Topical Encyclopedia Temptation, a fundamental concept in Christian theology, refers to the enticement to sin or to stray from God's commandments. It is a universal experience, affecting all of humanity due to the inherent weakness of the flesh. The Bible provides numerous insights into the nature of temptation, its sources, and the means by which believers can overcome it.Nature of Temptation Temptation is often portrayed as a test or trial, a situation in which one's faithfulness to God is challenged. It is not sin itself, but rather the lure or enticement to commit sin. James 1:14-15 explains, "But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death." This passage highlights the progression from temptation to sin, emphasizing the role of personal desire. Sources of Temptation The Bible identifies several sources of temptation. The world, the flesh, and the devil are often cited as the primary sources. The world refers to the secular values and systems that oppose God's will. The flesh denotes the sinful nature inherent in humanity, a result of the Fall. Galatians 5:17 states, "For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want." The devil, or Satan, is depicted as the tempter par excellence. In Matthew 4:1-11 , Jesus Himself is tempted by the devil in the wilderness, demonstrating that even the sinless Son of God faced temptation. This account illustrates the devil's role in attempting to lead believers astray. The Weakness of the Flesh The flesh, in biblical terms, represents human nature in its fallen state, prone to sin and rebellion against God. Romans 7:18 acknowledges this weakness: "I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out." The flesh is susceptible to temptation because it is inherently weak and inclined toward sin. Overcoming Temptation Despite the strength of temptation through the weakness of the flesh, the Bible provides believers with tools to resist and overcome it. Ephesians 6:11 advises, "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes." This metaphorical armor includes truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, and the Word of God, all of which empower believers to withstand temptation. Prayer is another vital resource in combating temptation. Jesus instructed His disciples in Matthew 26:41 , "Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak." This underscores the importance of spiritual vigilance and reliance on God's strength. Furthermore, 1 Corinthians 10:13 offers reassurance: "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it." This promise affirms God's faithfulness and His provision of a way out of temptation. The Example of Christ Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate example of overcoming temptation. His victory over the devil in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11) demonstrates reliance on Scripture and obedience to God as key strategies in resisting temptation. Hebrews 4:15 reminds believers, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin." Christ's sinlessness and His empathy for human weakness provide both a model and a source of strength for believers facing temptation. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 26:41Watch and pray, that you enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library 'Lead us not into Temptation' Sunday Next Before Easter. Youthful Strength A Paradox The Gethsemane Prayer The Perseverance of the Saints The Temptation "For if Ye Live after the Flesh, Ye Shall Die; but if Ye through ... Shoes of Iron, and Strength Sufficient: a New Year's Promise Galatians v. 16, 17 Resources Why did Jesus instruct us to pray 'lead us not into temptation' when God states that He does not tempt us? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the keys to resisting temptation? | GotQuestions.org How can I overcome temptation? | GotQuestions.org Temptation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Temptation: Abraham Leads Pharaoh Temptation: Always Conformable to the Nature of Man Temptation: Balak Tempts Balaam Temptation: Blessedness of Those Who Meet and Overcome Temptation: Christ is Able to Help Those Under Temptation: Christ Keeps Faithful Saints from the Hour of Temptation: Christ: Endured, from the Devil Temptation: Christ: Endured, from the Wicked Temptation: Christ: Intercedes for his People Under Temptation: Christ: Resisted by the Word of God Temptation: Christ: Sympathises With Those Under Temptation: Comes From: Covetousness Temptation: Does not Come from God Temptation: Evil Associates, the Instruments of Temptation: General Scriptures Concerning Temptation: Gideon Leads the People of Israel Into Sin Temptation: God Cannot be the Subject of Temptation: God Enables the Saints to Bear Temptation: God Knows How to Deliver Saints out of Temptation: God Will Make a Way for Saints to Escape out of Temptation: God Will not Suffer Saints to be Exposed To, Beyond Their Temptation: Has Strength Through the Weakness of the Flesh Temptation: Jeroboam Leads the Northern Kingdom (Israel) Into Temptation: Leading Into: Prayer Against Being Led Into Temptation: Mere Professors Fall Away in Time of Temptation: Often Arises Through: Poverty Temptation: Often Arises Through: Prosperity Temptation: Often Arises Through: Worldly Glory Temptation: Often Ends in Sin and Perdition Temptation: Often Strengthened by the Perversion of God's Word Temptation: Permitted As a Trial of Disinterestedness Temptation: Permitted As a Trial of Faith Temptation: Saints May be in Heaviness Through Temptation: Saints should Avoid the Way of Temptation: Saints should not to Occasion, to Others Temptation: Saints should Pray to be Kept From Temptation: Saints should Resist, in Faith Temptation: Saints should Restore Those Overcome By Temptation: Saints should Watch Against Temptation: The Devil is the Author of Temptation: The Devil Will Renew Temptation: The Old Prophet of Beth-El, the Prophet of Judah Temptation: To Distrust of God's Providence Temptation: To Worshipping the God of This World Temptation: Yielding to Adam and Eve Temptation: Yielding to Balaam Temptation: Yielding to David, to Commit Adultery Temptation: Yielding to Hezekiah Temptation: Yielding to Isaac, to Lie Temptation: Yielding to Jacob, to Defraud Esau Temptation: Yielding to Sarah, to Lie Temptation: Yielding to Solomon, to Become an Idolater Through the Influences of his Wives Temptation: Yielding to The Prophet of Judah Temptation: Yielding to To Count the Nation of Israel Related Terms |
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