Overcoming Temptations! Part 3

Have you ever pondered or meditated on this, “How can I control myself better when it comes to dealing with “Temptations?” My friends, it does not matter what kind of “#Temptation” it is; food, sex, being honest, appearing trustworthy, but not fully trusting your own self in some situations, and even the “Temptation” of lying to try and stay out of trouble.

But no matter what the situation is, you are not alone. Everyone I know (including myself) have had thoughts along this line. This thought process includes most all of the decisions, which we will face in life. So, what is a person to do?

A lot of times (if someone is really struggling) and they have exhausted their circle of family and friends, they might seek out a professional; like a #pastor, counselor, #psychologist, or even a psychiatrist. But they can only go so far. Psychologist, psychiatrist, and some counselors will ask questions that make you “Think” about how you felt when a certain triggering moment or event happened to you. This makes you confront how you thought in the moment. Then that should be followed by, how to train yourself to think better or differently in the future.

These professionals are great in the natural. However, we should think about dealing with our thoughts on a supernatural level? That is, with God and His Word, leading and guiding us to make the right choices, right decisions, and then training our thoughts to being better.

Fact of the matter is, as a pastor I would say you need to go to God and His Word first. Look at the following verses concerning our thoughts, what we should do and think, and how we should act according to the Bible.

1. Put God First!

Mat 6:33 (AMP) But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right–the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.

2. Understanding Your Weapons and Casting Down Imaginations!

2Co 10:3-5 (KJV) For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 2Co 10:4  (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) [Strongholds are a lot of times, the things people state, which are their weaknesses.] 2Co 10:5  Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

[Taking control of your thoughts start with your imaginations. When you start to imagine wrong or wrong things. Grab a hold of that imagination by the nap of the neck (so to speak). Cast it down (devil you are a liar and I will not think about this any more), and throw it into prison/captivity.

(What happens when someone is put into a prison cell. The guard locks them up and walks away from them. That’s how we have to treat this wrong thought or idea. We lock it up and walk away (so to speak) from thinking about it again. If it starts to yell at us from down the hallway, then we open up our Bible, start praying, listen to gospel music, or whatever we have got to do, to get away from its loud mouth of influence.]

3. What to Replace Your Current Thoughts with?

Php 4:4-8 (CSB) Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Php 4:5  Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.

Php 4:6  Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Php 4:7  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Php 4:8  Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable — if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy — dwell on these things.

4. God’s Word Judges Thoughts and Intentions!

Heb 4:12 (CSB) For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. [The Word of God goes deeper into our soulish realm and it is able to judge/separate our thoughts from our intentions.]

Now when you ask yourself the question, “How can I control myself better when it comes to dealing with “Temptations?” You have the solution. Because you are now armed with an abundance of answers, which are all good and faithful. Practice what you have learned here and you without a doubt, on your way to being the over-comer in Christ Jesus, of whom you are.

#IAmAnOvercomer #OvercomingTemptations #ByHisGrace #HeIsFaithful #OurGodIsAnAwesomeGod

#Grace #Mercy #ThroneRoomOfGod #CastingDownImaginations