An excellent book worth reading and rereading is Milton Vincent’s “Gospel Primer.” I’ve read it multiple times and continue to reread it. It is full of wisdom and truth and helps my heart remember and apply the truths of the gospel.
Vincent has a chapter called “Mortifying the Flesh with Fullness” where he helps the believer in the fight against temptation. His point is that as a believer is filled up on the knowledge of who God is, then there is help for saying no to sin. I found this true in my own experience in following Christ: the more full I am with the love of God and knowledge of God, the greater power I have in saying no to temptation.
Here’s a quote from the chapter:
“What happens to my appetites for sin when I am filled with the fullness of God in Christ? Jesus provides this answer: “He who continually comes to Me will never huger or thirst again.” (John 6:35). Indeed, as I perpetually feast on Christ and all of His blessings found in the gospel, I find that my hunger for sin diminishes and the lies of lust simply lose their appeal. Hence, to the degree that I am full, I am free. Eyes do not rove, nor do fleshly lusts rule, when the heart is fat with the love of Jesus.” (46)
