Defeating Temptation

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I finished Chapter Twenty Seven of The Purpose Driven Life feeling both comforted and called up higher. It reframed temptation for me- not as a shame sentence, but as a space where God faithfully meets me. The chapter’s heartbeat is simple and steady: there is always a way out. Warren wrote. Not always an easy way, but a faithful one.

A Verse I’m Holding Onto

There’s one promise I can’t stop thinking about. “Remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience and God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show yo a way out so that you will not give in to it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

It’s the reminder I need when I feel uniquely weak or unusually pressured: I’m not the first or the only and God is faithful right in the middle of it. This isn’t permission to drift; it’s courage to look for the exit God is already providing. Warren summarizes it so plainly: “There is always a way out.”

Changing the Channel of my mind

One of the most helpful insights was about where the fight actually happens: in my attention. Temptation often starts as a thought- small, persistent and sticky. I’ve learned the hard way that trying to “not think about it can make it stronger and louder. Warren’s counsel is to: “Refocus your attention on something else… we are advised to refocus our attention because resisting a thought doesn’t work.”

The resonates with some of my experiences. When I attempt to chase away a thought I end up feeding it. But if I change the channel- call a friend, step outside, pray a psalm, wash the dishes, put on worship- I give my mind a new place to settle. It’s not denial of the thought; it’s replacement. Hebrews point me in the same direction: “Fix your thoughts on Jesus.” (Hebrews 3:1) and Philippians turn the dial even further: “Fill your minds with those things that are good… true, noble, right, pure, lovely and honorable.” (Philippians 4:8).

When “Run” is the Holiest Word

Sometimes the godliest response isn’t a debate; it’s distance. “Run from anything that gives you evil thoughts… but stay close to anything that make you want to do right.” (2 Timothy 2:22) I love how practical this is. Turn off the show. Step away from the gossip. Close the app. Don’t argue with the phone call- simply hang up. I can almost hear Warren’s grin in the image: “When temptation calls you on the phone, don’t argue with it, just hang up!”

It sounds small, but the small choices reroute days- and days shape a life. The more quickly I leave, the more clearly I think. The more I think clearly, the easier it is to see the “way out” God is offering.

Managing My Mind (and My Media)

Another nudge I’m taking seriously: guard my inputs. What I scroll, what I stream, what I rehearse internally- these are not neutral. Proverbs warns me that my life bends in the direction of my thoughts, and Paul’s language is active, not passive: take thoughts captive; make them obey Christ. That’s not a one-time breakthrough; it’s a practice that trains my inner life to lean toward Jesus. I’m learning to ask: Does this invite peace or stir up comparison? Does this deepen love, or make me restless and cynical? If it’s training my focus, it’s not harmless.

The Power of Telling the Truth (to someone safe)

The chapter also pressed on the loneliness of secret battles. There are struggles I won’t outgrow by sheer willpower; I need community. Not a crowd- just one or two faithful, godly people who will pray, ask, and tell me the truth with kindness. Confession isn’t performance; it’s a doorway to healing. I appreciate Warren’s bluntness when he says: hiding intensifies the hurt. Brining it to the light shrinks it.

Warren asks in the question to consider, who could I ask to be a spiritual partner? My husband comes to mind immediately, and that feels like a nudge from the Spirit. However, I have this undeniable ache for a nearby friend- someone I can actually call, someone rooted in Christ alone. I’ve met plenty of people who mix in practices that don’t align with Scripture, and that have left me feeling out of place or detached even. That longing for fellowship that’s purely anchored in Jesus is holy. I will keep praying for that connection, and keep showing up in spaces where Scripture is held high and Jesus in central. I believe God knows how to knit hearts together in truth.

Resist the Devil

There’s a helpful distinction I’m taking with me: Scripture does not ask me to wrestle endlessly wit ha thought. It calls me to resist the enemy and submit to God. That looks like saying under the Spirit’s authority and wielding the Word the ays Jesus did in the wilderness- clear, simple Scripture in response to seductive half-truths. I don’t have to be clever; I have to be grounded. This is a good reason to keep tucking verses into my memory- one a week adds up. In the moment I need it, the Spirit brings it to mind like a sword unsheathed.

Humility that Keeps Watch

The more progress I feel the more I need humility. I’m not above failing; none of us are. The heart can be slippery. This isn’t to scare me, but to keep me close. It’s easier to stay out of temptation than to claw my way out of it. That sentence has me planning in advance- routes that keep me near the Shepherd instead of near the edge.

A Prayer for Alignment and Purity in Christ

Lord, You are the one true and living God- holy, sovereign, and faithful from generation to generation. You alone are worthy to be praised. Your Word declares in Isaiah 45:5 “I am the Lord, and there is no other; apart from Me there is no God.”

You are my shepherd who leads me beside still waters and restores my soul (psalm 23:2-3). You are the vine, and I am the branch that can only live by abiding in You (John 15:5).

Father, I confess that at times I have let distractions and other influences pull my heat away from wholehearted devotion to You. Thank You that in Christ, I am a new creation- the old had gone, the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Lord, cleans my heart of every competing voice and practice that does not glorify You. Teach me to worship You in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24). Anchor my identity in the truth that I belong to Jesus, bought wit ha price (1 Corinthians 6:20).

Thank you Lord, for Your unfailing love and mercy that draws me back when I wonder. Psalm 126:3 says “The Lord had done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.”

Thank You for surrounding me with Your Spirit’s guidance, for opening my eyes to discern what is true, and for giving me Your Word as a lamp to my feet (Psalm 119:105). Thank You for spiritual leaders who faithfully teach Your Word, and for the promise that You finish what You begin in us (Philippians 1:6).

Father, connect me with women of faith whose hearts are devoted to You- who seek Jesus above all, believe in You, and walk in sound spiritual discipline rooted in Your truth.

Strengthen me to grow in daily worship and obedience. Guard my heart from any practice or teaching that subtly draws me away from Christ. Let my delight be in Your law day and night (Psalm 1:2).

l lift up my pastor to You as he preaches on detoxing from false spiritual practices, filling him with boldness, discernment, and grace. Let his words pierce through deception and bring renewal to the Body of Christ. May his heart and messages be saturated with Your Spirit (2 Timothy 4:2).

Lord, may Your church return to first love, and may we glorify You in spirit and in truth.

In Jesus’ might and matchless name I pray. Amen.