Overcoming Temptation-Matthew 26:41 (ESV)

41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Do you struggle with temptation? Of course you do. We all do. We are all tempted to sin every day. The Bible has much to say about temptation and our response or reaction to it. While the Bible has a lot to say about the source and nature of temptation, it presents only one valid response or reaction to temptation: prayer.

In Matthew chapter 26, Jesus and His disciples were in the garden of Gethsemane where Jesus would be betrayed by Judas and arrested by Roman soldiers. Jesus prayed three times and asked the disciples to to watch and pray with Him. His reasoning was that they would fall into temptation and would need the strength received from prayer.

His reasoning is the same for us today. As already stated, we all are tempted to sin in many ways every day. The best remedy against temptation for us is prayer. When tempted to sin, we should stop and pay for the strength to overcome the temptation. After all, as Jesus pointed out, our spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Paul addressed this same topic in Romans chapter 7. We want to do what is right, but do not possess the strength to do so. Therefore we need to pray.

Have you been tempted today. Chances are that if you have not been tempted yet today, you will be before today is done. When temptation comes, remember the words of Jesus: “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

If you are not a Christian, your first prayer will be to ask Jesus to become your Lord and Savior. Then when temptation comes, you will have the outlet of prayer to help you to overcome any temptation that may come upon you.

Praise God for His love, mercy and gift of prayer.