Topical Encyclopedia In the Christian understanding, temptation is a trial or test that challenges one's faithfulness to God. It is a common experience for all believers, yet Scripture assures that God provides the strength and means to endure and overcome it. The Bible presents temptation not as an insurmountable obstacle but as an opportunity for spiritual growth and reliance on divine assistance.Biblical Assurance of God's Support 1 Corinthians 10:13 offers a foundational promise regarding temptation: "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 verse underscores several key truths: the universality of temptation, God's faithfulness, the limitation of temptation to what one can endure, and the provision of a way to escape or withstand it. The Role of Jesus Christ The life of Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate example of overcoming temptation. Hebrews 4:15 states, "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." Jesus' victory over temptation, particularly during His 40 days in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11), demonstrates that reliance on God's Word and Spirit is crucial in resisting the devil's schemes. The Holy Spirit's Empowerment Believers are not left to face temptation in their own strength. The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in empowering Christians to resist temptation. Galatians 5:16 instructs, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." The indwelling Spirit provides guidance, conviction, and strength to choose righteousness over sin. Prayer as a Means of Support Prayer is a powerful tool in combating 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 human vulnerability and seeks divine protection and deliverance from the snares of the enemy. The Community of Believers The Christian community also plays a supportive role in helping individuals bear temptation. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers to "spur one another on to love and good deeds" and to "not neglect meeting together." Fellowship with other believers provides accountability, encouragement, and mutual support in the face of trials. The Armor of God Ephesians 6:10-18 describes the "armor of God" as essential for standing firm against the devil's schemes. This spiritual armor includes truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer. By putting on this armor, believers are equipped to withstand temptation and remain steadfast in their faith. Conclusion The biblical perspective on temptation emphasizes God's faithfulness and provision for His people. Through the example of Christ, the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, the practice of prayer, the support of the Christian community, and the armor of God, believers are equipped to face and overcome the trials that come their way. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Corinthians 10:13There 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 On the Opposing Powers. Prayer and Trouble Concerning Persecution The Preacher's Cry --Pray for Us! They Shall be Called the Children of God Enduring to the End All Joy in all Trials Letter cxxx. (AD 412. ) Letter i. --Aridity and Weakness. Commendation for the Steadfast Resources Is temptation a sin? Is it a sin to be tempted? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to flee from temptation? | GotQuestions.org Why is sexual temptation a bigger problem for men than for women? | 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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