72 Best Bible Verses About Temptation & How to Overcome
Everybody faces temptation. Nobody is immune to being faced with temptation. We live in a fallen world and contend with the sin in our own hearts daily. Even Jesus faced temptation, yet He did not sin. As we review Bible verses about temptation, we will learn how we are tempted. And how to avoid falling into sin when tempted. Additionally, we will learn from examples of people who faced temptation in the Bible and the importance of abiding in Christ to help us overcome temptation.
What is temptation in the Bible?
Temptation is defined as the desire to do something wrong or unwise in the Oxford dictionary. In the Bible, temptation refers to the desire to sin or testing of a person’s faith, character, or obedience to God’s commands. Temptation can come from our own desires (our flesh) or it can come from the devil.
Temptation never comes from God nor is it a sin. In fact, Jesus experienced temptation. Sin comes from acting on the temptation. The Bible provides guidance on how to resist temptation, seek God’s help and remain obedient in the face of temptation. God’s Word also highlights the importance of personal responsibility in making choices that align with God’s best for His children.
James 1:13-15 – Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
Christ Jesus Faced Temptation
We can take comfort from the fact that Jesus is our faithful High Priest. According the the following Bible verses about temptation, we learn that He was tempted in every way yet as God the Son, He overcame temptation. Jesus understands the suffering the we endure when tempted because He has experienced temptation.
Hebrews 4:15 – For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Hebrews 2:18 – For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
Matthew 4:1 – Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
Satan the Tempter
As you review the following Bible verses about temptation and Satan’s role, notice that he has several names and phrases that describe his character. Satan is described as a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Additionally, described as one who disguises himself as an angel of light, the tempter and the father of lies. He is our enemy and desires to move us toward sin through temptation. It is also important to remember that our flesh also tempts us to sin. Either way, the cure is the same…we will cover that shortly.
1 Peter 5:8 – Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
Ephesians 6:11 – Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
James 4:7 – Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
2 Corinthians 11:14 – And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.
Matthew 4:1 – Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
John 8:44 – You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
Revelation 12:9 – And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.
2 Timothy 2:26 – And they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.
1 Thessalonians 3:5 – For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain.
Who deals with temptation?
Every. Single. Person… deals with evil desires and temptation from within our own heart or from the enemy. Temptation is part of the Christian life this side of heaven. Our flesh and the Spirit are doing battle. All the way back in the Garden of Eden we see temptation from the enemy. Every child of God will face temptation or battle ungodly desires. We have to choose what we will do when faced with temptation. Jesus is our great High Priest and also faced temptation. Remember that temptation is not sin. Sin occurs when we act on or follow through with the temptation. As you read over the Bible verses about the flesh and the Spirit, look for the encouragement and wisdom offered in the Word of God.
Galatians 5:16-17 – But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.
Romans 8:5-6 – For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.
Galatians 5:19-23 – Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things, there is no law.
Romans 7:18-19 – For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.
Galatians 6:7-8 – Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
Examples of People in the Bible Facing Temptation
Adam and Eve: In the book of Genesis, Adam and Eve are tempted by the serpent,Satan. They were told not to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. However, the serpent tempted Eve by questioning God’s command and suggesting that eating the forbidden fruit would make her wise. Eve succumbed to the temptation, ate the fruit, and gave it to Adam, who also ate it. This act of disobedience led to the fall of humanity and introduced sin into the world.
Joseph: In the book of Genesis, Joseph, the son of Jacob, faced temptation when he was in Egypt. Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce him and urged him to sleep with her. But Joseph resisted her advances and said, “How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?”. Joseph’s steadfastness in resisting temptation led to his imprisonment but ultimately played a significant role in God’s plan for his life.
Jesus: In the New Testament, Jesus faced intense temptation in the wilderness. He was led by the Spirit into the desert, where He fasted for 40 days and 40 nights. During this time, Satan tempted Him three times. The devil suggested that He turn stones into bread, jump from the pinnacle of the temple to prove His divinity, and worship Satan in exchange for all the kingdoms of the world. However, Jesus resisted each temptation by quoting Scripture and relying on the Word of God.
