⏱️ Estimated Reading Time: 3 min read
Fighting Temptation With the Word of God
Show Summary
Every Christian faces temptation, but temptation itself is not sin. Even Jesus was tempted—yet He responded every time with the Word of God.In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains how believers can fight temptation in real time by using Scripture to expose lies, strengthen faith, and guide obedience. Using Psalm 119:11 as our anchor text and Christ’s example in the wilderness, we learn that victory doesn’t come from sheer willpower, but from the truth of God’s Word at work in our hearts.Audio Player
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Episode Notes
Central Truth: Christians fight temptation with the Word of God by knowing it, believing it, speaking it, applying it, and using it to replace lies with truth.1) Know the Word Before Temptation Comes
Temptation often comes suddenly. Spiritual preparation matters. Regular Bible intake, meditation, and memorizing key passages helps you fight with a weapon you know how to use.2) Identify the Lie Behind the Temptation
Every temptation carries a lie: “This will satisfy me,” “No one will know,” “I deserve this,” “It won’t hurt,” or “God won’t judge this.” You can’t replace lies with truth if you don’t first recognize what you’re being tempted to believe.3) Speak God’s Word Against the Temptation
Jesus answered aloud: “It is written.” In moments of testing, speak Scripture to replace the lie with truth.4) Believe and Obey the Word
Quoting verses mechanically isn’t enough. Temptation is overcome by believing God’s promises and acting in obedience—rejecting sinful desire and choosing what pleases the Lord.5) Let the Word Reshape Your Desires Over Time
The long-term battle is fought in the heart. As you grow in the Word, your loves change, your desires mature, and your joy in Christ increases. Scripture doesn’t just help you resist temptation—it transforms what you want.Key Scriptures
- Psalm 119:11 — “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”
- Matthew 4:1–11 — Jesus resists temptation: “It is written.”
- Ephesians 6:17 — The sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.
- Psalm 37:4 — Delight yourself in the Lord.
Takeaways
- You are not helpless in the face of temptation.
- Prepare by storing God’s Word in your heart.
- Expose the lie and replace it with Scripture.
- Believe God’s truth and obey it in the moment.
- Let Scripture reshape what you love over time.
Call to Action
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Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah. He is a writer, editor, and speaker living in beautiful Southern Oregon. Dave is a lover of Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology. He serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries, the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine, the Host and Producer of Equipping You in Grace Podcast, and is a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word. He is the author of The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022), and Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024). You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, or read his newsletter. Dave loves to spend time with his wife, going to movies, eating at a nice restaurant, or going out for a round of golf with a good friend. He is also a voracious reader, in particular of Reformed theology, and the Puritans. You will often find him when he’s not busy with ministry reading a pile of the latest books from a wide variety of Christian publishers. Dave received his M.A.R. and M.Div through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
