Temptation is not sin. It is an invitation to sin. Jesus Himself was tempted, yet remained sinless. You are not facing something strange or impossible. God offers real help, real escape, and real strength. “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man, but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able, but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13, KJV)

Step 1: Recognize and name the temptation

Action:

1. Pause, then name exactly what you are tempted to do or think.

2. Write it down. Naming the temptation weakens confusion and brings clarity.

Why:
Satan works best in vagueness. When you identify the temptation, you expose the enemy’s strategy.

Scripture:
“Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8, KJV)

Step 2: Remove or limit immediate access

Action:

1. Physically move away from the trigger.

2. Block, delete, or shut off whatever feeds the temptation.

3. Replace the environment with a safer one for even ten minutes.

Why:
Willpower is limited. Changing your environment makes obedience easier.

Step 3: Use the three second or thirty second pause

Action:

1. Take slow breaths and pray a short sentence, for example, “Lord help me.”

2. Count to thirty while reciting a Scripture you know.

Why:
Temptation is often strongest in the first few seconds. A pause gives the Spirit space to work.

Step 4: Replace the temptation with Scripture and action

Action:

1. Speak or read a verse that contradicts the temptation.

2. Do a small positive action like reading a Psalm, calling a friend, or walking for a moment.

Why:
Your mind must be filled with something good. Replacement is more powerful than resistance.

Scripture:
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13, KJV)

Step 5: Build accountability

Action:

1. Choose one or two mature believers to check in with.

2. Share your patterns, your triggers, and your progress with them.

Why:
Temptation is stronger in secrecy. Accountability brings light and help.

Scripture:
“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness.” (Galatians 6:1, KJV)

Step 6: Create a trigger plan

Action:
List your top three temptations. For each one, write a plan that includes:
• The trigger
• An escape action
• A verse to quote
• An accountability contact

Example:
Trigger: late night phone scrolling.
Escape action: turn off Wi-Fi and put phone in another room.
Verse: Psalm 119:11.
Accountability: text a friend at night.

Step 7: Strengthen your spiritual foundations

Action:

1. Read the Bible daily, even for ten minutes.

2. Pray daily, honestly and specifically.

3. Attend worship weekly.

4. Take care of your physical life with rest, healthy food, and limits on media.

Why:
A strong spiritual life builds inner strength and stability.

Scripture:
“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11, KJV)

Step 8: Handle failure with grace, not despair

Action:

1. Confess quickly. Do not let guilt grow.

2. Learn from what happened, then update your plan.

3. Move forward with God’s forgiveness.

Why:
Shame keeps people stuck. Grace moves people forward.

Scripture:
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9, KJV)

Step 9: Train for long term victory

Action:

1. Memorize Scripture regularly.

2. Practice fasting and service.

3. Celebrate small victories each month.

Why:
Spiritual maturity develops over time. As habits grow, temptation loses strength.

Scripture:
“Abide in me, and I in you. Without me ye can do nothing.” (John 15:4 to 5, KJV)

Helpful verses to memorize

• Matthew 4:4
• 1 Corinthians 10:13
• James 4:7
• Psalm 119:11
• Philippians 4:13

A short prayer for the moment of temptation

“Lord Jesus, I feel the pull of temptation. Give me strength, fill me with your Spirit, and help me choose what is right. I trust you. Amen.”