Question 287: How do you resist temptation?

Answer:

I resist temptation by relying on God’s grace, praying for strength, turning to Scripture, and walking in the power of the Holy Spirit. I avoid situations that lead to sin, remain accountable to others, and keep my heart fixed on Christ. Though temptation is strong, God is stronger and always provides a way of escape. (Matthew 26:41, 1 Corinthians 10:13, James 4:7–8, Psalm 119:11, Galatians 5:16)

Full Scripture References

“Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” – Matthew 26:41 (BSB)

“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it.” – 1 Corinthians 10:13 (BSB)

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” – James 4:7–8 (BSB)

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

“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” – Galatians 5:16 (BSB)

Expanded Explanation of Catechism Question

To resist temptation, I must first submit to God. Resistance is not a matter of willpower alone, but of dependence on divine grace. Fr. Thomas Buchan (Anglican Union, St. Mark’s Anglican Church, VA) teaches, “The key to resisting temptation is not inward strength, but outward surrender—to Christ, to the Word, and to the Spirit.” (The Spiritual Life of the Christian, 2022)

Prayer is central. Jesus Himself told His disciples to “watch and pray” lest they fall into temptation. Bishop Stephen Hale (GAFCON, Australia) notes, “Prayer opens the soul to God’s power. It weakens sin by strengthening communion.” (Living by Grace in a Tempting World, 2020) When we are tempted, we must immediately seek God’s help and presence.

Scripture is our weapon in the fight. Jesus responded to Satan’s temptations with the Word of God. Fr. Caleb Evans (Anglican Orthodox Church, St. Stephen’s Mission, GA) explains, “The Word must not only be read but stored deep in the soul. When temptation strikes, Scripture becomes our shield and sword.” (Waging War with the Word, 2021)

Resisting temptation also requires wise avoidance. We must not linger near sin or expose ourselves unnecessarily to its influence. Bishop Henry Okeke (GAFCON, Diocese of Ideato, Nigeria) writes, “To flee temptation is not cowardice but courage. The wise Christian watches the path of his feet.” (Pastoral Teaching on Holiness, 2022)

Accountability and community play a vital role. Canon George Grant (ACNA, Parish Presbyterian Church, TN) reminds us, “Temptation thrives in isolation. But confession, counsel, and encouragement among God’s people help us walk in the light.” (Recovering Anglican Piety, 2019)

Early Church Fathers on Catechism Question

“Let him who would not fall, not fight alone. Prayer, Scripture, and fellowship are the guards of the soul.” – John Chrysostom, Homily on Matthew, c. 390 AD

“He who flees temptation conquers it. Do not argue with sin—escape from its reach.” – Augustine of Hippo, Sermon on the Psalms, c. 400 AD

“The devil trembles when the Christian kneels. Let prayer rise before the attack, and grace will strengthen the weak.” – Cyprian of Carthage, On the Lord’s Prayer, c. 250 AD

“Resist not in your own strength, but in Christ’s. He has overcome, and in Him, so shall we.” – Gregory the Great, Morals on the Book of Job, c. 590 AD