I’m Just a Guy: Resisting TemptationSample

Living Ready

Schemes are great in football — but they’re brutal in life.

I love watching great teams and how they use strategy to expose weaknesses in their opponents. Think about a strong defensive team. They’re at their best when the offense is confused — when motion, shifts, and misdirection lead to bad decisions.

You see the chaos at the line: linebackers shifting, safeties creeping, players moving everywhere. But beneath the noise, the defense knows exactly what they’re doing. Every move is calculated, intentional, and designed to cause damage.

Then, just when the quarterback thinks he’s got control, something changes — a blitz from the edge, movement in the corner of his eye, a hit he never sees coming. Those are the toughest plays to watch, but also the most predictable. After all, he willingly stepped onto the field to face men whose only goal was to take him down.

We expect schemes in football. We even celebrate them when they work.
But it’s a lot harder when those schemes happen in real life.

What’s wild is how many men wake up every day unaware they’ve stepped onto a battlefield.

It reminds me of squirrel hunting with my brother growing up. Those squirrels would sit in the trees, enjoying a crisp fall day, completely unaware that an enemy was closing in. They had no idea what was about to happen.

Spiritually, that’s how many men live — unaware that an enemy is always closing in. Scripture tells us that Satan’s goal is to steal, kill, and destroy. He’s strategic. He’s patient. He knows your weaknesses, your triggers, and your timing. He doesn’t just attack; he schemes.

Temptation isn’t random — it’s targeted.

And yet, unlike the squirrels, we’ve been warned. God didn’t leave us clueless about the danger. He told us exactly what’s coming and gave us a clear command: “Put on the full armor of God.”

Paul didn’t say that because battle gear looks cool. He said it because we’re in a war — every single day. The enemy doesn’t take time off. You can bet that even today, after going through this study, Satan is looking for ways to pull you down.

But here’s the good news: like a quarterback walking onto the field, we’ve got equipment. We’ve got the protection, tools, and strength we need to win.

The problem is, most men leave their armor in the locker room.

We pray occasionally, read our Bibles when it’s convenient, and think that’s enough to survive the fight. But survival isn’t victory.

It’s time to gear up. Not once in a while, but daily. Put on your armor. Use it. Stand firm.

And when you get to heaven, I hope your armor isn’t shiny. I hope it’s dented, scratched, and battle-worn — proof that you showed up for the fight. Because shiny armor usually means one thing: it’s never been used.

Here’s the reality — temptation can be resisted, but never passively.

You can’t drift your way into spiritual strength.
You can’t fight the enemy half-asleep.

You must choose to live ready.

The same God who gave David courage, Joseph integrity, and Jesus victory over Satan himself has given you everything you need to stand strong.

So, gear up.
The battle is real.
The enemy is relentless.
But God is greater.

Reflection Questions:

• What “armor” do you need to strengthen most right now?
• Where do you see the enemy’s schemes showing up in your life?

Thank You

If you find yourself battling temptation, know this—you’re not alone, and God has already given you the strength to stand firm. If you’d like to take the next step and connect with other men walking this journey together, visit: 👉https://thelionwithin.us/i-am-just-a-guy