8 Practical Ways to Flee from Temptation in the Moment

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“‘Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak’” (Matt. 26:41). There are times when it’s especially difficult to resist acting upon our sinful desires. Here are eight practical things you can do to flee temptation in the moment (all Scripture quotations from the English Standard Version).

1. Start praying fervently.

In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears. (Ps. 18:6)

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. (Ps. 34:17)

The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. (Ps. 145:18)

Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matt. 26:41)

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. (Rom. 8:26)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Phil. 4:6)

2. Grab your Bible and read a few chapters.

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. (Ps. 1:1-3)

I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. (Ps. 119:11)

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (Ps. 119:105)

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Tim. 3:16-17)

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Heb. 4:12)