Temptation is something every one of us faces. Whether it’s lust, anger, greed, or something else, temptation knows how to creep up on us when we’re least prepared. Sometimes, it can feel overwhelming, as if we’re locked in a battle we can’t win. Other times it feels like we give in to temptation as a twisted reward for good behavior.
But here’s the good news: we’re not alone in this fight. In fact, God has given us everything we need to resist temptation and live a life that honors Him.
There are a few strategies that can help you stand firm in the face of temptation.
1. Acknowledge the Struggle
First, let’s start with honesty. Temptation isn’t something we can just sweep under the rug and pretend it doesn’t exist. It’s part of our daily lives, and as Christian men, we have to be willing to admit that we struggle.
You may erase your browser history or bury your empty bottles deep in the kitchen trash, but nothing done in darkness is hidden from God. When you haul your battles into the light, you remove some of the power they hold over you. So, acknowledge that you’re in a spiritual war.
James 1:14 says, “Each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.” This means temptation isn’t something we can blame on others, and it’s not something God tempts us with (James 1:13). It comes from our own sinful desires. But just because the desire exists doesn’t mean we have to give in.
2. Stay Close to God’s Word
If we want to resist temptation, we have to stay rooted in God’s truth. Jesus Himself modeled this during His temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). When the devil came at Him with lies and half-truths, Jesus countered with Scripture. The Word of God is our ultimate weapon against the enemy’s schemes. As with any weapon, using it well requires constant training.
Make time for daily reading and meditation on Scripture. Hide God’s Word in your heart (Psalm 119:11) so that when those tempting thoughts arise, you can fight them off with truth. Paul promises us in 1 Corinthians 10:13:
“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.”
3. Lean into Accountability
Here’s a hard truth: we can’t do this alone. As men, we often think we have to be strong, that admitting our struggles is a sign of weakness. But real strength comes from being vulnerable and allowing others to fight beside us in our battles. Maybe it’s embarrassing to open the door on your most shameful sins and expose your weakness to a Christian brother. The enemy doesn’t want you to do that, either; he’s happy for you to flail around on your own, miring yourself ever more deeply in the mud. But to break free, you have to break open.
One of the most powerful tools God has given us is each other. Find a brother in Christ who can hold you accountable — someone who will ask the tough questions and encourage you to stay on track. Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” It’s amazing how fitting that passage is in so many things in life. Having someone you can turn to, pray with, and be honest with can make a world of difference when you’re facing temptation.
There are also accountability tools and apps that can help track your digital activity, providing another layer of support if you’re struggling in areas connected to internet usage.
Pat Morley says accountability means to be regularly answerable for each of the key areas of our lives to qualified people.
However, one note: accountability only works when it is the result of a relationship with a trusted brother. You can’t “start” an accountability relationship. You have to develop one.
4. Guard Your Mind and Heart
Philippians 4:8 reminds us to focus on things that are true, noble, right, pure, and lovely. In a culture that constantly bombards us with images, ideas, and temptations, we have to actively filter what we allow into our minds and place a guard around our hearts.
Consider deeply what you watch, listen to, and engage with. Guarding against temptation will almost certainly require setting boundaries around your media consumption, whether it’s the websites you visit, the shows you watch, or the conversations you participate in. I’ve had to take a serious look at some of the movies and books I consume for entertainment, and sometimes even the company I keep. What we feed our minds impacts how we respond to temptation. If we’re constantly filling ourselves with the world’s messages, it’s going to be a lot harder to resist when sin comes knocking.
5. Remember Who You Are in Christ
Finally, and maybe most importantly, remember who you are in Christ. The enemy is an accuser; he loves to make us forget our identity as beloved sons of God. When we forget, we’re more likely to fall into temptation because we start looking for worth and satisfaction in all the wrong places.
Romans 6:11 tells us to “consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.” You’re not a slave to your desires anymore. You’ve been set free by the blood of Christ. When you start seeing yourself as God sees you — as a new creation — you’ll find it easier to say “no” to the things that once had a hold on you.
And our identity in Christ gives us grace and belonging when we fail. Christ died for sins like these, and we struggle with them to honor of the grace he has given us. We just want to be like Jesus now.
The Power of Grace
The fight against temptation is a lifelong journey. We’re going to stumble along the way, but the good news is that God’s grace is more than enough. When you mess up, don’t beat yourself up or believe the lie that you’re too far gone. Run to the cross. Jesus is there with open arms, ready to forgive, restore, and strengthen you for the next battle.
Stay strong, stay in the Word, stay accountable, and keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. You’re not in this alone, and with His help, you can overcome any temptation that comes your way.
At Man in the Mirror, we want to help you break free from the sin that weighs you down and become the disciple, mentor, and leader God created you to be. Check out the resources available at our website, or message us to take the first step in growing a powerful men’s ministry in your church. Let’s all lift each other up as we strive to exemplify biblical manhood in every part of our lives.
