Temptation
Everyone deals with temptation (1 Corinthians 10:12, 13). Even Jesus Himself was not immune to the devil’s trials (Matthew 4:3-11). We all should be encourage that we all face temptation and are not alone in the struggle. Temptation is not sin; but, if we yield to the temptation then we fall into sin.
The process of temptation and sin is taught in James 1:13-15. It says that temptation does not come from God. Temptation comes when we are drawn away with our own lusts. It’s easy to feel alone when we face temptations, but in reality we are not alone at all. What we are experiencing is something unique. An experience unique to us that is allowing us to grow and mature. 
With this in mind we should be sensitive to others and not participate in activities that could cause others to sin. The verses go on to say that when the lust has been allowed to mature it brings sin and ultimately death.

Temptation is meant to build us up, make us stronger, develop our faith, mature us in our walk, and become more Christlike. 
We don’t have to be slaves to the temptations of the devil. We are set up for success. God in His perfect plan gave us all we need to be successful. 

By embracing the tools He has put in place, we are better equipped to face the battle of temptation.

                                  Pray

In the model prayer that Jesus gave to his disciples in Matthew 6, He taught them to ask God to lead them away from temptation (Matthew 6:13). We need to keep an open line of communication between us and our Father. A daily relationship with God in prayer is a good first step to avoiding temptation.
                       Read The Word
Use the Word of God. 
There are many helpful verses that can guide us in overcoming temptations. Memorizing Bible verses targeted to combat our areas of temptation will prove to be a great defense. 2 Corinthians 10:4 and 5 talk about pulling down things that get a stronghold in our life.

Memorizing a list of Bible verses that you find encouraging will help us avoid temptation and is a good second step in our battle over temptation. These verses will encouraged and strengthen by the wisdom and truth they hold. 
By spending time in God’s word daily and making it a habit, we will hid God’s Word in our hearts. He says by doing this we won’t sin against Him. (Psalm 119:11) 

                       Know Yourself
We need to understand our own personal weaknesses. Not everyone is tempted in the same way. What happens to be a struggle for one person may not be the least bit tempting to another person. James 1:14 says that we are drawn away with our own lusts. This indicates that each person has their own weak areas to deal with. We need to understand our own weakness so that we will know how to combat and avoid our triggers as much as we can. 

                       Flee Temptation

God has promised to make a way to escape temptation. If we will look for the escape route then we can flee the temptation. Many times this way of escape is to literally walk (or run) away. Temptation often comes when we find yourself in certain situations or places. When we recognize one of those situations it is time to pack up our stuff and get out of there. (1 Corinthians 6:18; 10:14; 1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 2:22)
                        Accountability 
Create an accountability network. As Christians we have direct access to God. We do not find scripture in the Bible where we are taught that we must confess our sins to others to have forgiveness from God. We approach God through His Son for forgiveness. However, the Bible does teach that creating accountability with someone else can help you in your struggle against temptation (James 5:16).

Look for someone who is a mature Christian and someone you feel comfortable to confide in. Make sure they know what you struggle with and how they can pray for you. They can help you locate Bible verses that will be a help to you. Have your friend ask you occasionally how you are doing in this area, thus keeping you accountable. 

                  Don’t be Discouraged

We should not become complacent about our sin. But we should also not allow it to defeat us. As Christians we are not given a free pass to sin, but unconditional forgiveness. When our hearts belong to our Savior, we are instantly sad and guilty when we realize we have given into temptation. Don’t accept our sin as if it doesn’t matter, but we realize that we have a choice in our future actions. We embrace the forgiveness we have been granted and the chance to start fresh with the very next breath we take. Don’t let whatever you stumble over keep you down. Jump up and try,try again. 

                  Confess and Repent

When we fall into temptation, we should go to God and confess. He already knows about our sin. We are not telling Him anything that is a surprise. But for our own sake we should humble ourselves before God and confess our sin. The truth is, He has already forgiven His children. He is omnipresent. He knows the past, present, and future. He knew we were going to sin and that we were going to ask for forgiveness. We will never surprise Him no matter how hard we try. By going to Him in confession we clear the sin that stands in the way. We have to remember that God is so holy that sin can not be in His presence and that the punishment for sin is death. By Christ giving His life for ours, our sins became covered…washed away. Now we have clear communication with Our Father. 

Father, Your love is so great for us. You have thought everything out. You have enabled your children to succeed. You watch over us with compassion, mercy, love. You surround you children with your love. You engulf every aspect of our lives. You always make a way for us to overcome whatever we are facing. I pray that I honor you in all I do. Help me to remember Your teachings that I have hid in my heart. Help me to glorify You in all my actions and thoughts. Renew my mind when I am weak and remind me that I can do all things through Your Son who strengthens me. When I stumble may I be thankful that it was You that caught me. When I fall may I praise You for lifting me up. I am forever grateful for Your love and care. May I never take you for granted. 
Amen