Topical Bible: Temptation: Often Strengthened by the Perversion of God's Word

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Temptation, a fundamental aspect of the human experience, is frequently exacerbated by the distortion or misinterpretation of God's Word. This perversion can lead individuals away from the truth and into sin, as seen throughout biblical history.

The Nature of Temptation

Temptation is the enticement to sin, to deviate from God's commandments and pursue one's own desires. 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 nature of temptation, which is often exacerbated by external influences, including the misrepresentation of Scripture.

The Perversion of God's Word in the Garden of Eden

The first instance of temptation in the Bible occurs in the Garden of Eden, where the serpent distorts God's command to Adam and Eve. In Genesis 3:1 , the serpent asks Eve, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?" This question subtly twists God's original command, sowing doubt and leading Eve to sin. The serpent's manipulation of God's Word demonstrates how perversion can strengthen temptation, making it more appealing and seemingly justifiable.

The Temptation of Jesus

In the New Testament, Jesus' temptation in the wilderness provides another example of how the distortion of Scripture can be used to tempt. Satan attempts to entice Jesus by quoting Scripture out of context. In Matthew 4:6 , Satan says, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: 'He will command His angels concerning You, and they will lift You up in their hands, so that You will not strike Your foot against a stone.'" Here, Satan quotes Psalm 91:11-12, but Jesus counters by correctly applying Scripture, saying, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test'" (Matthew 4:7). Jesus' response underscores the importance of understanding and applying God's Word accurately to resist temptation.

The Role of False Teachers

Throughout the New Testament, believers are warned about false teachers who distort God's Word, leading others into temptation and sin. In 2 Peter 2:1 , it is written, "But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves." These false teachers often manipulate Scripture to suit their own agendas, enticing others to follow their erroneous teachings.

The Importance of Sound Doctrine

To combat the perversion of God's Word and the resulting temptation, believers are encouraged to adhere to sound doctrine. Paul exhorts Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:2-3 , "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires." This passage emphasizes the necessity of remaining grounded in the truth of Scripture to withstand the allure of distorted teachings.

Conclusion

The perversion of God's Word is a powerful tool in strengthening temptation, leading individuals away from the path of righteousness. By understanding and applying Scripture accurately, believers can resist the enticements of sin and remain faithful to God's commands.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 4:6
And said to him, If you be the Son of God, cast yourself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning you: and in their hands they shall bear you up, lest at any time you dash your foot against a stone.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Confessions of St. Augustin Index of Subjects
... Augustin's faith strengthened by, [53]133. ... in Augustin's days often deferred
till death approached, [191]50 (note). ... temptation in, [375]154. ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/the confessions of st augustin.htm

The Treatise
... is necessary that it be diligently heard, grasped, retained, often thought of, and
that the faith be thus strengthened against all the temptation of sin ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/a treatise on good works/the treatise.htm

New Uses for Old Trophies
... not ascribe it to God the temptation will be ... Often their misery and despondency,
aggravated, as it commonly ... again, like the giant of old, strengthened by its ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/new uses for old trophies.htm

Instructions to Converts.
... through those scenes of trial and temptation to which ... the powers of the soul are
strengthened by exercise. ... their conscience, and resisted it so often, that it ...
/.../lectures on revivals of religion/lecture xix instructions to converts.htm

part ii
... me fast by God "; [669] but"what blindness and perversion! ... yourself, must not give
way to temptation: "He will ... He often enters into our heart as an insolent ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

Concerning the Lord's Supper
... faith, which is thus to be nourished and strengthened. ... Hence any one may easily
understand that often-quoted passage ... by remorse for sin, or by temptation to sin ...
/.../luther/first principles of the reformation/concerning the lords supper.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... His next temptation was to return to the world ... Having so often sold thyself to me
to work wickedness, wilt thou ... of our feeding upon the Word of God, and parting ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... and clean, but also much enlivened and strengthened in their ... they made a pause; and
here also they blessed God. ... wit, that we should have pardon by word and deed ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

Extracts No. X.
... are not essential to its support."It is often the case ... sad, whom I have not made
sad, and strengthened the hands ... the bible, which is the word of God, or the ...
/.../ballou/a series of letters in defence of divine revelation/extracts no x.htm

Introduction. Chapter i. --The Life and Writings of St. Hilary of ...
... The exegesis is often the same as that of Origen ... Equity required that God-fearing
men should not suffer ... and Athanasius acquitted; it is a perversion of justice ...
/.../introduction chapter i the life and.htm