Topical Encyclopedia The concept of being "tempted" is a significant theme throughout the Bible, reflecting the spiritual and moral challenges faced by individuals. Temptation is often understood as an enticement or invitation to sin, testing one's faithfulness and obedience to God.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "tempt" is "nāsâ," which can mean to test or try. One of the earliest examples of temptation is found in the Garden of Eden, where Adam and Eve are tempted by the serpent to eat the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3:1-6). This act of disobedience introduces sin into the world, illustrating the destructive power of yielding to temptation. Another significant instance is the testing of Abraham, where God commands him to sacrifice his son Isaac (Genesis 22:1-19). Here, the term "test" is used to describe God's purpose, highlighting a trial of faith rather than an enticement to sin. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the Greek word "peirazō" is commonly used for temptation. The most notable account of temptation is that of Jesus Christ in the wilderness. After fasting for forty days and nights, Jesus is tempted by the devil with three specific challenges: turning stones into bread, throwing Himself down from the temple, and worshiping Satan in exchange for the kingdoms of the world (Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13). Jesus resists each temptation by quoting Scripture, demonstrating the power of God's Word in overcoming the devil's schemes. The Epistle of James provides insight into the nature of temptation, stating, "When tempted, no one should say, 'God is tempting me.' For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone" (James 1:13). Instead, temptation arises from one's own desires, which can lead to sin and ultimately death if not resisted (James 1:14-15). Theological Implications Temptation is an inevitable part of the human experience, yet it serves as a means of spiritual growth and maturity. The Apostle Paul reassures believers that God is faithful and will not allow them to be tempted beyond what they can bear, providing a way of escape so they can endure it (1 Corinthians 10:13). The Lord's Prayer includes a petition for deliverance from temptation: "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one" (Matthew 6:13). This reflects a dependence on God's guidance and protection in the face of spiritual trials. Practical Application Believers are encouraged to remain vigilant and prayerful, recognizing the reality of spiritual warfare. The Apostle Peter warns, "Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8). By putting on the full armor of God, Christians can stand firm against the schemes of the devil (Ephesians 6:11-18). Ultimately, the experience of being tempted is not a sin in itself; rather, it is the yielding to temptation that leads to sin. Through the example of Christ and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, believers are equipped to resist temptation and live lives that honor God. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (imp. & p. p.) of Tempt.Greek 551. apeirastos -- untried, untempted ... Transliteration: apeirastos Phonetic Spelling: (ap-i'-ras-tos) Short Definition: untried, inexperienced, incapable of being tempted Definition: untried ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/551.htm - 7k 3985. peirazo -- to make proof of, to attempt, test, tempt Strong's Hebrew 5254. nasah -- to test, try... root Definition to test, try NASB Word Usage make a test (1), proved (1), put (1), put to the test (2), tempted (3), test (13), tested (9), testing (3), tried ... /hebrew/5254.htm - 6k Library Christ the Support of the Tempted Whether Christ Should have Been Tempted in the Desert? Martin is Tempted by the Wiles of the Devil. Psalm 55 Support for the Afflicted and Tempted Soul. LM Anonymous. Tempted as we Are. How Our Lord Alone was Tempted Without Sin. Jesus Tempted in the Wilderness. Letter iii. --The State of one Tempted. That Every one is Tempted So Much as He is Able to Bear. Argument. Perpetua is Again Tempted by Her Father Her Third vision ... Thesaurus Tempted (25 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Tempted (25 Occurrences). Matthew 4:1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. ... /t/tempted.htm - 13k Tempt (18 Occurrences) Tempting (12 Occurrences) Tempts (1 Occurrence) Tempter (3 Occurrences) Tempteth (1 Occurrence) Points (18 Occurrences) Succor (8 Occurrences) Temptation (22 Occurrences) Tried (96 Occurrences) Resources Is temptation a sin? Is it a sin to be tempted? | GotQuestions.orgCould Jesus have sinned (peccability or impeccability)? | GotQuestions.org How does Satan tempt us? | GotQuestions.org Tempted: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Tempted (25 Occurrences)Matthew 4:1 Mark 1:13 Luke 4:2 Luke 10:25 1 Corinthians 10:9 1 Corinthians 10:13 Galatians 6:1 1 Thessalonians 3:5 Hebrews 2:18 Hebrews 3:9 Hebrews 4:15 Hebrews 11:37 James 1:13 James 1:14 Genesis 22:1 Exodus 17:7 Numbers 14:22 Deuteronomy 6:16 Psalms 78:18 Psalms 78:41 Psalms 78:56 Psalms 95:9 Psalms 106:14 Malachi 2:12 Malachi 3:15 Subtopics Related Terms |
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