And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. James 1: 13-15 NLT
Some wonder why they face temptation or question if God is even the one tempting them. Though temptation and testing essentially have the same meaning, culturally, temptation can mean a prompting with the intention of someone falling short. God tests us but he does not tempt us (as though he’s just waiting for us to fall into a trap and fail). God does not seduce us into doing the wrong thing. Our own desires (and Satan) tempt us and sin begins when we give into temptation and thus disobey God.
Examples of Temptations: Late to work and having the opportunity to cover it up, overemphasizing personal contributions to a project to appear to have done most if not all the work, a married person getting too close to an attractive friend or colleague, etc.
Temptation can be tough and requires self-control. But through temptation, God can refine our faith and help us grow dependent on him. We can resist the temptation to not do the right thing by turning to God for strength to obeying what he says to do, in his Word.
One of the most memorable stories in the Bible, in Matthew 4: 1-11, is when Satan tempts Jesus in the wilderness, where Jesus is hungry and weak after fasting for 40 days.
The tempter came to him and said, If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. Matthew 4: 3-4
Jesus could resist all of Satan’s temptations because he knew and obeyed the Scriptures. God’s word is like a sword to use in spiritual combat (Ephesians 6:17). Continually studying the Bible and understanding God’s word helps us fight spiritually, following God’s desires more than our (and Satan’s) desires.
Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. If you are the Son of God, he said, throw yourself down. For it is written: He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. Jesus answered him, It is also written: Do not put the Lord your God to the test. Matthew 4: 5-7
This is the second attempt where Jesus is tempted, urging him to claim his full power rather than in the transforming work he would do on the cross. For those seeking God, that could look like focusing on our life and our time, rather than with God and others. For example, the temptation could be to focus more on work projects, school work, long sessions of social media scrolling, and less on setting aside time to pray, read the Bible with a friend, or participate in a Bible Study.
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only. Matthew 4: 8-10
This is the third attempt where Satan offered the whole world to Jesus if he would bow down and worship him. Jesus is tempted by his pure pleasures and desires for the world to be his, but he didn’t let himself be corrupted by giving into Satan’s way of achieving his goal. Jesus has been tempted in every way, just as we are, yet he didn’t sin. He relied on God’s word for strength.
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. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13
PRACTICALS
- Recite scriptures in your mind. Have a few memorized and cite them when you feel tempted. And of course, obey them—put them into practice.
- Ask God for help in your prayers. Go in-depth and ask what you need from him.
We live in a culture filled with sin-inducing pressures where everyone faces or will face temptation somehow and in some way. Temptation may feel impossible to resist, however, God will show you a way and will help you.
Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
2 Timothy 2:22
Running away from temptation may make you feel shameful or cowardly, but in the end, removing yourself is the best action to take. If a recurring temptation is difficult for you to resist, like impurity, an unhealthy relationship, or sexual immorality, then flee. Remove yourself physically from any tempting situation that stimulates your desire to do the wrong thing. Not removing yourself can lead to unrighteous actions that impact the purity of your heart.
LIVING IT OUT
● Write a detailed list of your temptations and what personal desires are associated with them.
● Pray to God and ask for help. Ask him to show a way out for you.
● Write out a plan of how you will overcome each temptation.
● Pray about the plan.
Rise and Shine Bright.
By: Tara Michel – Our Writers