How Do You Handle Satan's Temptations?

How Do You Handle Satan's Temptations? - By Matthew Robert Payne

The Book of James establishes that God does not tempt anyone. We will have a look at that and then have a bit of a discussion.
James 1:13-15
13 When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
This verse tells us quite clearly that God does not tempt anyone and so we should be aware that our flesh tempts us and Satan tempts us. Sin is a process however; first there is a thought about a sin that we can commit, then we give birth to sin when we carry out that sin.
So how do you handle Satan's temptation?
I am pretty good with many things. But let me be honest with you that of late I have been falling when it comes to lust. This is not a great admission when it comes to being a Christian writer, but I know in saying it that I have at least half of my male audience on my side as they struggle with it themselves.
The problem with in is that like James says it is so enticing. For a short period of time sin is enjoyable for us to be involved in. It's not the best choice for our bodies and our spiritual life, but it has an addictive short term rush to it that compels us sometimes emotionally and psychologically to give in to it.
Being in the Word, and in prayer most days is a wonderful way too get into the presence of God that allows us to have some protection from the temptations. When we have the Spirit of Jesus hovering over us, it is sometimes hard to give that up to succumb to sin. But not all of us have access to the presence of God every day. I used to have it but I seem to have lost it also and it takes some effort to get into the presence. And in these weak moments I seem to be enticed away.
Of course Jesus, The Holy Spirit and God are happy to help in our time of need but even though they declare in scripture that they always leave a place of escape for us, when sin's temptation often strikes me I willingly push the trinity away and follow in the path of my sin.
The Word, prayer and the trinity can help you, you can also develop discipline in your life when it comes to certain sins that you turn away from it so much that the temptation loses its power over you anymore. I like this way as I have conquered some sin patterns this way with the help of the Holy Spirit.
I wish you well in your journey.
If you enjoyed my article you may enjoy reading my teaching on the parables of Jesus. The can be found in the book "The parables of Jesus made simple" on Amazon or read for free at http://www.parables-of-jesus-christ.net If you are in need of a word of encouragement off God you can request a personal prophecy video for any donation to my ministry at http://www.parables-of-jesus-christ.net/personal_prophecy_videos.html  Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_Robert_Payne  Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6221603