Resisting Temptation

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Text: Genesis 14:23

“That I will not take from a thread even to a shoe latchet, and that I will not take anything that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich.”

Introduction

Temptation is one of the oldest tools the enemy uses to derail God’s people. It comes subtly, often clothed in opportunities, comfort, or shortcuts. But the true test of character is not what we do when everything is easy—it’s how we respond when compromise seems convenient.

In Genesis 14, Abram had just won a great battle, rescued Lot, and recovered the spoils of war. The King of Sodom approached him with an offer: “Take the goods for yourself.” It sounded harmless—Abram deserved it! But Abram refused. Why? Because he recognized the subtle danger of temptation hidden behind the gift.

He said, “I will not take anything from you, lest you say, I have made Abram rich.”
Abram chose God’s approval over human reward.

  1. Temptation often looks like opportunity

The King of Sodom wasn’t offering sin—he was offering stuff. Yet behind that offer was a spiritual snare.

Temptation doesn’t always come through obvious evil. It comes through:

The chance to cut corners at work for quick gain.

The relationship that looks good but pulls you away from God.

The offer that satisfies the flesh but starves the spirit.

Satan rarely says, “Come and sin.” He whispers, “You deserve this.”
But Abram discerned the motive behind the offer and said no.

  1. Resisting temptation requires conviction before confrontation

Abram didn’t decide at that moment what to do—his heart was already settled.

If you don’t make up your mind before temptation comes, you’ll likely fall when it does.
You must determine:

“I will not cheat, no matter how hard things get.”

“I will not defile myself, no matter how lonely I feel.”

“I will not take glory that belongs to God.”

Conviction must precede confrontation.

  1. God rewards those who choose integrity

After Abram refused the King of Sodom, God appeared to him in the next chapter (Genesis 15:1) and said, “Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.”

When you say “no” to temptation, you’re not losing something—you’re making room for something better.
God Himself became Abram’s reward.

Every time you turn away from sin, heaven takes note. Every “no” you say to the devil is a “yes” to God’s plan.

Illustrative Story

There’s a story of a young Christian man who got his first job at a large company. On his second week, his supervisor asked him to adjust some figures to make the department look better before a major audit.

The young man hesitated—it was his first job, and he feared losing it. But that night, he prayed and remembered the story of Abram. The next morning, he told his supervisor, “Sir, I can’t do that. I’d rather lose this job than lose my integrity.”

He was fired.
A few months later, another company that had heard of his honesty offered him a higher-paying position. Years later, that same integrity made him a director.

When you resist temptation, it might cost you temporarily—but God always settles accounts.

  1. The power to resist comes from the Holy Spirit

Our human strength is not enough. Jesus Himself was tempted in the wilderness but overcame by the Word of God.
In the same way, the Holy Spirit empowers us to say no when the flesh says yes.
The Spirit brings to remembrance the Word of truth, strengthens our conscience, and guards our heart.

Galatians 5:16 says, “Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”

Conclusion

Beloved, every temptation is an invitation—to either sin or victory.
Abram chose God’s glory over earthly gain.
You too can stand your ground.
When temptation comes, remember:

What you gain through compromise, you lose in credibility.

What you refuse for God’s sake, He replaces with something eternal.

So like Abram, let your confession be:

“I will not take anything that is yours, lest you say you made me rich.”

Closing Prayer

“Lord, give me the strength to resist every temptation that comes my way.
Help me to value Your presence more than possessions, Your approval more than applause.
May I never trade my calling for convenience.
Fill me with Your Spirit, and keep me faithful till the end.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

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