How to Face Temptation
John Owen (1616-1683) was an English scholar, theologian, chaplain, tutor, pastor, vicar, dean of Christ Church College, and author.
you will certainly be speedily delivered out of the temptation, or else receive sufficient grace not to be completely foiled by it.
Do as Paul did, plead with God again and again that it may depart from you. If you continue in this, you will certainly be speedily delivered out of the temptation, or else receive sufficient grace not to be completely foiled by it. But do not even think about the things you are tempted to. This often leads to further entanglements. Set yourself against the temptation itself. Pray against it, that it may depart. And when the temptation is taken away, you may more calmly consider the things themselves.
Expect help from him. Lie down at his feet, and make your complaint known to him. Beg his assistance, and it will not be in vain.
2. Flee to Christ in a particular way, since he also was tempted, and beg of him to give you help in this time of trouble and need. The apostle tells us that, having been tempted himself, he is able to help those who are being tempted. The meaning is this: When you are tempted and ready to faint, when you need help—you must have it or you will die—place your faith particularly on Christ as he was tempted. That is, consider that he was tempted himself, that he suffered as a result of it, that he conquered all temptations, and that he did so, not merely on his own account, but (since it was for our sakes he submitted to be tempted) for us. He conquered in and by himself, but it was for us. Expect help from him. Lie down at his feet, and make your complaint known to him. Beg his assistance, and it will not be in vain.
rest upon this, that God has countless ways that you know nothing of to bring about your deliverance.
3. Look to him who has promised deliverance. Consider that he is faithful, and will not suffer you to be tempted above what you are able to bear. Consider that he has promised a happy outcome to all these trials and temptations. Call to your mind all the promises of assistance that he has made. Ponder them in your heart. And rest upon this, that God has countless ways that you know nothing of to bring about your deliverance.
4. Consider how the temptation which surprised you made its entrance. Search this out and with all speed repair the breach. Stop up the channel by which the waters were able to enter. Deal with your soul like a wise physician. Enquire when, how, and by what means you fell into this disease. And if you find that negligence, carelessness, or lack of keeping watch over yourself was the root of it, concentrate on that. Mourn over it before the Lord, repair that breach, and then proceed to the work that lies before you.