How do we react to tempting thoughts?
First, say No! (Silently). Then consider praying:
“My goal is to think pure thoughts. I praise You Lord.”
This prayer has added power because thinking pure thoughts was commanded in Philippians 4:8. Plus we are told to praise the Lord in dozens of passages.
Second, Romans 12:2 Romans 12:2 ESV Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” When tempted consider praying:
“Lord, I want to renew my thoughts. Please help me, and show me Your will.”
Third, people act like they can’t know God’s will, but if you have 144 tempting thoughts today, you have 144 opportunities to fight back with prayer and scripture and 144 opportunities to ask God to show you His will.
Fourth, Ephesians 6:16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one.” Consider praying:
“Father, I believe Your Word. Increase my faith so that I can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one.”
We increase faith by reading and believing the Bible. Reading and memorizing it are great habit beaters.
Fifth, James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Consider praying:
“Father, I submit to Your ways. Help me to resist the devil.”
Finally, when we resist the devil “Every time,” something shocking happens.
When I decided to try this I was shocked when a few days later my temptations were sharply lower, shockingly lower. Sure, I was a bit dark, and I wanted that wrongful pleasure, but… I was getting a lot of help from dark powers.
Once I fought them tooth and nail, they started to lose interest. Then it was more of a fair fight.
At some point it becomes an unfair fight again. If we keep doing these things we fully have Jesus help.
Fighting sin and taking thoughts captive leads to powerful spiritual help = lower temptations = an excellent opportunity to quit.
As always, feel free to print this out for your own personal use.
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