What the Bible says
James shows how temptation works. “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death” (James 1:14–15). God is not the source: “God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man” (James 1:13). John names the pulls: “the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (1 John 2:16).
No temptation is beyond God’s faithfulness. “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). The way of escape is real, and it is God who provides it.
Jesus knows the fight from the inside. He “was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). Because of that, “he is able to succour them that are tempted” (Hebrews 2:18). So we “come boldly unto the throne of grace” (Hebrews 4:16). In the wilderness He answered the devil with Scripture: “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone” (Matthew 4:4). David learned the same: “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11).
Scripture gives plain commands for the battle. “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation” (Matthew 26:41). “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). Sometimes the way of escape is to run. Joseph asked, “how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9), and “he left his garment in her hand, and fled” (Genesis 39:12). “Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).
14 verses, King James Version
Matthew 6:13
Lead us not into temptation
13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
Genesis 39:9
Joseph would not sin against God
9There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?
1 John 2:16
The lusts that are of the world
16For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
Galatians 5:16
Walk in the Spirit
16This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
1 Corinthians 10:13
God provides a way out
13There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
Hebrews 4:15–16
Jesus understands; come for grace
15For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 2:18
He is able to help
18For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
James 1:12–15
How temptation grows, and the crown for enduring
12Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. 13Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
Matthew 26:41
Pray before the pressure comes
41Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
James 4:7–8
Stand against the enemy, close to God
7Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
Psalms 119:9–11
God’s Word stored in your heart
9Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. 10With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. 11Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
Matthew 4:1–4
Jesus answered with Scripture
1Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. 2And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. 3And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. 4But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
2 Timothy 2:22
Run from lust; pursue what is right with others
22Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
1 Peter 5:8–9
Your enemy is real; stand firm in faith
8Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
Scripture quotations are from the King James Version (public domain). Read aloud by Anthony.