What Do We Know About ‘Temptation’?
This past Sunday evening, we studied Matthew 18.7, “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!” (ESV) This article is a short word-study of ‘temptation’ in the New Testament (note: there is no reference to temptation in the Old Testament – ESV.)
Who Causes Temptation in My Life?
God does not tempt any of us, or anyone, but each of us is tempted by our own individual sinful desires. “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God,’ for God cannot be tempted with evil, and He Himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.” (James 1.13-14)
Satan Tempted Jesus and Satan Looks for Ways to Tempt Me
In 1 John 2.15-17, we find three areas of sin in our lives (desires of the flesh, desires of the eyes, pride of life), and we know that Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness (Matt 4.1). And Peter tells us that we must be careful, watching for personal temptation from Satan (1 Peter 5.8).
It is Possible/Necessary to Pray for Strength Against Temptation
In the garden, Jesus knew that Peter, James and John were tired; they could have prayed and perhaps stayed awake for Jesus, ‘Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matt 26.41 and Mark 14.38)
God Will Not Allow Me to be Tempted Beyond My Ability
My temptation is not special (many others face my temptations), but I should depend on God to provide that escape. God is faithful. “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Cor 10.13)
But Why is Temptation ‘Necessary’?
In physical development, until/unless a child scrapes a knee learning to walk and run, they will never grow beyond infancy. In our spiritual development, until/unless followers of Christ grow in the knowledge of God’s Word, and in His power, we begin to overcome various temptations, we will never grow into maturity. “… you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1.2-4).