The first temptation in the Garden of Eden came in the form of questioning God’s very words. Can you imagine hearing that ancient serpent’s hideous tongue hissing in Eve’s ear?
“Did God really ssssay?”
We’ve probably heard variations of his temptations slither into our thoughts, too.
Why is it such a big deal if I take one sip, one bite, or one hit?
Does it really matter if I sleep with my boyfriend?
My struggles with gossip, bitterness, or anger are petty compared to the sins of others!
When we’re tempted to sin, we often rationalize, minimize, or trivialize the gravity of it. So, how do we overcome temptation when it inevitably comes? Adam and Eve are obviously the example of what not to do…but by God’s grace, we have a better Adam—Jesus Christ (Rom. 5:12-21) who overcame temptation with the Word of God and prayer.
Scripture records Satan’s temptations of Christ twice: once in the wilderness at the beginning of his ministry and once in the Garden of Gethsemane near the end. Jesus modeled overcoming temptation by knowing God’s Word, responding with “It is written,” and praying unceasingly.
The next time temptation comes your way, look to Jesus Christ. Follow his example by knowing the written word and praying for his help. Here are 20 verses to equip you to fight back with the tools he’s provided.
20 Bible Verses for Overcoming Temptation
- Psalm 119:11 (ESV)
I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. - Proverbs 4:14-15 (ESV)
Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of the evil. Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on. - Matthew 26:41 (ESV)
Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. - Luke 22:40 (ESV)
And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” - Romans 6:12-14 (ESV)
Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. - 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. - 1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV)
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. - Galatians 5:16-17 (ESV)
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. - Ephesians 6:10-11 (ESV)
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. - Philippians 4:13 (ESV)
I can do all things through him who strengthens me. - 2 Timothy 2:22 (ESV)
So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. - Hebrews 2:18 (ESV)
For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. - Hebrews 4:15 (ESV)
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. - James 1:12 (ESV)
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. - James 1:13-15 (ESV)
Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. - James 4:7 (ESV)
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. - James 4:17 (ESV)
So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. - 1 Peter 5:8-9 (ESV)
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. - 1 John 4:4 (ESV)
Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. - 1 John 5:4 (ESV)
For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.
A better way forward
Overcoming temptation doesn’t happen by accident. We may stumble into sin, but we never stumble out of temptation. Scripture calls us to be sober-minded, watchful, and prayerful—alert to the schemes of the devil. When we fight back with the Word of God and prayer, our slithery adversary, who is also a roaring lion, must flee.
Elisabeth Elliot once wisely said, “A temptation is an opportunity to choose God over self.” Every moment of temptation places that choice before us again: Will we believe the ancient lie, or will we cling to the living truth?
So when temptation comes—and it will—look to your better Adam, Jesus Christ. He did what the first Adam could not. He trusted the Father, resisted the devil, and overcame not by sheer willpower, but by the Word of God and prayer. In him, you are not left defenseless. You are equipped, strengthened, and helped.
Take up the tools he’s given you. Hide is Word in your heart. Call on his name in prayer. And remember: the same Savior who overcame temptation is with you in the fight—never failing those who come to him for help.
Cara
Related Posts
- Man of Sorrows: How to Overcome Temptation Like Jesus Did
- 20 Bible Verses for Overcoming Doubt
- Your Identity & What it Means to Be Crucified with Christ
- How to Set Your Hope Fully on the Grace
P.S. My book, The Pursuit of Holy Leisure: Enjoying God in Everyday Places takes a deeper look at how we can enjoy and trust God amid temptation. You can preorder (or order after 3.17.26) here.