you to consent to treatment from him.

How to Resist Temptation: Consent to Treatment From God

Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Go ahead and remove whatever trigger causes you to struggle with temptation, but don’t stop there. A full treatment plan includes several more steps.

1) Prayer

Prayer is your best defense, and not just a single prayer but many until it feels like you have God on one continuous phone call. Beg him to help you hate the sin. Because once you hate the sin, you will be more ready to change.

Flee temptation using the different types of prayer found in How to Have a Richer Prayer Life.

2) Scripture

Prayer is good because it allows you to talk to God. But in order to hear his reply, you need to OPEN YOUR BIBLE. Scripture is powerful medicine for the heart that struggles to overcome temptation.

3 Bible Verses About Temptation

Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Matthew 26:41

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone.

James 1:13

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Matthew 6:13

Having trouble hearing God’s voice? Check out Spectactular Silence: How to Hear the Voice of God.

3) Church

There are so many reasons to go to church, not the least of which is that it puts you in direct contact with God’s Word and his people. Surround yourself with the influence you need to make change.

Related: When Church Doesn’t Feel Exciting

4) Accountability to Other Christians

Success in your battle against sin rises when you enlist the help of others. Talk to a close friend or Christian mentor about your struggle with temptation and let her hold you accountable.

Don’t believe me on this one? Read Resist Temptation: The Missing Link in 1 Corinthians 10:13 (another Bible verse about temptation).

5) Help From Professionals

This is the step many young Christians dismiss, much to their detriment. Remember, sin has deep roots. Sometimes you need outside help. God has provided that help in the form of counselors, pastors, and other mental health professionals. Seeking their help does not mean you have weak faith. Christian resources exist for porn and sexual addiction, substance abuse, and more.

This may come in the form of a book from the nonfiction section of your local library or a meeting with a counselor. Don’t overlook this invaluable help when you need it.

Related: 6 Must-Read Nonfiction Books For Christian Teens

Let Go of the Pet And Be Free!

As with saying goodbye to a beloved cat or dog, it won’t be easy to let go of your pet sin. But imagine the freedom you will have when you break free of those chains.

Freedom worth fighting for.

More Help For Teens Who Struggle With Temptation

• Tired of the Same Old Sin? Keep Pulling the Weeds!
• Fight When You Can’t Flee: A Battle Plan For Temptation
• 8 Bible Passages to Stop Sin In Its Tracks