Overcoming temptation, according to Ellen G. White's writings, involves several practical and spiritual steps:
1. Rely on Christ's Strength: "Jesus is your helper. In his strength you can overcome the beguiling power of appetite. Summon will-power to your aid." (
CTBH 147.2)
2. Do Not Despair: Even if you have failed before, you do not need to give up hope. "He may have been overcome again and again, but it need not be always thus... But he need not despair." (
MH 174.6)
3. Trust in God and Use Provided Means: Overcoming temptation is only possible with God's help, and by using the means He provides. "Temptations to the indulgence of appetite possess a power which can be overcome only by the help that God can impart... they do not put their trust in God. They do not avail themselves of the means provided for their safety." (
CTBH 22.2)
4. Resist Steadfastly and Seek Christ: When tempted, resist and seek help from Jesus. "When assailed by temptation, steadfastly resist the evil promptings... Cry to the dear Saviour for help to sacrifice every idol and to put away every darling sin." (SL 90)
5. Prayer and Faith Are Essential: "By faith and prayer all may meet the requirements of the gospel... Cry unto the Lord, tempted soul. Cast yourself, helpless, unworthy, upon Jesus, and claim His very promise." (
5T 177.2)
6. Each Victory Prepares for the Next: Every time you overcome, you become stronger for future challenges. "If we overcome our trials, and obtain victory over the temptations of Satan... we are stronger, and better prepared to meet the next." (
2SG 290.1)
7. Resist the Devil: "So we may resist temptation, and overcome Satan. The Lord says to us, 'Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you.'" (
SJ 48.5)
8. Avoid Needlessly Exposing Yourself to Temptation: "He who understands well his own character... should not expose himself needlessly, and invite temptation by placing himself upon the enemy's ground." (GW92 371)
9. No Excuse for Sin: Yielding to temptation is a personal choice. "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)
10. Persevere in Helping Others: Even when others struggle, continue to support and encourage them. "They will be continually tempted to evil... but do not, because of this, cease your efforts." (
MH 173.2)
Summary: Overcoming temptation means relying on Christ, persistent prayer, resisting evil, not despairing after failure, and using the means God provides. There is no excuse for yielding, and each victory strengthens you for future trials. Avoid unnecessary exposure to temptation, and persevere in helping others who struggle.
References:
- White, E. G. (1890). Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene (CTBH).
- White, E. G. (1905). The Ministry of Healing (MH).
- White, E. G. (1892). Steps to Christ (SL).
- White, E. G. (1882). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5 (5T).
- White, E. G. (1860). Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 2 (2SG).
- White, E. G. (1896). The Story of Jesus (SJ).
- White, E. G. (1892). Gospel Workers (GW92).
- White, E. G. (1881). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4 (4T).
If you need more specific guidance or examples, feel free to ask!