Basic TrainingBible MinistriesGene CunninghamBasic Training Bible Ministries KBKnowledge Base

What does the Bible teach about temptation, including its sources and how to overcome it?

The Bible teaches that there are three primary sources of temptation: the world, the flesh, and the devil. The world tactic is to conform to its thinking (Romans 12:2), which we must conquer through resisting its influence. The flesh tactic is to consider ourselves dead to sin and flee from its enticement (James 1:14-15). The devil's tactic is to give him no place to work and resist his attacks (Ephesians 4:27; James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8-9). To overcome temptation, we must anticipate it through constant prayer (Matthew 26:41), acknowledging our powerlessness against sin but God's ability to deliver us. We are also instructed to consider the facts and weigh them in light of God's character and purposes when faced with trials (James 1:2-4). The testing of our faith produces endurance, which brings us to spiritual maturity (James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 1:6-7). Ultimately, we must resist temptation by giving it no place to work and exercising our faith in God's sovereignty. As the Bible says, 'God is faithful; He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able' (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Also asked: What does the Bible teach about the relationship between temptation, endurance, and spiritual maturity and how can I develop my faith to overcome trials? · How can I resist and overcome temptation according to the Bible and what role does prayer play in this process? · What are the three main sources of temptation mentioned in the Bible and how do they try to influence us?

Source: The Basics The Basics — Temptation (canonical doctrine) · Read this lesson in the book →

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Lesson 3–3: The Promise—Spirituality

Lesson 4–3: Testing—Temptation

Lesson 5–2: The Arena—The Souls of Men

Lesson 2–4: The Equipment—Spiritual Gifts

Lesson 2–5: The Supply Line—Prayer

Lesson 3–5: The Goal—Spiritual Maturity

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