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Trials, Tests, and especially Temptations are key features of the Christian life and experience. Though some may not want to deal with it, temptations will come to every Christian. No one is exempt: priests, pastors, and parishioners will face things that will challenge their walks with Christ. We have to learn how to engage in spiritual warfare and fight to overcome personal temptations. From Jesus’ temptation or testing in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11), we learn valuable truths to overcoming temptation regardless of its source and content. So, we want to present 5 things that every Christian must KNOW in order to consistently overcome personal temptations.

Know Yourself –You need to be honest with “who” you are and “how” you are. More importantly, you need to know who you are in Christ. The tempter challenged Jesus’ identity to make Him act outside of God’s will when he said, “If thou be the Son…” When we know who we are, it will set boundaries on our activities and actions.

Know Your Weakness/Vulnerabilities – There is an old expression that states “to thine own self be true.” The psalmist said it better “thou desiredst truth in the inward parts.” You have to be brutally honest about what tempts you regardless of what it is. Everyone is not tempted by the same things, but you cannot be in denial or you will not overcome temptations when they are presented to you. Jesus never denied His hunger, but He stood on the word to govern His response to the adversary’s challenge.

Know Your Adversary – Paul stated that we are not ignorant of Satan’s devices. We know that every time someone yields to temptation, it is not always because it is presented by the adversary. People sometimes do what they do just because they want to. However, we must understand that there is an enemy of every Christian, who will use temptations and distractions to frustrate their growth and walk with Christ.

Know Your God – To overcome temptations, you must know God and His power. Jesus responded to the adversary by stating, “you shall not tempt God” and “you must worship God only.” He revealed the nature of God and what God expects. When you understand your God, that He is holy and that He is to worshipped in the beauty of holiness, it will strengthen your resolve not to yield to temptation.

Know Your Bible – Jesus responded to the temptation of the adversary by properly using the word of God. If we are to overcome, we must know what is written and how to effectively appropriate the scriptures when facing the trials, tests, and temptations of life.

Well, there you have it. Until next time, remain faithful to Him who has called you, who will bring all things to pass. He will help you to overcome every trial and test to stand before Him in holiness and righteousness. If you would like other resources for your Christian life and experience, please visit me at Amazon or Kingdom Builders Publishing.

How am I to praise God at all times? Am I to walk around singing and dancing all day? Am I to carry an instrument at all times to praise Him? Do I always have to be talking about something He’s done to show His praises? How is the Christian to live in continual praises?

I. Praise God in our Conversations (Psalm 34:1) – God’s praise can continually be in our mouths by the conversations that we have. Though every word does not have to be a declaration of praise, but our words should not distract others from God’s goodness and works. The Christians’ words are to be seasoned with God’s grace and wisdom, which is the same as offering praise unto the Lord (Ephesians 4:29)

II. Praise God in our Appearance (I Timothy 2:9-10) – Paul gave Timothy instructions for how the women were to dress. Their outer appearance was to match their testimony in Jesus Christ. Though Paul specifically addressed the women, we know that Christian men are to be modest in their outer appearance. This helps to adorn the gospel of Christ. When we possess a fitting outer image and good works, the gospel message is enhanced. We stated earlier that there are non-verbal ways to praise the Lord. Our outer appearance is also a non-verbal way that we offer praise unto God for His salvation and goodness towards us.

III. Praise God in Fellowship (Psalm 34:3) – David made an appeal that praise be done corporately. We demonstrate praise and honor to God when we have fruitful fellowship with other Christians (in and outside of the religious setting). Today, some claim to know God and have no fellowship with others. However, if our praise is to be perfected and acceptable, we have to have fellowship and communion with others. Our interaction is not limited to other Christians. We are to have fruitful interactions with unbelievers, which gives praise unto God. Remember Peter’s words.

It is through our godly conversation and appearance that we show forth the work of salvation in our lives to unbelievers. This is how we show forth His praises. It is through our personal witness of the work of Christ in our lives (I Peter 2:9). We are to say the right things, present ourselves the right way, and have fellowship with others in response to God’s works in our lives. Our lives should be lived in praise to Him for all He has done.

Well, there you have it. Until next time, remain faithful to Him who has called you, who will bring all things to pass. I have addressed this topic in detail in my book, “The Call to Worship” – Understanding the True Essence of Worship, which can be found at Amazon.com.