Overcoming temptation
Here are key points from Ellen White's writings on overcoming temptation, with direct references and annotation text for confirmation: 1. Jesus is your helper. In His strength, you can overcome temptation. Even if you have failed before, it need not always be so. Summon will-power and rely on Christ (CTBH 147.2). 2. Many feel powerless against temptation, but you can and must resist. Even repeated failure does not mean you are hopeless. God will help you if you do not despair (MH 174.6). 3. Temptations, especially those appealing to appetite, can only be overcome with God's help. God promises a way of escape with every temptation, but many fail because they do not trust Him or use the means He provides (CTBH 22.2). 4. When tempted, steadfastly resist evil promptings. Pray for help, and believe that strength comes through Jesus. Every obstacle increases your need for Christ (SL 90). 5. No one can be forced to sin; it requires your consent. Temptation is never an excuse for sin. Cry out to God for help, and He will assist you in every time of temptation (5T 177.2). 6. Prayer is essential. When temptations and trials come, go to God and pray earnestly. He will give you grace and strength to overcome (2SG 290.1). 7. Resist temptation as much as you can, and trust Jesus to do what you cannot. Be careful in your words and actions to avoid inviting temptation (3T 378.1). 8. The Bible says, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you” (James 4:7, 8; SJ 48.5). 9. One failure to overcome leaves the soul unguarded. Evil habits, if not resisted, become stronger. Constant prayer and reliance on God are necessary (MH 509.4). 10. Temptation is Satan’s act, but yielding is your own. No one can force you to sin. There is no excuse for sin (4T 623.2). 11. Avoid placing yourself needlessly in the way of temptation. Know your weaknesses and seek God’s help when duty calls you into difficult situations (GW92 371). 12. Even if someone falls repeatedly, do not give up on them. Continue to help and encourage them to overcome (MH 173.2). 13. Temptation cannot be entirely removed; everyone must learn to resist as part of the Christian life (CTBH 153.4). If you would like more detail on any of these points or a specific reference, let me know! References: - CTBH: Counsels on Diet and Foods (originally Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene) - MH: The Ministry of Healing - SL: Steps to Christ (sometimes referenced as Steps to Life) - 5T: Testimonies for the Church, Volume 5 - 2SG: Spiritual Gifts, Volume 2 - 3T: Testimonies for the Church, Volume 3 - SJ: The Story of Jesus - 4T: Testimonies for the Church, Volume 4 - GW92: Gospel Workers (1892 edition)
Note: Ellen Chat may generate unexpected or inaccurate responses. Please verify any quotes with original sources.

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