Temptation
To the original languages of the Bible, the words commonly translated ‘temptation’ had a range of meanings. These word were concerned basically with testing. In some cases, the purpose of the testing may have been to prove the genuineness or quality of a person or thing. In other cases, the purpose may have been to persuade a person to do wrong. In today’s language, ‘temptation’ is usually used in the latter sense, and it is this sense that is the subject of the present article (for other meanings of the word see Testing)
To be Expected
God may allow people to meet temptations and trails in order to test their faith, but he will never tempt there to do evil. Rather, he wants to deliver them from evil (Matt 6:13; 1 Cor 10:13; James 1:13; 2 Peter 2:9). Satan, not God, is the one who tempts people to do wrong (Gen 3:1-6; 1 Cor 7:5; 2 Cor 11:3; Eph 4:27; 6:11). Some people blame God when they give in to temptation. The Scriptures point out that the source of their problem lies not with God, but with the sinful desired within their own hearts (James 1:13-14).
Sinful human nature creates within people a natural tendency towards sin. This increases the opportunities for temptation and makes them more likely to give in to it (Rom 7:11,14,21; Gal 5:17; Eph 4:22; 1 John 2:15)
But the temptation itself is not necessarily a sin. Jesus’s nature and his behavior was never spoiled by sin, yet he met temptation constantly (Luke 4:1,13; cr. Matt 16:23; 22:15; Mark 14:35; Luke 22:28; John 6:15; 12:27). In fact, the absence of sin in Jesus was the reason Satan attacked him all the more. Satan had tempted the sinless Adam, and now he tempted the sinless Jesus. But where Adam failed, Jesus triumphed (Matt 4:1-10; cf. Gen 3:1-6).
Israel failed temptation in the wilderness, but Jesus, the true fulfillment Israel, triumphed over temptation in the wilderness (Matt 4:4-7,10; cf. Duet 6:13; 16; 8:3). Jesus suffered the sorts of temptations that are common to mankind, but because he was victorious over them, he is able to help his people when they are tempted (Heb 2:18; 4:15).
No excuses
Temptation comes in many forms. Satan has many cunning methods, and people can easily get caught in his trap (2 Cor 2:11; 1 Thess 3:5; 1 Tim 6:9). But there can be no excuse for giving in to temptation as there is always a way to escape (1 Cor 10:13).
Christians should not be overconfident in their own ability to overcome temptation (1 Cor 10-12). Instead they should be aware of the weakness of sinful human nature, and give it no opportunity to satisfy its desires (Rom 6:12; 13:14).
Although the sin lies in giving in to temptation rather than in the temptation itself, Christians must do all they can to avoid those situations likely to produce temptation (1 Cor 15:33; 2 Tim 2:22). This will require self-discipline as they develop better thinking (Rom 8:5; 2 Cor 10:5; Phil 4:8), talking (Eph 5:11,12, Titus 2:8), praying (Matt 6:13; Mark 14:38). The guiding influence in helping God’s people develop these better habits is the Word of God (Ps 119:11; 2 Tim 3:16-17).
The simple struggle against temptation is more than merely a struggle with the problems of everyday life. it is a battle against the evil powers of everyday life. It is a battle against the evil powers of Satan (Eph 6:10-12). God has given his Word to his people to equip them for this battle (Matt 4:3-7; Eph 6:16-17) and he has given them the assurance of victory, provided they make the effort to resist the tempter. Each victory strengthens them and enables them to live more confidently and positively in a world still full of temptations (James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:9-10).