Temptation 

I. Introduction

Temptation is a desire to do something wrong or unwise. It often involves being enticed to sin. The Bible describes temptation in James 1:14-15: 

“But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”

The “dragging away” though connected internally often comes from some trigger in our environment. It could be a person, or these days multiple enticments on the internet.

II. The Origin of Temptation

•Genesis and the Fall: The story of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:1-6) shows how the serpent tempted them to eat from the Tree of Knowledge, leading to the fall of humanity. It is the temptation of pride. It’s not so much the “knowledge” as it is the willfulness to diside for ourselves what is right and wrong. The act of taking and eatinghe fruit is itself the demonstration of the willful decision to act against what  God has said is forbiGod. 

•Satan as the Tempter: Satan’s role as the one who tempts is seen in the story of Job (Job 1:6-12) and in Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-13; Luke 4:1-13).

III. The Nature of Temptation

•Internal vs. External Temptation: Temptation can stem from internal desires (James 1:14) or from external forces, such as Satan tempting Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11).

•Common Types of Temptation:

•Lust: Proverbs 7:6-27 describes how lust can entrap and destroy.

•Greed: 1 Timothy 6:9-10 warns about the dangers of the love of money, which can lead to destruction.

•Pride: Proverbs 16:18 states, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”

IV. Examples of Temptation in the Bible

•David and Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:1-5): David’s temptation led to adultery and other sins.

•Joseph and Potiphar’s Wife (Genesis 39:6-12): Joseph resisted temptation, demonstrating integrity and faithfulness to God.

•Jesus’ Temptation (Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13): Jesus was tempted by the devil in the wilderness but resisted each temptation by quoting Scripture.

V. The Consequences of Yielding to Temptation

•Separation from God: Adam and Eve’s sin led to separation from God (Genesis 3:23-24).

•Spiritual Death: Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

•Personal and Communal Impact: King Saul’s disobedience (1 Samuel 15:22-23) led to the loss of his kingdoandm  God’s favor.

VI. Overcoming Temptation

•Dependence on God: 1 Corinthians 10:13 states, “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.”

•Use of Scripture: Jesus used Scripture to combat temptation (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10), showing the importance of knowing and relying on God’s Word.

•The Power of Prayer: Matthew 6:13 – In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus teaches us to pray, “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” Another translation of the original Greek says “Save us in the time of trial.” This seems better. It is not that God leads us into temptation. Rather when life brings on temptation God can and will save us from temptation’s pitfalls.

•Accountability and Community: Hebrews 10:24-25 emphasizes the need to encourage and support one another in faith, which can help resist temptation.

VII. The Role of Grace and Redemption

•God’s Mercy: 1 John 1:9 assures us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

•The Transformative Power of Christ: Romans 8:1-2 says, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.”

VIII. Conclusion

Temptation is a constant challenge, but it can be resisted through faith and reliance on God. James 1:12 gives us hope and encourages perseverance: 

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”

Paul advises us in Romans 12:2 urges believers to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind,” enabling them to resist temptation and live a life pleasing to God.

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