Defeating Temptation
- Bishop Keith Butler
- Apr 26
- 2 min read
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. (Romans 12:1)
What does it mean to be a living sacrifice? The concept is a challenging one. In the Old Testament, a sacrifice was something valuable offered entirely to God, and once it was given, it could no longer be used for personal benefit. Once it was gone, it was gone—once you give it, you don’t see it again. Paul encouraged us to offer our whole selves—our bodies, our actions, and our daily choices—not as a dead sacrifice, but as a living one. This means it’s a continual, everyday sacrifice to God.
However, even when we make that decision, our bodies and minds don’t automatically comply. We carry old cravings and temptations, and while we are free from them, they have become a default for our flesh due to habit. Your spirit has been saved, but your body is still in the process.
We must create new habits—Godly ones—that will kick in when temptation arises. Paul mentioned that he put under his body, which means he intentionally aligned himself with behaviors and choices that reflect God’s will every day. He demanded that his actions agree with his spirit daily. You cannot control your flesh on Monday and expect it to last on Tuesday; you must decide this is an everyday commitment.
We are not called to live our faith passively. You need to recognize that a war is occurring within your human system, a war aimed at dominating your mind. Either you allow the flesh to take control, or your spirit man does. The outcome depends on whom you are nurturing and what you are proclaiming. Speak faith and fill your mind with the Word of God.
Practical Application
Today, select one practical step you can take when temptation arises to change the moment and shift your emotions. Perhaps it involves quoting a specific
Scripture, praying intentionally or consciously pausing to focus on God. Develop a plan and follow through.
