Based on the writings of Ellen White, overcoming temptation is possible through a combination of divine power and personal effort. Here are key principles from her books on this topic: ### The Role of Christ and Divine Power Victory over temptation is not achieved by human strength alone. It requires looking to Jesus for help and strength. * **Christ is the Helper:** "Although you may have been overcome, although moral debasement may have marked your course, it need not always be thus. Jesus is your helper. In his strength you can overcome the beguiling power of appetite." (CTBH 147.2) * **Look to Jesus in Times of Trial:** "When assailed by temptation, steadfastly resist the evil promptings; say to your soul, 'How can I dishonor my Redeemer? I have given myself to Christ; I cannot do the works of Satan.' Cry to the dear Saviour for help to sacrifice every idol and to put away every darling sin. Let the eye of faith see Jesus standing before the Father's throne, presenting His wounded hands as He pleads for you." (SL 90) * **God Provides a Way of Escape:** "Temptations to the indulgence of appetite possess a power which can be overcome only by the help that God can impart. But with every temptation we have the promise of God that there shall be a way of escape. Why, then, are so many overcome? It is because they do not put their trust in God." (CTBH 22.2) ### Personal Responsibility and Effort While divine help is essential, individuals must also actively participate in their own victory by exercising their will and seeking God through prayer. * **Exercise Will-Power:** "Summon will-power to your aid." (CTBH 147.2) * **Resist Firmly:** "Beset with temptations without number, we must resist firmly or be conquered." (8T 313.2) * **The Power of Prayer:** "When temptations and trials rush in upon us, let us go to God, and agonize with him in prayer. He will give us grace and strength to overcome, and break the power of the enemy." (2SG 290.1) * **Center Your Thoughts on God:** "The thoughts must be centered upon God. We must put forth earnest effort to overcome the evil tendencies of the natural heart. Our efforts, our self-denial and perseverance, must be proportionate to the infinite value of the object of which we are in pursuit." (MH 455.2) ### The Nature of Temptation and Sin Ellen White makes a clear distinction between being tempted and choosing to sin. * **Temptation is Not Sin:** "It is Satan's act to tempt you, but your own act to yield. It is not in the power of all the host of Satan to force the tempted to transgress. There is no excuse for sin." (4T 623.2) * **Consent is Required:** "No man can be forced to transgress. His own consent must be first gained; the soul must purpose the sinful act before passion can dominate over reason or iniquity triumph over conscience. Temptation, however strong, is never an excuse for sin." (5T 177.2) ### Practical Steps for Overcoming * **Avoid Tempting Situations:** "He who understands well his own character, who is acquainted with the sin that most easily besets him and the temptations that will be most likely to overcome him, should not expose himself needlessly, and invite temptation by placing himself upon the enemy's ground." (GW92 371) * **Don't Despair in Failure:** For those who have fallen repeatedly, there is still hope. "He may have been overcome again and again, but it need not be always thus... The knowledge of his broken promises and forfeited pledges weakens his confidence in his own sincerity... But he need not despair." (MH 174.6)