Temptation and Habitual Sin


Introduction

Temptation and habitual sin are among the most dangerous snares for the Christian soul. Richard Baxter describes them as the devil’s method of fastening chains on the will: a temptation allowed, entertained, and repeated becomes a settled sinful habit. Habitual sin darkens the mind, hardens the conscience, and weakens resistance until the soul feels powerless. Baxter insists that temptation itself is not sin, but consenting to it, cherishing it, and turning it into a custom is deadly. He reminds us that Christ was tempted in all points yet without sin, and therefore can succour those who are tempted.


Scripture Focus

“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13, KJV)
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7, KJV)
“Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.” (Romans 6:12, KJV)


List of Relevant Scriptures

  • Genesis 4:7 – Sin crouches at the door, but we must rule over it.
  • Matthew 4:1–11 – Christ’s temptation in the wilderness.
  • Luke 22:31–32 – Satan desires to sift, but Christ prays for His own.
  • Romans 7:18–25 – The struggle of indwelling sin.
  • Galatians 5:16–17 – Walk in the Spirit, and you will not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
  • Hebrews 2:18 – Christ is able to help those who are tempted.
  • 1 Peter 2:11 – Abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul.
  • Revelation 2:7 – Promise to those who overcome.


Overview of the Biblical Teaching on This Issue

The Bible teaches that temptation is a universal reality, but also that victory is possible in Christ. God never tempts us to sin, though He may test us; the devil tempts us to destroy. Habitual sin begins with small concessions, grows by repetition, and eventually enslaves. Yet Scripture promises that sin shall not have dominion over those who are under grace. By union with Christ, we are no longer debtors to the flesh, but called to mortify its deeds. The Spirit enables us to resist, and God provides a way of escape in every trial.


Pastoral Guidance

Baxter’s Counsel:

  • See the danger early: Baxter warns that sin begins as a single act but, when indulged, becomes a snare that is “harder to cast off than to resist at first.” Therefore, “make no truce with the first motions.”
  • Avoid occasions of sin: He urges believers to cut off opportunities that inflame lusts — “He that will stand within reach of the temptation, and think to come off safe, is like one that will play with fire in his bosom.”
  • Strengthen the will: Habit is broken not only by resistance but by establishing contrary habits of holiness — prayer, Scripture meditation, fellowship, and diligence in duty.
  • Engage the whole man: Because temptation appeals both to body and imagination, Baxter counsels practical remedies: wholesome labour to divert the mind, watch over the senses, and holy recreation to refresh rather than enflame.
  • Remember Christ’s sympathy: Baxter reminds the tempted that Christ knows their weakness: “It is not your being tempted that God will condemn you for, but your yielding.” Christ intercedes for His own, that their faith fail not.
  • Fight by faith: The believer must learn to wield God’s promises against sin’s lies. To see the beauty of Christ and the emptiness of sin is to weaken the temptation at its root.


Further Reading

  • Richard Baxter, A Christian Directory, Part I, ch. viii (“Directions against Sinful Thoughts and Temptations”) and Part I, ch. xi (“Directions for Weak Christians”).
  • John Owen, Of Temptation and Of the Mortification of Sin.
  • Thomas Brooks, Precious Remedies against Satan’s Devices.
  • John Flavel, Keeping the Heart (on guarding against temptation).
  • William Gurnall, The Christian in Complete Armour (on spiritual warfare).