Topical Bible: Temptation: Does not Come from God

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In the Christian understanding, temptation is a significant aspect of the human experience, often seen as a test of faith and character. However, it is crucial to recognize that, according to Scripture, temptation does not originate from God. This distinction is vital for maintaining a correct theological perspective on the nature of God and the moral challenges faced by believers.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible clearly articulates that God is not the source of temptation. In the Epistle of James, it is stated: "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). This passage underscores the inherent holiness and purity of God, who is entirely separate from evil and incapable of leading His creation into sin.

The Nature of God

God's nature is fundamentally good and righteous. Throughout Scripture, God is depicted as a loving Father who desires the best for His children. His intentions are always for the spiritual growth and well-being of believers. As such, He provides guidance, strength, and wisdom to resist temptation rather than being its source. The Apostle Paul reassures believers of God's faithfulness, stating, "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" (1 Corinthians 10:13).

The Role of Satan and Human Desire

While God is not the author of temptation, Scripture identifies other sources. Satan, often referred to as the tempter, plays a significant role in leading individuals away from God's path. The account of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness illustrates this, as Satan attempts to entice Jesus into sin (Matthew 4:1-11).

Additionally, human desire is a critical factor in the experience of temptation. James further explains, "But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed" (James 1:14). This highlights the internal struggle within individuals, where personal desires can lead to temptation and, if unchecked, to sin.

God's Provision and Support

Despite the reality of temptation, God equips believers with the necessary tools to overcome it. Through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, Christians are empowered to resist the allure of sin. The Word of God serves as a vital resource, offering wisdom and guidance to navigate the challenges of temptation. As the Psalmist declares, "I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You" (Psalm 119:11).

Prayer is another essential aspect of seeking God's help in times of temptation. Jesus taught His disciples to pray, "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one" (Matthew 6:13). This petition acknowledges the believer's dependence on God's strength and protection in the face of spiritual trials.

Conclusion

In summary, the biblical teaching is clear: temptation does not come from God. Instead, it arises from external forces like Satan and internal human desires. God, in His goodness, provides believers with the means to resist and overcome temptation, ensuring that they are not left to face these challenges alone.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

James 1:13
Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempts he any man:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Thirteenth Chapter: Resisting Temptation
... as long as he lives, for they come from within ... When one temptation or trial passes,
another comes; we ... only shuns temptations outwardly and does not uproot them ...
/.../kempis/the imitation of christ/the thirteenth chapter resisting temptation.htm

'Lead us not into Temptation'
... Temptation has two parts in it"the circumstances which lead ... not in malice tempt,
still He does in mercy ... Lead us not into sorrow, loss, poverty, disease, death ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/lead us not into temptation.htm

Letter i. --Temptation to Despair.
... Letter I."Temptation to Despair. ... progress." My dear Sister, when one loves God, one
does not wish to ... if this desire should vanish and you should come even to ...
/.../de caussade/abandonment to divine providence/letter i temptation to despair.htm

God's Slaves
... It does not overlook God's obligation to keep His slave alive, and in ... the things
that are needful for him, but it does meet that temptation which comes to ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/gods slaves.htm

Letter iii. --The State of one Tempted.
... for the spiritual life, and for all perfection." I find you very ignorant on the
subject of temptation. It is true that it does not come from God, Who does not ...
/.../de caussade/abandonment to divine providence/letter iii the state of one.htm

A Knowledge of God
... of hill and vale, river and sea, who does not look upon ... like our own, how they fell
under temptation as we ... of creation"for "without Him was not anything made ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/steps to christ/chapter 10 a knowledge of.htm

Heracleon Says that Jesus is not Stated to have done Anything at ...
... But in the Other Gospels He Does Many Things There. ... starting in his narrative [5015]
from the temptation by the ... to this place or that was not accompanied by ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/9 heracleon says that jesus.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Luke xviii. 1,"They Ought Always to ...
... For who prays for that which he does not believe? ... Watch and pray, lest ye enter into
temptation," as touching ... But who would not remove mountains, if there were ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon lxv on the words.htm

Man's Responsibility for his Acts.
... Note that in the story the temptation did not come to man through his ... In what form
did temptation come to the man in Genesis 3.. Does temptation appeal in ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study ii mans responsibility for.htm

His Name --The Mighty God
... Christ, in all his conquests over sin, does seem to me ... temptation; he will yield,
if the temptation be strong ... because when he died he was not manhood, without ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/his namethe mighty god.htm