“Temptation is NOT sin. Giving in to temptation to do evil IS sin.”
The Greek word for temptation is peirasmos; which occurs 21 times in the New Testament. It is translated as “temptation” 15 times, as “temptations” 5 times, and as “try” 1 time. The literal and actual meaning of the word is “test; trial; temptation; to test or try (by trouble; conflict; confrontation; persecution; etc).” See Strong’s No. 3986.
“Inconstancy of mind, and weak confidence in God, are the beginning of all temptations to evil. For as a ship without a rudder is driven to and fro by the waves, so are those who are remiss and give up their resolution are in many ways tempted. As fire tries iron, so temptation tries the just. We often know not what we can do; but temptation reveals what we are.” (ref. 2 Chronicles 10:6-11)
-Thomas A. Kempis, The Imitation of Christ
How do you view temptation?
Sometimes, in trying to be holier than thou, we stay too long and go too far. Sometimes, it is better to get up and go, than to be a Super Christian and tough it out. Temptation shows who we truly are, not only to God but also to ourselves.
So, is temptation necessary?
Matthew 18:7 NIV—Woe to the world for temptations to sin! For it is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the one by whom the temptation comes!
Why do you believe it may be necessary that temptations come?
Matthew 4:2-4 NIV—After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 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 does not live on bread alone, but every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Jesus illustrates to us, that in times of temptation, we ought to cling to the words of God. In all honesty, after forty days of fasting, Jesus’ needs for food were understandably acute. Satan used a legitimate reason to tempt Jesus to “prove” or “test” his significance and power.
What are some areas in your life where you have felt tempted to do something against God’s will, although it may have been a legitimate need?
Therefore, can God tempt us?
James 1:13-15 NIV—When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
So, it is important to pray about temptations?
Luke 22:40-46NIV—On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.”
So, what should we do when we see one of our brothers or sisters being tempted?
Galatians 1:6 NIV—Brothers, if someone is caught in sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.
It is imperative that we are discerning (aware) of the things that are going on around us, especially when it is an area of our lives where temptation tries to run ramped. We ought not to be naïve when God is telling us something about our lives, such as Peter. When Jesus told him that he was going to deny him three times before the cock crowed, Peter was in denial, until it happened. Sometimes, the very things we say we won’t do against God are the very things we will. But in times like this we should examine our hearts and test our own actions. If we find any fault in us that makes us out of alignment with God, petition God on how that area of our lives should change and steer clear of the temptation it may bring.
