RESISTING TEMPTATION

 STORY LINE

Karen is at the party for no more than ten minutes when she sees two boys arrive carrying several large paper bags. What’s in those bags is no mystery. Earlier, she had overheard the same boys saying that there would be “lots of booze” at this party. Suddenly, Karen hears a familiar voice behind her. “What are you just standing there for, Miss Boring?” 

Karen turns to see her friend Jessica clutching two freshly opened bottles of beer. Jessica holds one right in front of Karen’s face and says, “Now don’t tell me you’re too young to have a little fun!” Karen wants to refuse. But the pressure to accept is more powerful than she expected. Jessica is her friend, and Karen doesn’t want to come across as . . . “Miss Boring,” as Jessica called her. Besides, Jessica’s one of the good girls. And if she’s drinking, then what’s the big deal? ‘It’s just a beer,’ Karen tells herself. ‘It’s not like taking drugs or having sex. 

As a youngster temptation is almost like a routine in your life, in fact, everyone on the planet gets tempted one way or another. 

As children of God, it is absolutely normal for temptations to come your way and it is also normal for you to want to stay away from it. 

But the temptations we face isn't what matters, what matters is "What do we do when we are tempted". 

How we respond or react to temptations gives us a picture of our own mindset 

As a young person temptation comes in many forms, at different times and through different means...but the most often form of temptation is the one involving the opposite sex.

Temptation comes with a constant pressure to "yield". 

Have you observed that more often than not, we are always tempted to do the things that we know are bad than we are tempted to the things that we know are right? 

The beautiful thing about being a Christian is that you can learn how to control wrong desires and resist temptation 

Where do all these feelings of temptation come from? 

There are only two main forces that brings about temptation - 1. Satan II. Yourself

The Heart is the origination of every action we take when we are tempted. 

James 1:14  

But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.

HOW? By taking tempting thoughts and playing them out in our imaginations. When we do this, we are already giving in to the temptation, seeing where it goes and far, we can carry it.
More often than not, these thoughts end up being displayed in our actions thereby causing us to make choices that fulfill the desires we've pumped up in our minds. 

Some of the factors associated with temptation are:

1. Imperfection: Even the most upright person will occasionally become aware of “the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes" as stated in James 1:15 As the popular saying goes "No one is perfect". 

We have to understand that we cannot live a live "holy and acceptable to God" on our own. When we understand this truth, it'll be easier to always depend on God to help us overcome whatever challenges you may face 

The Apostle Paul admitted in Romans 7:21.  I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good.

2 The Media: The media portrays the ideal image of perfection; On TV and in movies, it’s always made to seem so glamorous, so exciting. You rarely see the negative consequences. 

3. Peer Pressure: Temptation seems to be everywhere you look. 

Temptation and peer pressure often go hand in hand. 
Your peers, the people you hang around with have a very powerful influence in your life weather negative or positive 

4. Youthful Desires:  2TIMOTHY 2:22 says 

Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

These desires include cravings that are peculiar to young people such as the despite to "fit it", the yearning for acceptance and so much more. 

God made you and put these desires inside of you, so there's nothing wrong with feeling this way. But if these desires are allowed to "run wild" they could be a weapon of personal mass destruction. 

The pressure to be liked and accepted can lead you to do whatever others do, just to gain their approval. 

RESISTING TEMPTATION 

There are many other factors asides from the ones listed above that contribute to a person being tempted mostly to do what's not right. 

Admittedly, these forces are powerful but they are not irresistible. 

Think About This! 

The most powerful force of evil and temptation on the Earth is the Devil and the Bible says "Jesus defeated him and made a public disgrace of him" So, if Jesus can do it, you can too. 

If you carry this mentality of "I Can" with you then no matter what comes your way, you remain victorious. 

Resisting temptation is not about doing what's good, it's about doing what's right. "Scripture about what's good and right" 

There's a difference between doing what's good at the moment and doing what's right.  Let's see how to resist temptations: 

1. First, identify the temptation that poses the strongest pull on you this will help you to know your weak areas.  

Knowing what tempts you the most, helps you to be proactive about fighting that temptation. 

2. Secondly, you need to ask God to help you and show you the proper way on how to deal with this temptation 

3. Next, find out when and where this temptation is most likely to occur. 

This will help you stay alert of such situations and avoid them 

4. Now take action.  As much as possible as it pertains to you find a way to eliminate or reduce contact with either the source of the temptation or the circumstance where it's likely to occur
For example, the story we read above there are many ways in which Karen could've avoided the temptation in the first place.

 

If she knew drinking is bad, then going to a party like that is equally as bad 

OR 

If you often receive unsolicited Internet pornography, you might consider installing programs to block the source and all similar sites.
Also, you could be more specific when selecting the key words you enter in a search engine. 

A NEW MENTALITY

Always carry a positive mentality: 

Words create new realities in the minds of individuals. If you keep saying words like "I can't do it", "It's just too hard"
"It's impossible to break"...you will be creating this reality for yourself and as children of God this isn't what we want 

Therefore, always speak positively to yourself even when others seem only to say negative things about you. 
Speaking positively to yourself creates in your mind the mindset of a Victorious Teen.   The more you keep speaking God's word to yourself daily the easier it'll be to overcome any obstacle 

KNOW THIS: Whenever you stay true to what you believe in and do not give in to temptation, others will respect you more for it 

A NEW LIFESTYLE 

Peter one of the apostles of Jesus Christ said in 

Acts 6:4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

1. The Word: As a child of God, studying God's Word has numerous benefits. For example, helps you to know more of God, builds your spirit, increases your knowledge of God 

How Did Jesus Respond When He Was Tempted Three Times?
Every time Jesus was tempted, he responded with the Word. Jesus was a man full of God's Word and this helped him to ward of temptation. 

So, spend time studying God's word and getting closer to God.
Let truth from the Bible inspire you in moments of temptation.
Try looking up what the Bible says about your areas of temptation so that you're ready when the need arises. 

2. Prayer: Every time you feel an urge to do wrong crawling up on you that is the right time to silently pray to God.
Prayer strengthens you and prepares you for the day of adversity. 

As a teenager when faced with an outright temptation a voiced prayer at that moment might seem to only make things worse. 

Instead of a voiced prayer, just pray from your heart without moving your lips like Hannah did God always hears the prayers of the heart 

I Samuel 1:13 

Now Hannah spoke in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard.

Remember, when you give in to temptation, you become a slave to your desires. (Titus 3:3) Why allow yourself to be controlled by your cravings? 

Have the maturity to control your urges rather than allow your urges to control you. (Colossians 3:5) 

And make it a matter of prayer that you continue to do so. —Matthew 6:13. 

References 

1. Teen Link 

2. CBN Teens And Sex 

3. Bible wise 2007 

4. Faith life