Victory over Temptation

by Ellen Clodfelter

This month as we consider living like Jesus, we are focusing on victory. Today I would like to highlight an issue that we all have struggled with – temptation. When we shape our lives to look more like Jesus, we begin to experience what true victory really is. 

As hard as it is to believe, Christmas is almost here, and with it comes the temptation to overspend on gifts for everyone. While I was out shopping recently, I picked up a bottle of Coke and noticed the tagline: “Share a Coke with friends.” It struck me—they aren’t just selling soda; they’re selling friendship, connection, and happiness. That made me wonder: Who else does this? Well, nearly every major brand sells an idea that’s not always obvious. Pinterest sells creativity. Jeep sells adventure. Disney sells wonders and nostalgia. 

This is not accidental; this is a strategic, intentional, and genius marketing strategy. Companies know that if we connect emotionally with their products, we’re much more likely to “buy in.” 

The same goes for sin and temptation. Satan is a master salesman. He is good at wrapping temptation into a nice little package with a shiny red bow. Presented to us in this way, we no longer recognize the sin lurking with it. 

Temptation is one of the very first things mentioned in the Bible. Right after God created everything and called it “good,” Adam and Eve were tempted and fell. Here is Satan’s marketing plan: 

“Be like God – eat the fruit.” 

“For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil” (Genesis 3:5-6). Eve did not recognize this temptation and sin. Satan presented it to her by telling her she could be more like God. James pointed out that temptation grows into sin (1:14-15). Eve didn’t seem to notice. 

He tried this tactic throughout Scripture and often succeeded. 

To Ananias & Sapphira he said, “Give part of the proceeds; you will look generous.” 

To David he said, “Take a census; it will show how mighty you are.”  

Honestly, I have fallen for this same kind of marketing. How many times have I stepped right up to the edge of the cliff and thought, “I won’t fall in?” Why did I get so close in the first place? Why do I think I can touch the fire and not get burned? Why don’t I stay far away and stick close to God? Why do I even let Satan get close enough to whisper in my ear? Why do I let him get a foothold? 

Even Paul understood this struggle. 

I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 

Romans 7:15, 19 

But when Satan tried his strategy on Jesus, it failed. He tempted Jesus physically when Jesus was hungry, emotionally by promising protection from angels, and spiritually by offering the whole world in exchange for worship. Here was his marketing plan: 

“Worship me. I’ll give you the whole world.” 

Next, the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. “I will give it all to you,” he said, “if you will kneel down and worship me.” 

“Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say ‘You must worship the LORD your God and serve only him.’” 

Matthew 4:8-10 

So, why did others fall to their temptations, while Jesus was victorious? Jesus fought the temptation with Scripture (Deuteronomy 8:3). Interestingly, Satan quoted Scripture back at Him, using Psalm 91:11 “He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” He twisted truth into temptation. 

We must remember we are in a real spiritual battle against Satan, and we must be prepared. Ephesians 6:10-18 tells us to put on the full armor of God, and that among all our defenses, our two offensive weapons are the Word of God and prayer. It does us no good if a weapon sits unused on a shelf collecting dust. We need to know how to use this weapon and to actually use it. We need to read the Word, memorize the Word, then wield it in prayer against the enemy. 

Temptation will always be part of life, but through Christ, victory is not only possible, it is promised. Hebrews 4:15-16 reminds us that Jesus was tempted in every way, just as we are, yet He didn’t sin. Therefore, we can approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, knowing that He understands our struggles and provides the strength to overcome. 

We just need to be faithful, even to the point of death, and God will give us the victor’s crown (Revelation 2:10). In faithfulness and perseverance, we will be able to say, like Paul did, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). 

Next time, instead of falling into temptations, drop to your knees in prayer. Instead of standing on the edge, lean into Scripture. Instead of playing with fire, burn the light that illuminates the darkness. Instead of reaching for forbidden fruit, raise your hands in praise. Where Adam and Eve fell in the garden, Jesus won the VICTORY in the wilderness.  

Keep watch and pray so that you won’t give in to temptation.
The spirit is willing, but the body is weak. 

Matthew 26:41