The opportunities for temptation are endless; meaning you need to be constantly aware and watching out for the temptations you are faced with.

When it comes to awareness and watching, Jesus, through His own example, gives you two important instructions: “Watch and pray.”

Watch

“Watch” is characteristic of Jesus’ teaching (Matthew 24:42; 25:13). It became a watchword of the disciples (1 Corinthians 16:13; Colossians 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:6; 1 Peter 5:8). Watch so you may avoid temptation whenever possible. Proverbs 4:14-15 urges you “Don't enter into the path of the wicked. Don't walk in the way of evil men. Avoid it and don't pass by it. Turn from it, and pass on.”

To escape temptation is to stay away from the place, circumstance, or the people where temptation lurks. Watch out that you don’t toy with temptation. Flee from it! When the boss’ wife asked Joseph to have sex with her, he immediately fled from her (Genesis 39:12). You should flee from temptations of all kinds including engaging in sexual immorality, worshiping material possession and wealth, gossip, lying…anything God calls sin.

Pray

Jesus tells you to pray because prayer is one of the most significant strategies you can use to overcome temptation. Prayer is communication between you and Jesus. So because Jesus is the only one who can help can you resist temptation successfully, prayer (communication) is essential.

Pray for Jesus to cleanse you of chronic temptation. Jesus alone can clean your mind and your thoughts.

Pray to be able to resist temptation until it leaves you. Jesus was tempted by the devil, He resisted with the Word of God until the devil disappeared (Matthew 4:4,7,10). Resisting begins by bathing your mind with the Word of God and standing your ground.

Jesus, who overcame all temptations, makes it possible for you to do the same when you stay close to him. Remember, “We are more than conquerors” through Jesus who is with you always (see Romans 8:37 and Matthew 28:20).