Topical Bible: Temptation: Often Arises Through: Worldly Glory

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Worldly glory, with its allure of power, prestige, and material wealth, is a significant source of temptation as depicted in the Bible. This form of temptation is often characterized by the desire for recognition and status, which can lead individuals away from spiritual truths and obedience to God.

One of the most illustrative examples of temptation through worldly glory is found in the account of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness. In Matthew 4:8-9 , the devil presents Jesus with the kingdoms of the world and their splendor, saying, "All this I will give You, if You will fall down and worship me." Here, the temptation lies in the offer of earthly power and glory in exchange for allegiance to Satan, highlighting the seductive nature of worldly acclaim.

The Old Testament also provides examples of individuals who faced the temptation of worldly glory. King Solomon, renowned for his wisdom and wealth, succumbed to the temptations associated with his vast riches and numerous alliances. Despite his initial devotion to God, Solomon's heart was led astray by his many foreign wives and the idolatry they introduced (1 Kings 11:1-4). His account serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of allowing worldly glory to overshadow one's commitment to God.

The Apostle Paul warns against the pursuit of worldly glory in his epistles. In 1 Timothy 6:9-10 , he writes, "Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil." Paul emphasizes that the desire for wealth and status can lead to spiritual downfall, urging believers to seek contentment and godliness instead.

The temptation of worldly glory is not limited to wealth and power but extends to the desire for human approval and recognition. In John 12:43 , it is noted that many of the leaders believed in Jesus but did not confess their faith openly because "they loved praise from men more than praise from God." This highlights the struggle between seeking validation from the world versus seeking approval from God.

Throughout Scripture, believers are called to resist the temptations of worldly glory by focusing on eternal values and the kingdom of God. In Colossians 3:2 , Paul exhorts, "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." This directive encourages Christians to prioritize their spiritual lives over the fleeting allure of worldly success and recognition.

In summary, the Bible consistently portrays worldly glory as a potent source of temptation that can lead individuals away from their faith and devotion to God. Through various narratives and teachings, Scripture warns against the pursuit of earthly acclaim and encourages believers to seek the glory that comes from God alone.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 22:17
For I will promote you to very great honor, and I will do whatever you say to me: come therefore, I pray you, curse me this people.
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Daniel 4:30
The king spoke, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honor of my majesty?
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Daniel 5:2
Belshazzar, whiles he tasted the wine, commanded to bring the golden and silver vessels which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple which was in Jerusalem; that the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, might drink therein.
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Matthew 4:8
Again, the devil takes him up into an exceeding high mountain, and shows him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
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Library

Letter vi. Temptation.
... But if it arises from the application of the Scripture ... You will often experience,
on such occasions, a sudden ... we are peculiarly exposed to temptation, and have ...
/.../a practical directory for young christian females/letter vi temptation.htm

The Temptation in the Wilderness.
... And now arises the question upon the right answer to ... But as this temptation in the
wilderness was an ... He often avoided cities and crowds, and declined mighty ...
/.../macdonald/unspoken sermons/the temptation in the wilderness.htm

On the Glory of Martyrdom.
... a certain federal paction, out of which arises the just ... the mournful rain (curtain);
and as often as the ... and prepare thy soul for temptation." [4847] Moreover ...
/.../on the glory of martyrdom.htm

Bossuet -- the Funeral Sermon on the Death of the Grande Conde
... Thus false glory had no temptation for him. ... across roads which are frightful; and
there arises Merci, with ... God, who, according to the Scriptures, often in His ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/bossuet the funeral sermon.htm

1 Thessalonians v. 19-22
... often liable to be extinguished even when no temptation assails it ... and the love of
the other arises, when we ... and dost not receive, consider how often thou hast ...
/.../homily xi 1 thessalonians v.htm

The Call of Abraham
... This grieves the hearts of those who know and love Jesus, and the question arises
with them, "What shall I do ... How often has this temptation happened to the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the call of abraham.htm

1 Timothy vi. 7-Feb
... And that pride arises from knowing nothing is manifest ... But what is the "temptation
and snare," which he ... proceeds on his way indeed, but, often without knowing ...
/.../homily xvii 1 timothy vi.htm

Peace
... mercy; and from this presumptuous confidence arises some kind ... stormy; so the winds
of temptation blowing, disturb ... own heart.' Psalm 77:7. Often reckonings keep ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/7 peace.htm

The Apocalypse.
... Lateinosis no valid objection; for ei often represents the ... explanation: Adonikam,
ie, "The Lord arises," a good ... allusion to the history of the temptation (Gen.3 ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 101 the apocalypse.htm

Letter v. Prayer and Fasting.
... But, the objection arises, "If this doctrine be really true ... It helps us in resisting
temptation; and by means of it ... of his history, we find him often retiring to ...
/.../letter v prayer and fasting.htm