Topical Bible: Temptation: Often Ends in Sin and Perdition

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Temptation is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, representing a critical test of faith and obedience to God. It is often depicted as a precursor to sin and, ultimately, perdition if not resisted. The concept of temptation is deeply rooted in the narrative of human experience, beginning with the fall of man in the Garden of Eden.

The Nature of Temptation

Temptation is the enticement to do evil, often appealing to the desires of the flesh, the eyes, and the pride of life. In James 1:14-15 , it is written, "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 progression from temptation to sin and ultimately to spiritual death, underscoring the grave consequences of yielding to temptation.

Biblical Examples of Temptation

The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals who faced temptation, some of whom succumbed while others resisted. The first and most significant instance is found in Genesis 3, where Adam and Eve are tempted by the serpent. Their failure to resist led to the original sin, resulting in the fall of mankind and the introduction of sin and death into the world.

Another notable example is King David, who succumbed to temptation with Bathsheba, leading to adultery and murder (2 Samuel 11). David's sin had severe repercussions, including personal and national turmoil, illustrating how yielding to temptation can lead to devastating consequences.

Conversely, Joseph's resistance to temptation in Genesis 39 serves as a model of faithfulness. Despite being tempted by Potiphar's wife, Joseph remained steadfast, saying, "How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?" (Genesis 39:9). His refusal to yield to temptation ultimately led to his elevation and the preservation of his family.

The Role of Satan in Temptation

Satan is often depicted as the tempter, seeking to lead individuals away from God. In the New Testament, Jesus Himself was tempted by Satan in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). Despite the devil's attempts to entice Him with power, provision, and protection, Jesus resisted by quoting Scripture, demonstrating the power of God's Word in overcoming temptation.

The Consequences of Yielding to Temptation

Yielding to temptation often results in sin, which separates individuals from God and leads to spiritual death. Romans 6:23 states, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." This verse emphasizes the ultimate consequence of sin—eternal separation from God, also known as perdition.

Resisting Temptation

The Bible provides guidance on resisting temptation. In 1 Corinthians 10:13 , it is written, "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 assurance of God's faithfulness and provision of a way out encourages believers to rely on His strength to overcome temptation.

Furthermore, Ephesians 6:11 instructs believers to "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, salvation, and the Word of God, equipping Christians to withstand the challenges of temptation.

Conclusion

Temptation is an inevitable part of the human experience, often leading to sin and perdition if not resisted. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings on the nature of temptation, the role of Satan, and the consequences of yielding. Through faith, reliance on God's Word, and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, believers are equipped to resist temptation and remain steadfast in their walk with God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Timothy 6:9
But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

James 1:15
Then when lust has conceived, it brings forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, brings forth death.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Sin in the Heart the Source of Error in the Head
... and now, in these ends of the ages, and in these dark habitations of ... feels a powerful
check upon his passions, and is often kept from ... Temptation implies malice ...
/.../shedd/sermons to the natural man/sin in the heart the.htm

The Doctrines of Grace do not Lead to Sin
... 'Doing' ends in death ... be found on their knees crying to God for help in temptation;
and in ... We have often heard the story of the soldier who had been degraded to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 29 1883/the doctrines of grace do.htm

The Blessed Hope and Its Power
... tears, he points to the gulph where that path ends. ... strength""your strength to say
to temptation a "No ... Christian thought and labour too often seem to limit ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/moule/philippian studies/chapter x the blessed hope.htm

Tenth Commandment
... is the first step in the series that ends in action. ... We often say that they will
make better treasurers just ... is, desire to be), rich fall into temptation and a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/tenth commandment.htm

The Sinner's Natural Power and Moral Weakness.
... I can go from a desire to promote my own selfish ends, but how ... No matter what the
form of the temptation may be, he who ... He that, being often reproved, hardeneth ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/xi the sinners natural power.htm

On the Righteousness and Efficacy of the Providence of God ...
... 7;] and since, therefore, it will very often happen, that ... Psalm 124:2, 3.) "There
hath no temptation taken you ... administered all things to the best ends; that is ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 9 on the righteousness.htm

2 Thessalonians i. 9, 10
... For when temptation happens, at the same time God is glorified ... For I have often heard
letters from kings read here ... 1068] [The paragraph that here ends is wanting ...
/.../homily iii 2 thessalonians i.htm

Compassion for Souls
... daughter should say, "I was led into temptation by my ... your evil work undone before
it ends in your ... goodness apart from Christianity, and this often helps men ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/compassion for souls.htm

The Hedge of Thorns and the Plain Way
... He is often on the verge of some good and great ... when death comes upon the scene and
ends all his ... must every day watch and strive against temptation without and ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the hedge of thorns and.htm

Declension from First Love
... abroad in my thoughts even to the ends of the ... Has there not been, sometimes, this
temptation to do a ... Perhaps, too, you attend the means so often, that you have ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/declension from first love.htm