Temptations
A temptation is a cause or occasion of enticement.
Five Facts about Temptations
1. God does not tempt us (James 1:13)
God's tests come to make us better. Job 23:10 says that after God has tested us, we shall come forth as gold.
The Christ-like character is our standard. He never condoned sin, and so shouldn't we.
Jesus Christ,
1. Never confessed a sin
2. Never asked for pardon
3. Never shed a tear for his own sin
We should be pure in our hearts, pure in our minds and in actions.
We are called to grow in this kingdom, obtaining stamina
1 Cor 3:2 says, i gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready.
The devil tempts so that you can grow weary and lose hope. His goal is for you to take a path that does not please God.
Heb 12:16 talks of Esau, who sold his birthright for one morsel of bread.
Esau fell into the temptation.
Do not fail God's tests. Do not fall into the devil's temptations.
2. The devil is the tempter
1 Peter 5:8 says that he takes the form of a hungry lion looking for someone to devour.
3. We are not tempted beyond our ability
1 Cor 10:13 "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. 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 a way out so that you can endure it."
Temptations are common for everyone, but God is faithful.
He won't let us be tempted beyond what we can bear.
4. Being tempted is not a sin
The sin is falling into the said temptation. Jesus was also tempted, He conquered.
5. God makes a way out
1 Cor 10:13 says that when we are tempted, He will make a way out so that we can stand up under it.
Temptations come;
1. When you are not where you are supposed to be
This is also called misplacement. As a believer, you should not be going to clubs. Suppose you decide to accompany someone to such a place, chances are that you will be tempted to maybe try alcohol, or whatever other businesses are taking place there.
2. When you are weak
You will be lacking something when weak.
Jesus was tempted after his 40 - days fast (Matt 4:2-3.)
The good thing about the Lord is that He overcame.
3. When you are strong
Beware of temptations when you are at your comfortable place. Power, influence, wealth, and all these mundane things have a way of messing up the seemingly good people.
The devil finds a way to tempt you when you are most comfortable.
Be careful to be too content to pursue God.
2 Chronicles 26:16-21 is an account of King Uzziah's pride. He became too proud due to power.
He entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense, although that was the responsibility of consecrated priests.
As a result he was struck with leprosy. In fact, he was leprous till death.
4. When you are angry
Eph 4:26 says, “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry."
You can easily be tempted when angry. This is because you are at a vulnerable point. Do not speak when angry.
5. When you are careless
Establish boundaries in life. Do not be reckless about your life. The 'don't care' attitude is a leeway to the enemy.
Be careful not to give the devil a foothold.
6. When you are where you are supposed to be
Joseph had been sent to Egypt by God.
While working for Potiphar, the devil tempted him. Potiphar's wife wanted him to go to bed with her. Joseph escaped.
Being where you ought to be, is also a good ground for temptations. Be careful and stay vigilant.