Use this free Bible study lesson in your Youth Ministry or Sunday School class to teach teenagers about overcoming temptation through the power of the Holy Spirit. More than ever, students in High School and Middle School need this practical guidance from God’s Word!
Bible Study Topic: Overcoming Temptation
Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. (NIV).
Lesson Introduction
Throughout the Bible, temptation is seen either as a test from God or Satan. Sometimes, God permits Satan to test us, and sometimes, the devil tempts us to sin and rebel against God. However, both cases are a form of a trial designed by God or created by Satan that causes an individual to commit evil or sin. Nonetheless, as highlighted in our anchor text, God is always willing to help us overcome temptation.
Meanwhile, you should know that it is natural to be tempted as humans because the flesh is weak. Nevertheless, the Spirit of God helps us avoid giving in to temptation.
3 Keys to Overcoming Temptation
While it’s never easy to resist and successfully overcome temptation, there are ways we can fight and overcome the temptation to sin.
1. Study God’s Word and meditate on it.
Every day, we are faced with temptations; unfortunately, many of us fall instead of resisting. But a deep knowledge of God’s Word through constant study and meditation is what equips us to stand firm in the face of temptation. Apostle Paul explains this perfectly in Romans 12:2 (NIV) – Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
2. Ask God for Help in place of Prayer.
God remains our most enormous help and saving grace from falling in overcoming temptations. Little wonder Jesus tells us to ask God for help in Matthew 6:13 – Do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. In other words, God has all it takes to keep anyone from falling into temptation. What I have observed personally is that the more you pray, the less susceptible you are to fall into temptation. So, pray without ceasing if you want to overcome temptations constantly.
3. Flee from Tempting Situations.
This may sound funny, but that’s God’s command to us – to flee situations that will lead us to sin. The Bible says you should run away when you find yourself in a situation that poses a danger to your faith. For instance, you don’t see a situation that will lead you to commit sexual sin, and you remain there. This is like seeing fire and walking right into it instead of running to safety (See 1 Thessalonians 5:22).
What are the Benefits of Overcoming Temptations?
- God is pleased and proud of you.
- You experience unspeakable joy.
- Resisting and overcoming temptation strengthens you spiritually.
- Your spiritual life enjoys stability.
- God’s hand of protection rests on you and more.
Lesson Conclusion
You are the apple of God’s eye. You are called and chosen by Him. As such, you must persevere in the face of temptations. So many odds are stacked against your living righteously as a teenager. However, you are bound to overcome temptation with these three keys discussed in this lesson.
Youth Group Discussion Questions
- Can a man resist temptation?
- How can we overcome temptation?
- What happens when you overcome temptation?
- List three ways of overcoming temptation.
- What is the role of Prayer in overcoming temptation in our lives?
Further Reading – Matthew 6:13; James 1:13-15; Hebrews 4:15, Proverbs 7:6-10.
Lead the Teenagers to Pray
Almighty God, thank you for the Holy Spirit who empowers us to resist and overcome temptations. We ask that you help us in circumstances that may lead us to sin against you. Imbue us with the grace to overcome the devil’s wiles and strategies at all times. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.