Whether you are struggling over a reoccurring temptation or a sudden unexpected assault from the tempter, Jesus assures you that you can be victorious and conquer the tempters temptation. Jesus taught us to pray in the Lord’s Prayer, “And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil.’ (Matthew 6:13). How can that prayer, prayed in humility and faith, enable us to conquer temptation? Consider these four tactics in conquering the tempter’s temptation.

First, POWERFUL SPIRITUAL WEAPONS are available to us. (See Ephesians 6:10-18). One of the most powerful and vital weapons is prayer (Ephesians 6:18). On the eve of Jesus’ greatest battle, He prayed earnestly in the garden of Gethsemane. When He came to His disciples He found them asleep (Matthew 26:26-44). He told them, “Keep watching and praying, that you may not enter into temptation, the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.” Prayer will keep us alert, strengthening us with God’s power, and enable us to route the enemy.

All of God’s children have the Sword of the Spirit to battle the tempter and temptation with. It is the Word of God. (Ephesians 6:17). When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness by the devil, He confronted him directly by using the Word of God. He answered every attack with “It is written…” (Matthew 1:1-11). If we wish to be armed against the evil one, we must equip ourselves with God’s Word. Through reading it daily, thinking about it, memorizing it and speaking it, we can conquer just as our Lord did.

All born again believers also have the power of the blood of the Lamb, Jesus, to overcome the devil. (Revelation 12:11). When applied in faith you become an overcomer. Don’t neglect any of the vital pieces of armor given to you as a child of God. (See Ephesians 6:10-18).
Second, PRUDENCE, SPIRITUAL COMMON SENSE must be used in avoiding temptation. The Holy Spirit imparts wisdom to those who ask for it in faith. (James 1:5,6; 3:13-18; 4:5-7). The writer of Proverbs says, “The prudent see the evil and hides himself, but the naïve go on, and are punished for it.” (Proverbs 22:3). Paul instructed young Timothy, “Flee these [evil] things. (1 Timothy 6:11).

There is a television reality show that I heard of called “Temptation Island.” Why would anyone deliberately put themselves in such an environment if they want to defeat temptation? Some people have no holy fear of the Lord. (See Proverbs 22:4,5). They do not believe that temptation, once succumbed to, has any dire consequences. But there are severe consequences. If un-repented of, we become a slave to sin and Satan. Sin separates us from God. But to follow the way of prudence and God’s wisdom leads to true “riches, honor and life.” (Proverbs 22:4).

Third, the PRESENCE OF GOD IS PROMISED TO PROTECT AND EMPOWER US. Jesus taught us to pray, “…Deliver us from evil [from the evil one].” He encourages our spirit, strengthens our soul and resolve. Jesus never used double-talk. He did not say one thing and mean another. He would not have us pray for deliverance if it was not available. He promises to be with us, in us and for us, in a powerful way. (See Psalm 23:4; 1 John 4:4, 6; 1 Corinthians 10:13). Believe His promises.

Fourth, PERSEVERE IN THE BATTLE over temptation and the tempter. God expects us to be brave and strong in counter-attacking Satan. In James 4:7 we are told, “Submit yourselves to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you.” Far too often we give ground to the enemy without any resistance. We are to stand our ground (Ephesians 6:10,11,14). God has not given us the spirit of fear, but “of power, of love and a disciplined mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7). Our confidence does not lie in ourselves, but in our Heavenly Father who delivers His children.

Are you one of His children? You can have Jesus’ presence, promises and power to conquer the tempter’s temptations.

“For as many as received Him gave He power (the right) to become children of God, even as many as believed on Him.” (John 1:12).