Topical Bible: Temptation: Always Conformable to the Nature of Man

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Topical Encyclopedia

Temptation, as understood within the biblical context, refers to the enticement or invitation to sin, which is always tailored to the inherent nature and weaknesses of humanity. The Bible provides numerous insights into the nature of temptation, emphasizing its adaptability to human inclinations and vulnerabilities.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of temptation is deeply rooted in Scripture, beginning with the account of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Genesis 3:1-6 describes how the serpent tempted Eve by appealing to her desire for wisdom and the allure of becoming like God. This narrative illustrates how temptation is often aligned with human desires and aspirations.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul addresses the nature of temptation in 1 Corinthians 10:13 : "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 passage underscores the idea that temptation is a universal human experience, yet it is never beyond one's capacity to resist with God's help.

The Nature of Temptation

Temptation is inherently conformable to the nature of man, as it exploits the innate desires and weaknesses present in every individual. 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 internal origin of temptation, suggesting that it is the individual's own desires that lead to enticement and ultimately to sin.

The adaptability of temptation is further illustrated in the account of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). Satan's temptations were specifically tailored to Jesus' circumstances and needs at the time—hunger, identity, and mission. This account demonstrates that temptation is often personalized, targeting specific areas of vulnerability.

Human Responsibility and Divine Assistance

While temptation is conformable to human nature, Scripture emphasizes personal responsibility in resisting it. Believers are called to be vigilant and to rely on God's strength to overcome temptation. Ephesians 6:11 instructs, "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, and the Word of God, equipping believers to withstand the tailored attacks of temptation.

Moreover, the role of divine assistance is crucial in overcoming temptation. Hebrews 2:18 assures believers of Christ's empathy and aid: "Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted." This assurance provides comfort and strength, knowing that Jesus, who faced temptation yet remained sinless, offers help to those who seek it.

Practical Implications

Understanding that temptation is always conformable to the nature of man has practical implications for the believer's spiritual life. It calls for self-awareness, recognizing personal weaknesses and areas of vulnerability. It also necessitates a proactive approach in seeking God's guidance and strength through prayer, Scripture, and fellowship with other believers.

In summary, temptation is an ever-present reality that aligns with human nature, yet through God's faithfulness and provision, believers are equipped to resist and overcome it.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Corinthians 10:13
There has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Deeds of Some Holy Persons who Devoted Themselves to a ...
... contrary to nature, and the latter is conformable to the ... anger: for I know that it
always contends for ... them, and so nobly endure every temptation, and minister ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of scholasticus/chapter xxiii the deeds of some.htm

"On Conscience"
... his thoughts, and words, and actions are conformable to that ... you, if you would preserve
it always sensible and ... Venture not upon temptation or occasions of sin. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 105 on conscience.htm

The Potter and the Clay
... a long desertion, or tedious night of temptation, they often ... in the paradise of God,
were always kept within ... of Christ Jesus, are we any way conformable to the ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the potter and the clay.htm

Of Eternal and Temporal Nature.
... time itself does not begin to be, but duration, which always was, began ... Can anything
be thought of more worthy of God, more conformable to nature, or more ...
/.../law/an appeal to all that doubt/of eternal and temporal nature.htm

The Means of Obtaining Peace Internal, is not the Delight of Sense ...
... this counsel and desire is not conformable to the ... self in all respects, to follow
always that which is ... in dryness and tribulation and temptation, have started ...
/.../the spiritual guide which disentangles the soul/chap iii the means of.htm

How Internal Livers Ought to Behave Themselves in Time of Sickness ...
... pious friends from whom he received advices directly conformable to these ... all imperfect
souls, upon every thought of a temptation, to recur always to their ...
/.../chapter v how internal livers.htm

Suffering with Christ, a Condition of Glory with Christ
... of His sufferings, and be made conformable to the ... as sinless whilst yet there was
temptation presented to it ... We must always take such passages as this"which ...
/.../suffering with christ a condition.htm

A Dark Picture and a Bright Hope
... to get what you need and desire is always to do ... metaphor, the first gust of passion
or temptation has blown ... has died for sin, we are made conformable to His ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/a dark picture and a.htm

Various Objections in Favour of the Common Interpretation Answered
... from this two-fold criminal charge, be conformable to the ... is good; for the regenerate
do not always act from ... deed, they equally yield to the temptation of sin ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/various objections in favour of.htm

Gethsemane
... in his sufferings, and are made conformable unto his ... Abba, Father." You will find
this always a stronghold ... written, "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/gethsemane.htm