Have you ever encountered sexual temptation in your life? How did you handle it? Did you learn any lessons? Did it end badly?
Sometimes sexual temptation can be something as simple as a harmless look at a screen, and suddenly you find yourself viewing pornography. It can also be something like seemingly minor flirting—which feels exciting at first but leads to an emotional affair, resulting in painful consequences.
Sexual temptation is all around us—in streaming shows, YouTube videos, social media feeds, adult-only websites, and the actions of others. Sometimes you may feel societal pressure to give in to it. However, the Bible is clear on reserving sex for marriage and keeping yourself pure.
This means purity of thought as well as action:
“Anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
Matthew 5:27-28
In this world full of temptations, how then can you win against sexual sin? The answer lies in God. With His help, your victory against temptation is guaranteed. The Bible, in 1 Corinthians 10:13, states:
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
1 Corinthians 10:13
How to Avoid Sexual Temptation
1. Recognize it as a sin.
The first step to avoiding sin is acknowledging its existence. See it as sin and decide to overcome it. You may not be able to stop sin unless you have come to an honest understanding that it is wrong.
2. Declare war against it.
Having the strength to resist sexual sin entails allowing God to take full control of your life, thoughts, and actions. God calls the struggle with sexual sins a “war.”
In 1 Peter 2:11, the Bible tells us:
“Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.”
1 Peter 2:11
This is a battle you must win. You are fighting for your future and destiny. Wrestle for purity and the glory of God.
3. Flee from temptation.
It is easy to give in to temptation when you indulge your desires and allow the sinful moments to take over. God knows that your natural desire is to give in to temptation anytime you let your mind entertain the thought of it. Rather than considering a temptation, run from it.
The Bible, in 1 Corinthians 6:18, states:
“Flee from sexual immorality.”
1 Corinthians 6:18
4. Trust God to help you.
The greatest risk to falling into temptation is thinking that you alone can handle it. Place your trust in God rather than yourself. Dependence on Him is the key to overcoming.
5. Watch and pray.
The Gospel of Matthew says:
“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Matthew 26:41
In this verse, Jesus is giving instructions to His disciples. He knows they meant well, but their human nature is subject to weakness. The only way they can overcome is by staying watchful and being prayerful.
Talk to God, ask Him to strengthen you when you are weak, and fully count on Him.
6. Put on the full armor of God.
The war against sexual temptation is one against principalities (the forces of the evil one) and powers, and it requires dressing in the full armor of God to fight it. As children of God, we must meet temptation with the breastplate of righteousness, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Holy Spirit.
7. Seek God’s help.
When you are overwhelmed, call upon the name of Jesus Christ. Seek His face, pour out your heart to Him, and let Him take the first place in your life. With God in control, you can conquer all lustful desires. All you need to do is ask Him!
Stay Close to God
God is the author of life, love, marriage, and sex. He knows what’s best for you. He will, at His appointed time, give you the desires of your heart. Always obey Him, trust Him, and cultivate a relationship with Him, and He will give you victory in all areas of your life.
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