On Sin and Temptation

John Owen on "WHEN TEMPTATION SURPRISES YOUR SOUL AND ENTANGLES IT":

But suppose temptation surprises the soul and entangles it? It is too late to resist the first entrance of it. What should the soul do, now that it is carried away by temptation's power?

(1) beseech God again and again that it may depart from you (2 Cor 12:8).
First, beseech God again and again that it may depart from you (2 Corinthians 12:8). If you abide in this attitude, God will either speedily deliver you out of it, or give you sufficient grace not to be utterly foiled by it. But as I have said before, do not allow your thoughts to dwell upon the things that tempt you (that only causes further entanglement), but set yourself against the temptation itself. Pray that the temptation will depart. When it is taken away, you may more calmly consider the things that tempted you (for the purpose of knowing how temptation comes to fortify your heart in the love of God in Christ against it).


(2) fly to Christ, knowing He will help you "in time of need" (Heb 4:16).
Second, fly to Christ, knowing He will help you "in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16. The apostle instructs us: "In that he has been tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted" (Hebrews 2:18). In other words, when you are tempted and ready to faint, and when you want help - desperately so, or you will die - trust Christ, knowing that He also was tempted. To consider that He suffered temptation and conquered it for our sake, gives us new strength. Always expect relief from Him (Hebrews 4:15-16). Lie down at His feet and make your complaint known to Him, begging for His help. You will not ask in vain. [Owen says beg not so much as to position us as beggars and not children, but to demonstrate the the seriousness with which we ought to hate sin and honor Christ Who was crucified for our sins].


(3) look to Him for promised deliverance (1 Cor 10:13).
Third, look to Him for promised deliverance. Consider that He is faithful; He will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able (1 Corinthians 10:13). Understand that He promises to comfort us in all our trials and temptations (2 Corinthians 1:4). Call to mind all His promises of assistance and deliverance. Ponder them in your heart. Rest upon them, knowing that God has innumerable ways to deliver you.


From "'Sin and Temptation by John Owen' with an Introduction by J.I. Packer" (1983 abridged edition, original essays were from 1667, 1658, and 1656; p. 134-135)