If we are serious about resisting temptations, we have to understand how temptation happens, and the progression it takes. Every temptation begins with a thought. These thoughts do not originate from God, ever. It is Satan who shoots the fiery darts of temptation at us. (Ephesians 6:16) If we aren't diligent, that thought lodges in our mind. The thought itself is not yet a sin: what we do next is critical. We have to deliberately reject that thought, before it takes root and grows. It takes deliberate determination on our part, it isn't going to happen automatically.

If we don't immediately reject the thought, it becomes a bit of a fantasy. The thought takes hold, causing us to think about pursuing that idea, without actually doing it - yet. Fantasies become entangled in our emotions, creating a desire to act on what our minds are imagining. Now a decision has to be made: to reject the fantasy wholly and completely, or to go ahead and fulfil the fantasy. This is sin, and it starts by entertaining the thought. Often it is only a matter of seconds between the thought and the choice to act on it or reject it. In those few seconds, we've usually already made the choice in our mind.

That's why we have to determine a plan of action before we are in the midst of the temptation. The best way to do this is to fill our minds with Scripture, which we can then focus on instead of the tempting thought. Satan only shows us the pleasures of sin, never the consequences. We have to learn to take a moment to look at the bigger picture: What are the possible consequences of this choice? How is it going to affect me, and the people around me? Am I willing to pay that price? Is it worth it?

Te Bible tells us to take every thought captive into obedience. (II Cor. 10:5) and not allow all these thoughts and temptations to take up space in our minds. It is not always easy, but is certainly worth it: