Why does temptation increase when I decide to follow God?

Introduction: “I Just Gave My Life to God… So Why Is This Happening?”

Many believers ask this question in confusion and sometimes in quiet fear:

“Why did things seem easier before I decided to follow God?”

“Why does temptation feel stronger now that I want to live holy?”

You prayed sincerely. You repented genuinely. You decided to follow God wholeheartedly.

When you decide to follow God, temptation often increases, but God’s grace and victory increase even more – Christian encouragement banner

Yet suddenly:

Old desires feel louder
Past sins knock harder
Thoughts you thought were gone return
Temptations appear more intense and frequent

This experience is not a sign that you are failing. It is often a sign that something spiritual has shifted.

The Bible does not hide this reality. In fact, Scripture prepares us for it. Temptation often increases when a person decides to walk with God—not because God is cruel, but because obedience awakens spiritual opposition, exposes the flesh, and invites transformation.

This teaching will help you understand why this happens and how to respond biblically, wisely, and victoriously.

1. Because You Have Changed Sides Spiritually

When you decide to follow God, you are no longer neutral.

Jesus said:

“He who is not with Me is against Me.” (Matthew 12:30)

Before surrender, many people unknowingly live under the influence of the world, the flesh, and spiritual darkness. There is little resistance because there is little threat. But once you choose God:

Your allegiance changes
Your direction changes
Your authority changes

The enemy does not fight people who already belong to his system. He fights those who escape it. The Bible explains this clearly:

“We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world.” (Ephesians 6:12)

Temptation increases because you have entered a spiritual battlefield, not because you are weak, but because you are now a threat.

2. Because Light Exposes What Darkness Hid

When you come to God, light enters your life—and light exposes. Scripture says:

“Everyone who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.” (John 3:20)

Before surrender:

Some sins felt normal
Some habits felt harmless
Some compromises went unnoticed

After surrender:

Conviction becomes sharper
The Holy Spirit highlights areas needing change
Your conscience becomes sensitive

It may feel like temptation has increased, but often what has increased is awareness. The light of God doesn’t create sin—it reveals it so it can be healed.

3. Because the Flesh Resists the Spirit

Many Christians find themselves struggling with sin while still desiring God, and Scripture shows this inner conflict is part of spiritual growth. One of the clearest biblical explanations is found here:

“For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another.” (Galatians 5:17)

When you decide to follow God, the Spirit gains influence in your life. But your flesh—old desires, habits, and patterns—does not surrender quietly.

This inner conflict is normal. Paul himself cried out:

“The good that I want to do, I do not do; but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.” (Romans 7:19)

Temptation intensifies because:

The flesh is losing control
Old appetites are being starved
Sin is fighting for survival

Resistance means transformation is underway.

4. Because the Enemy Attacks at the Point of Your Calling

Notice something profound in Scripture: temptation often comes immediately after spiritual elevation.

Jesus:

“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” (Matthew 4:1)

This happened after:

His baptism
God’s public declaration: “This is My beloved Son”

David:

Anointed king → attacked by Saul

Peter:

Declared rock → immediately rebuked by Jesus for speaking Satan’s words

Temptation often targets:

Your identity
Your calling
Your obedience
Your next level

The enemy tempts where your destiny is connected.

5. Because Obedience Threatens the Kingdom of Darkness

Your decision to follow God is not just personal—it is kingdom-shaking.

Jesus said:

“Now shall the ruler of this world be cast out.” (John 12:31)

Every act of obedience:

Weakens darkness
Advances God’s kingdom
Influences others

The enemy uses temptation as a strategy to:

Discourage you
Make holiness seem impossible
Convince you that change is fake

But Scripture reassures us:

“Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)

Temptation is not proof of defeat. It is often proof of spiritual progress.

6. Because Growth Requires Testing

The Bible makes it clear that believers are not above trials and temptations, but are strengthened through them as God matures their faith.

The Bible repeatedly shows that testing precedes maturity.

James writes:

“Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” (James 1:2–3)

Temptation tests:

What you truly love
What you will cling to
Who do you trust when pressure comes

God does not tempt, but He allows testing to strengthen character, deepen dependence, and produce spiritual muscle.

Gold is refined by fire—not destroyed by it.

7. Because God Is Training You for Victory, Not Comfort

Following God does not mean temptation disappears. It means you are empowered to overcome it.

Paul assures us:

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)

God uses moments of temptation to:

Teach reliance on grace
Build spiritual discipline
Reveal escape routes

Victory is not the absence of temptation. Victory is obedience in the presence of temptation.

8. Because Satan Often Makes a Last-Minute Push

When someone decides to follow God wholeheartedly, the enemy sometimes launches what feels like a final assault.

Think of Pharaoh:

He resisted hardest when Israel was about to leave.

Think of Lot:

Pressure intensified as he was leaving Sodom.

This is often a sign that:

Chains are breaking
Freedom is near
Old doors are closing

Hold on.

9. Temptation Is Not Sin — Giving In Is

Many believers struggle because they do not understand the difference between weakness and sin, and this misunderstanding often leads to unnecessary guilt. This truth must be said clearly and gently:

Being tempted does not mean you have sinned.

Even Jesus was tempted:

“For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15)

Temptation becomes sin when:

It is entertained
It is acted upon
It is justified

Feeling temptation does not make you unspiritual. Resisting it makes you strong.

10. What Should You Do When Temptation Increases?

a. Stay Close to God

Learning how to rebuke the devil biblically helps believers resist temptation with confidence and authority. Prayer is a powerful weapon, and knowing how to rebuke the devil through prayer strengthens spiritual resistance during moments of intense temptation.

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee.” (James 4:7)

Submission comes before resistance.

b. Feed the Spirit, Not the Flesh

“Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16)

What you feed grows.

c. Use the Word

Jesus defeated temptation with Scripture:

“It is written…”

d. Don’t Walk Alone

God designed community for accountability and strength.

Conclusion: Temptation Means You Are Alive Spiritually

If you fear relapse, Scripture also teaches how to make sure you won’t fall back into sin by relying on grace, truth, and spiritual discipline. If temptation has increased since you decided to follow God, take heart. It does not mean: