No temptation has taken you except what is common to men. But God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but along with the temptation he will also make the way out in order for you to be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:12, 13) All of us​—young and old, male and female—​encounter many temptations in school, at work, or elsewhere.

 7. Why is it comforting to know that others have successfully resisted temptation?

⁷ What comfort we derive from Paul’s words: “No temptation has taken you except what is common to men”! (1 Corinthians 10:13) The apostle Peter wrote: “Take your stand against [the Devil], solid in the faith, knowing that the same things in the way of sufferings are being accomplished in the entire association of your brothers in the world.” (1 Peter 5:9) Yes, others have faced similar temptations and have successfully resisted them with God’s help, and so can we. However, as true Christians living in a depraved world, all of us can expect to be tempted sooner or later.

12. What do we ask from God when we pray: “Do not bring us into temptation”?

¹² Paul gives this heartening assurance: “God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but along with the temptation he will also make the way out in order for you to be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13) One way that Jehovah assists us is by answering our prayers for his help in coping with temptation. Jesus Christ taught us to pray: “Do not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the wicked one.” (Matthew 6:13) In response to such heartfelt prayer, Jehovah will not abandon us to temptation; he will deliver us from Satan and his crafty acts. (Ephesians 6:11, footnote) We should ask God to help us recognize temptations and have the strength to resist them. If we implore him not to allow us to fail when we are tempted, he will help us so that we are not overreached by Satan, “the wicked one.”

13. What should we do when faced with persistent temptation?

¹³ Especially do we need to pray fervently when confronted by persistent temptation. Some temptations can cause powerful inner struggles, with thoughts and attitudes that dramatically remind us of how weak we really are. (Psalm 51:5) For instance, what can we do if we are tormented by recollections of some former depraved practice? What if we are tempted to return to it? Rather than merely trying to suppress such feelings, take the matter to Jehovah in prayer​—repeatedly if necessary. (Psalm 55:22) With the power of his Word and holy spirit, he can help us to cleanse our mind of unclean inclinations.​—Psalm 19:8, 9.

14. Why is prayer essential to cope with temptation?

¹⁴ Noting his apostles’ drowsiness in the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus urged: “Keep on the watch and pray continually, that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit, of course, is eager, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41) One way to overcome temptation is to be alert to the various forms that temptation can take and be sensitive to its subtleties. It is also vital that we pray about the temptation without delay so that we may be spiritually equipped to fight it. Because temptation strikes where we are most vulnerable, we cannot resist it alone. Prayer is essential because the strength that God gives can shore up our defenses against Satan. (Philippians 4:6, 7) We may also need the spiritual assistance and prayers of “the older men of the congregation.”​—James 5:13-18.

Actively Resist Temptation

15. What is involved in resisting temptation?

¹⁵ Besides avoiding a temptation when possible, we must actively resist it until it passes or the situation changes. When Jesus was tempted by Satan, he resisted until the Devil went away. (Matthew 4:1-11) The disciple James wrote: “Oppose the Devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7) Resistance begins by fortifying our mind with God’s Word and firmly deciding that we will adhere to his standards. We do well to memorize and meditate on key scriptures that deal with our specific weakness. It would be wise to find a mature Christian​—perhaps an elder—​with whom to share our concerns and upon whom we can call for help when temptation strikes.​—Proverbs 22:17.

16. How can we remain morally upright?

¹⁶ The Scriptures urge us to put on the new personality. (Ephesians 4:24) This means allowing Jehovah to mold and change us. Writing to his fellow worker Timothy, Paul said: “Pursue righteousness, godly devotion, faith, love, endurance, mildness of temper. Fight the fine fight of the faith, get a firm hold on the everlasting life for which you were called.” (1 Timothy 6:11, 12) We can “pursue righteousness” by diligently studying God’s Word in order to get an intimate knowledge of his personality and then by conducting ourselves in accord with his requirements. A full schedule of Christian activities, such as preaching the good news and attending meetings, is also vital. Drawing close to God and taking full advantage of his spiritual provisions will help us to grow spiritually and remain morally upright.​—James 4:8.

17. How do we know that God will not forsake us during temptation?

¹⁷ Paul assures us that any temptation we experience will never go beyond our God-given ability to deal with it. Jehovah will ‘make the way out so that we are able to endure it.’ (1 Corinthians 10:13) Indeed, God does not allow a temptation to become so overwhelming that we would lack sufficient spiritual strength to maintain integrity if we continue to rely upon him. He wants us to succeed in actively resisting temptation to do what is wrong in his sight. Moreover, we can have faith in his promise: “I will by no means leave you nor by any means forsake you.”​—Hebrews 13:5.