The temptation will be there as long as a person is alive in this world. What is the right response to temptation? God has called His people to be overcomers and not hapless victims of Satan.
Right now (immediately): Temptation must be dealt with immediately. Nip in the bud is a common statement. Birds, drones, and kites…fly above heads. It should not land on the head. In the same way, thoughts could randomly roam, but should not be allowed to gain a foothold in the mind. Brooding over ugly, wicked, criminal thoughts is dangerous.
Rigorously: Fighting against should be regular and rigorous like that of an athlete. The body should be subject to mind and spirit and not vice versa. Paul did not want to be disqualified for carelessness, hence disciplined his body. (I Corinthians 9:27)
Realistically: A man inside a room will not open the door if he knows the lion is waiting outside. Bolting inside, that man would wait for it to go away. Or the person should flee through another door. Joseph was wise to flee from Potiphar’s wife. (Genesis 39:10-12)
Regularly: Maintenance of equipment or gadgets should be regular for optimum performance. Updating smartphones and other electronic gadgets are essential. In the same way, Spiritual Spring Cleaning through His blood, Word and Holy Spirit at regular intervals should be done.
Ruthlessly: Sin must be dealt with ruthlessly. ‘Sin is crouching at your door,’ warned Lord. Cain did not heed this warning. (Genesis 4:7) Lord Jesus taught his disciples to keep watch and pray that they may not fall into temptation. (Matthew 26:41) Lord Jesus taught that dealing with temptation is like cutting off a hand or foot or plucking out eyes, if these parts of the body habitually lead to sin. (Mark 9:43-48)
Righteously: Resisting Satan, temptations, sin, and evil should be done righteously for the sake of God’s Holy Name. (Psalms 23:3)
Rejoicingly: “The Joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10) Because of the strength from the Lord, a believer can face temptation with great confidence.
Do I overcome all temptations?