Overcoming Temptation.

Living an exemplary life demands a lot of responsibility. It pays to live by a high moral and spiritual standard. However, temptations often draw us away from such noble ways of living. This post shares 8 responsibilities of the believer in overcoming temptation and living a victorious life above sin.

A temptation is the desire to do something, that is especially considered wrong or unwise. In the context of the Christian faith, a temptation is a tendency or urge to act or feel in a particular way contrary to the tenets of scriptures.

The steps below can help us overcome temptation.

1.Be conscious of God's provision to help you in any tempting situation. There is always what to do to connect with what God has provided. Never assume that you are not well equipped to overturn any tempting situation. You must be conscious that in every tempting situation, you have what it takes to stand and overcome.

2.Discover the way out of every temptation that comes towards you. Temptations that come to you are permitted by God. He knows you can't fall. If you fall, it's your fault. You need to be conscious of your strength in Christ. If you walk in ignorance, the devil will shortchange you. 1 Corinthians 10:13,

3.Take heed to Gods Word. This will help you to build up your strength before any temptation comes towards you. If you fall when tempted, your strength is small (Pro.24:10) Build up strength by heeding to Gods word. Psalms. 119:9-11, Proverbs 24:5, John 17:17, Acts 20:32
Pray for the Strength. Your prayers are a way to ask God for strength and grace to ward off temptations when they come. Matt. 26:41, Jude 20.

4.Forgo Self Gratification. There should be a great sense of intentionality when it comes to addressing the inordinate desires that paves way for sinful acts. Romans 13: 14 is clear to say there should be no thought or plans to satisfy or fulfil these inordinate quests that are contrary to the expectations of a Christian character.

5.Grow into Spiritual Maturity. 1 Corinthians 3: 1-3 explains that carnality (not spiritual; merely human and temporal) is a sign of christian immaturity. It finds expression in envy, divisions and strife. It is important therefore to have a growth plan. A Christian that must avoid the sting of temptation and the wages of sin must purge himself fit for enlistment in Kingdom activities (2 Timothy 2:19-21). Believers must work hard to purify themselves.

6.Surround yourself with people of value. The friends we keep fan the flame of our desires into manifestation. Amnon according to 2 Samuel 13 has an inordinate desire to have sexual relations with his sister but he could not carry out this enterprise on his own. However, his friend Jonadab helped him to plot his way to committing the sin. The scriptures have warned severally about not walking in the counsel of the ungodly, not sharing paths with sinners and not being in the company of those that scorn honorable living (Psalm 1:1-3). Evidently evil communication and association corrupts good manners.

7.Resist the Devil. Whatever you don't confront you wont conquer. Whatever you don't resist has a right to remain. Whatever you don't want in your life, you must not watch growing in your life. The Devil is going around looking for who to devour, resist him and he will leave you alone. (1 Peter 5:8, James 4:7). Don't tolerate his suggestions and agents around your life.

8.Run away from Dangerous Spots. 1 Corinthians 6: 18 says we as believers should flee from fornication. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 says we should abstain from all appearance of evil. The moment you find yourself in a situation that may threaten the sanctity of your faith, run away. That place has become a situation of danger to your relevance before God