Temptation is a fork in the road. It is choosing which road to travel: the high one or the low one.

Wouldn't life be easier if there were no forks, no decisions to make—if the road were simply a straight and narrow path? But the Bible gives us no magical formulas for that kind of life. It assures us that we will come to those forks regularly, and we must choose where to step. Some forks will lead down roads of sexual immorality, some of gluttony, some of materialism, some of revenge, and too many more to name. If we could see the road map, it might look like a plate of spaghetti.

In fact, the wiser and more mature in Christ we become, the subtler and more treacherous are the choices. They don't become easier but more difficult, for the devil is no fool. Advancing spiritually leads to advancing opposition. This is an important truth to remember while walking with the Lord. He will hold our hand, and He will never fail to guide us in the direction that is right and true.

It never becomes easier, but it does become more rewarding. The founder of Dallas Theological Seminary, Dr. Lewis Sperry Chafer, once said that committed Christians are placed on the front lines of the battle. It is the place where the enemy's fiercest pressure is felt, but it also offers the best view of his crushing defeat. You will never grow beyond the power of temptation. It will crop up in ever–new and increasingly devious forms, but your eyes will be filled with the glorious sights God reserves for those who follow Him with the utmost devotion.

When you find yourself on the front lines of battle, stand firm and fight!

20 Truths from Scripture

Here are twenty truths from Scripture that help tame temptation as you pursue a life of holiness in the Lord:

1 Corinthians 10:12–14 (ESV)
Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 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.

Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.

Hebrews 4:15–16 (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. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Matthew 6:13
And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

Matthew 26:41
Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Luke 4:13
Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time.

1 Corinthians 6:18
Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.

1 Timothy 6:9
But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.

2 Timothy 2:22
Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Hebrews 2:18
For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.

Romans 8:37
Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

Romans 13:14
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.

Proverbs 4:14–15
Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn away from it and pass on.

James 1:2–3
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.

James 4:7
Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

1 Peter 5:8–9
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.

Psalms 119:11
Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

Psalms 119:67
Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your word.

Jeremiah 17:5, 7–8
Thus says the Lord: "Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart departs from the Lord. . . . Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes."

Ephesians 6:10–13,
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.