“God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation.” (James 1:12 NLT)
Testing and temptation are two very different things. But God allows both.
God test us, but we each have our own temptations. Paul referred to it as a ‘thorn in his side’ (2 Corinthians 12).
And each of us has been given a thorn, so that He may be made great in our weakness. “Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.’ (2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT)
And we encounter test or trials, because God wants to refine us. God uses everything for His glory. Everything that we go through and experience is for a purpose. And sometimes God Himself will test us, like Job.
And like stated earlier, testing and temptation are two separate things that we encounter in our life, but both are from God. This week we will cover Temptation and next week Testing.
Temptation
“But each one is tempted when he is dragged away, enticed and baited [to commit sin] by his own [worldly] desire (lust, passion). Then when the illicit desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin has run its course, it gives birth to death.”
James 1:14-15 AMP
“Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God’ [for temptation does not originate from God, but from our own flaws]; for God cannot be tempted by [what is] evil, and He Himself tempts no one.”
James 1:13 AMP
So, temptation comes from our own desires and not from God. We all have an inclination to different things. And there are specific sins that we may struggle with, great or small. From procrastination to fornication. There are many ways that we could sin or have sinned.
And for some things, we were delivered instantly from when we had accepted Christ. But there are other things that we must give up willingly. And that doesn’t mean that we never will again feel the pull of that desire. But with time and discipline, the hold that it has on us is less.
“The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.”
1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT
God is so great in His grace and love that the penalty of our sins is already paid and accounted for. Also, He has given us the ability to withstand the temptations in our life that we struggle with. And He has given us this ability through the Holy Spirit.
“Let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires.”
Galatians 5:16-17 NLT
So, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives so we can live pleasing lives unto the Lord. And we won’t live bound to our flesh and temptations.
Y’all have a great week and don’t forget to uplift, inspire, enlighten, and, more importantly, encourage someone. If you want to reach out or have any prayer request or questions, then you can submit them here.
