Temptations are everywhere1/12/2024 ![]() ![]() Jesus can help us when we face the Tempter. Satan will try to outwit us, but we must never give into his schemes ( 2 Corinthians 2:11) or allow him a foothold - an “opportunity” - in our lives ( Ephesians 4:27). James explained that submission to God and pushing back against the devil is one way to be delivered from temptation ( James 4:7). Jesus told us to “watch and pray” so we won’t “enter into” or become a part of temptation ( Matthew 26:41). Thankfully, our merciful God has provided “a way of escape” ( 1 Corinthians 10:13b). It’s foolish to play with fire when it comes to temptation. In Romans 7:19-21, Paul wrote about his personal struggle with temptation, saying, “For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.” Here are some insightful Scriptures about temptation.ġ Corinthians 10:13a says temptation is “common” to everyone. What Does the Bible Say about Temptation? “At that point, a failed trial can turn into a temptation when we are enticed to go our own way, seek our own desires, or even grumble or complain.” Remember this: God never intends for our trials to escalate into temptations. “When we fail a God-given trial, when we resist the grace He gives to persevere and obey, we miss the God-given opportunity to have our faith refined,” she said. There’s an old adage: “Satan tempts us to make us worse God tests us to make us better.” Tada wrote about the relationship between temptations and trials. Our faithfulness will be rewarded with the “crown of life.” Joni Eareckson Tada noted, “A trial is not just an assault to be withstood, it is an opportunity to be seized.” Sometimes we don’t develop strong character until we respond in biblical ways to life’s trials. Trials are sent to mature us spiritually. “Falling into temptation” occurs when we are beguiled by Satan, enticed by the world, or taken captive by our own wicked desires.Ĭonversely, trials or tests do come from God to prove our faith and produce perseverance. Temptation, as noted above, does not come from God. James 1:12-13 presents two terms: “trial” - sometimes translated “test” - and “tempted.” Though somewhat related, they are not the same thing. That’s why we need to know what the Bible says.” Are Trials and Temptations the Same Thing? Christian radio host Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth said, “Anytime we receive input that doesn’t match the Word of God, we need to realize that Satan is trying to deceive and destroy us. There are many kinds of temptation that lead to sins of commission or omission. When we give in to temptations, they take root and defile us. Temptation itself is not sin, but giving in to temptation is sin - even in our minds or viewed as a private sin of the heart. ![]() Those thinking they are above temptation should take heed of Paul’s warning about pride: “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” ( 1 Corinthians 10:12). From that point on, the devil has continued to prey on people and get footholds in their lives. They yielded to Satan’s deception and disobeyed God. The devil, our deceitful adversary, can indeed tempt us, but he cannot force anyone to sin - he cannot violate human free will.Īs the terrible “serpent,” Satan enticed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Comedian Clerow “Flip” Wilson popularized the phrase, “The devil made me do it.” Those words make us laugh, but they really are an attempt to justify sin. ![]() The Bible says Satan prowls like a hungry lion, seeking to devour his prey. Satan, the great tempter, masquerades as an angel of light. Jesus also said to pray, “deliver us from evil.” Some scholars say it means “from the evil one.” We cannot, as humans, resist the devil in our own strength that is why we must submit to Christ, our Deliverer, first. ![]() The word “temptation” can also refer to trials, and Christians can rightly ask for deliverance from suffering. Jesus taught His disciples to pray, “Lead us not into temptation.” This is a simple petition - asking God to not allow or permit us to be tempted to sin. If He did, that would be contrary to His holy nature and to His desire to sanctify His children: “for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy’” ( 1 Peter 1:16). Some think God tempts people, but God never tempts anyone to sin. Some think it will be obvious, but temptations are subtle and nuanced. Temptation can be overcome, but first believers must recognize that it exists so they can learn how to resist it.Ĭhristians sometimes have naïve assumptions about temptation. Temptation is a person’s strong inner desire to participate in an activity or habit that will impact life and perhaps prove destructive in the long run. ![]()
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