What does it mean to flee from temptation?
First Corinthians 6:18 says, “Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.” While the temptation is not sin, but when we don’t flee from that temptation, action soon follows. Unfortunately, when many people see temptation coming, they do not flee. Rather than flee temptation, they dabble in it, deflect it, postpone it, or analyse it; some embrace it. We seem to be more concerned with physical dangers that threaten the body than we are with spiritual dangers that threaten the soul. Romans 13:14 says, “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” When we make provision for our flesh we accommodate the things that lead to sin and actually make preparations for sinning. When we allow ourselves to remain in tempting situations instead of fleeing them, we are foolishly placing confidence in the flesh. We believe the lie that our sinful flesh will somehow find the strength to resist at the last moment. Then we are shocked and ashamed when, instead of resisting, we give in. God provides strength and courage to any of His children who will live surrendered to His will (2 Thessalonians 2:16–17; Hebrews 12:10–12). “The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe” (Proverbs 18:10). We are commanded throughout Scripture to stand firm and resist the devil’s schemes (Ephesians 6:10–18; James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:9). Satan’s traps are many and varied and usually begin with a tempting thought or situation. One way we resist the devil is to flee at the first hint of temptation. As we flee from temptation, we naturally flee toward something else, and Paul tells us what that should be: “Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22). Wisdom recognises the danger in temptation and bids us flee from it. “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty” (Proverbs 22:3).
