Armor

“But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” James 1:14-15.

When we study scripture we start to understand which desires we should fight often. When I watch TV I want to look at a beautiful woman. If I do that in excess I will come to the crossroads where it will “give birth to sin.” Instead, I can pray to run from sin several times when I turn on a new program. Instead, I can find other activities to do. Instead, I can remember that something always dies if I allow my current habits to lead me back to porn.

“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13.

With every article I write I determine not to mention the verses for quitting. But the above verse loses its power if we don't dig into scripture. These key verses are your way of escape.

“I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.” Galatians 5:16-17.

We walk in the Spirit by often saying: “Lord, I praise You.” By saying, “Father, Your ways are best.” By asking: If His ways are best, what change is needed to follow His ways. By striving to believe that obedience leads to the great life that the Bible says it leads to.

“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.” 2 Corinthians 10:4.

Scriptures about lust are mighty for pulling down strongholds. Prayer is mighty to prepare us for the temptation and scripture is mighty to pull it down.

“Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” Psalm 119:11.

When the writer (David) followed his own advice he was a great hero, pure and blessed. When he didn't... disaster.

“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.” Ephesians 6:10-11.

We are all weak in one or two parts of the armor. Study this passage to see what part you need to pray about and then focus on making that part stronger.