Trials and Temptations!

In the Bible, the words trial and temptation are translated interchangeably, and that is kind of confusing. In the Lord's prayer, the Bible says in Matthew 6:13, 'Lead us not into temptation' but James 1:13 clearly states that God does not tempt anyone! A preacher once explained it beautifully.

To understand this, we have to first find out whether God can tempt anyone to sin. Knowing the nature of God through the Bible, we must understand that God will never deliberately lead a person to commit sin because that would completely go against His character and His purpose. Jesus paid the price for our sins on the Cross and imputed His righteousness to us so that the Father will see us as sinless and righteous. It is not in His interest that we sin. All God wants is that we resist sin. But God allows trials in our life to mould our character!

Satan's purpose is always opposite to God's. The Bible says in 1 Peter 5:8, "Be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." We often give Satan too much credit for his tempting powers and fail to recognize our responsibility. Sin does not force itself on the unwilling, but it is actually sought after by the individual by his or her own desires (James 1:14). Satan's grand strategy in temptation is to convince us that the pursuit of our corrupt desires is somehow okay. We should remember that Satan only comes "to steal, and to kill, and to destroy" (John 10:10). Satan wants us to forfeit our blessings, our joy, and peace! When God allows trials in our life, Satan tries to tempt us by making us complain about God or doubt His goodness. We have to be mindful of his devices! When God allowed trials in Job's life, Satan tempted him through his wife, who said,"Curse God and die" (Job 2:9). But we know Job did not do that!

The passions of sinful temptation can only be overcome by a greater passion, and that is the passion for a relationship with God. Some resist temptation because of the fear of man. A thief will suddenly become honest when he sees a policeman. But the best motive for resisting temptation is to love God more than we love sin!

My friend, let us prayerfully guard ourselves against our own sin-loving nature with the help of the Holy Spirit!

Categories: Weekly DevotionalsAuthor: Hephzibah StephenDate: 23rd May 2019 Share: newsletterDisplay date: 29th May 2019

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