The war against sin is a war within us, Mark 7:11The journey to sanctification or holiness begins with your thoughts pattern. (Preverb 12:5, The thoughts of the righteous are always right).

Temptation is not a sin but an enticement to sin (Proverb 1:10).

Temptation is an invitation to sin. You commit sin only when you give into the temptation. Temptation provides you with an occasion whether to do good or evil., Its Satan’s weapon to destroy us but God uses temptation to build and develop our character.

Temptation ends in 2 ways: You please God or you Displeases God. (James 1:12-25) Temptation usually comes with the things you love and like. You can’t claim to be good if you have not been tempted to do bad. Anytime you choose good over bad, you are growing in the character of Christ. (Hebrew 4:15). God uses the pressure of life to refine our treasures.

How does temptation work:
Satan working through our mind is beyond temptation. Satan’s pattern of temptation is predictable. (2 Cor 2:11 – We are not ignorant of his devices). Satan’s pattern of temptation can be summarised which are the 4 D’s of temptation:

1. Desire: He identifies a desire inside of us. Temptation does not live around us, it lives within us, (James 1:14 Satan uses something you desire). Sometimes, the devil wants us to do the right thing it the wrong time. Sin of Gluttony is the sin of eating what you are not meant to eat.
2. Doubt: Satan tries to water down the effect and consequences of what you are expected to do. (Genesis 3:2-5). Satan shows you the immediate gain and hides the failure.
3. Deception
4. Disobedience

How can I free myself from evil thoughts?

1. Have an understanding of Gods instructions and commandment.
2. You need to know your mind on the word of God and meditate on it day and night (Joshua 1:8). Psalm 119:11 says the word have been hidden in my heart so that I may not sin against you. Ephesians 6:11
3. Engage the weapon of the blood of the lamb (Revelations 12:11). The blood is a purging agent. (Mathew 9:13 – 14
4. Make praying in tongues a lifestyle. When you are praying in tongues, you are praying via the spirit.
5. Quote the scriptures. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)

Whatever gets your attention is what you submit to. (1 Corinth 10:13). There are temptations but you can overcome it (1 John 5:3)