Bible Verses About Temptation
1 Corinthians 10:13 – No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
James 1:12 – Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
James 4:7 – Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Matthew 26:41 – Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Proverbs 4:23 – Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.
Galatians 5:16 – But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
2 Timothy 2:22 – So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
1 Peter 5:8 – Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
Hebrews 4:15 – For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Romans 13:14 – But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
Matthew 6:13 – And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
1 Timothy 6:9 – But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.
Proverbs 1:10 – My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.
Proverbs 1:15 – My son, do not walk in the way with them; hold back your foot from their paths.
Luke 22:40 – And when he came to the place, he said to them, ‘Pray that you may not enter into temptation.’
1 Corinthians 7:5 – Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
1 John 2:16 – For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.
Bible Verses About Temptation and How to Overcome
Seek God’s Guidance in His Word
The words of God found in His Holy Bible give us the greatest guidance in how to overcome temptation. From His Word we find encouragement, strength and instruction that we can cling to when faced with temptation.
Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
James 1:5 – If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
Psalm 25:4-5 – Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.
Psalm 119:105 – Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Proverbs 16:3 – Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established.
Isaiah 30:21 – And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.
Psalm 37:5 – Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.
Psalm 32:8 – I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
Matthew 6:33 – But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Seek God’s Help in Prayer
Psalm 121:1-2 – I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
Psalm 50:15 – And call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.
Matthew 7:7-8 – Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.
Philippians 4:6 – Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Hebrews 4:16 – Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Bible Verses About the Power of Prayer
Bible Verses About Temptation and Fleeing
1 Corinthians 10:14 – Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.
1 Timothy 6:11 – But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.
2 Timothy 2:22 – So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
1 Corinthians 6:18 – Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.
2 Timothy 2:16-17 – But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene.
2 Timothy 3:5 – Having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.
James 4:7 – Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Fighting Temptation with the Full Armor of God
If there is one place in God’s Word that helps us when faced with temptation, it is the full armor of God. We fight with divine weapons- God’s Word and prayer. Both God’s Word and prayer are empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 6:10-20 – Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
How to Overcome Temptation: Abiding
Abide, literally, means to ‘stay’ or ‘remain. ‘ To abide in the Lord means that we continually receive, believe and trust that Jesus is everything we need. We abide when we are in communication with Him through prayer and Bible study. Abiding means we are walking in obedience to His Word, trusting and depending on Him continually. Ask God to speak to you as you review the following Bible verses about temptation and overcoming through abiding.
John 15:4-5 – Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
1 John 2:24 – Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father.
John 14:23 – Jesus answered him, ‘If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.’
Colossians 3:16 – Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
Psalm 91:1 – He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
Psalm 37:3 – Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
Psalm 119:11 – I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
1 Corinthians 3:16 – Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?
1 John 4:15 – Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.
John 8:31 – So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, ‘If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples.’
God’s Grace & Temptation
We can’t end without highlighting God’s grace when we are faced with temptation. Additionally, His amazing grace even when we succumb to temptation and find ourselves sinning. God lavishes His grace on His children.
2 Corinthians 12:9 – But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Titus 2:11 – For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people.
Romans 6:14 – For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.
Hebrews 4:16 – Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
1 Peter 5:10 – And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
Final Thoughts on Bible Verses About Temptation
My hope and prayer is that you have found encouragement from the Bible verses about temptation- how we come to be tempted and how to overcome temptation. Everyone deals with temptation- the Word of God strengthens, encourages and instructs us on how to overcome temptation. You are never alone when tempted- God is always with you ready to help you. Depend on the power of the Holy Spirit to help you overcome. Which verse spoke to you the most? Leave an answer in the comments!
I have made a note of most of these references. It will make for careful study. Thanks
[…] My personal favorite reason to memorize Scripture is that just the right verses come to my mind at just the right moments; That is the Holy Spirit using the Truth hidden in your heart! When I am taking thoughts captive, I pull Scripture from my memory bank. Memorizing Bible verses help you internalize God’s Word and write it on your heart. You will find deeper peace as you rest in God’s character and promises. Memory verses will also equip you for spiritual battle, grief and temptation. […]