Topical Encyclopedia Temptation is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, representing a trial or test of one's faith and obedience to God. It is often depicted as an enticement to sin, leading individuals away from the path of righteousness. The Scriptures provide numerous admonitions and examples that underscore the importance of avoiding temptation and the ways in which saints can guard themselves against it.Biblical Admonitions The Bible consistently warns believers to be vigilant and to avoid situations that may lead to temptation. In the Lord's Prayer, Jesus instructs His followers to pray, "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one" (Matthew 6:13). This prayer highlights the necessity of seeking divine assistance in steering clear of temptation. The Apostle Paul, in his first letter to the Corinthians, advises, "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). This passage reassures believers of God's faithfulness and His provision of a way out of temptation, emphasizing the importance of seeking and taking that escape route. Examples of Avoidance The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals who successfully avoided temptation by relying on God's strength and wisdom. Joseph, when tempted by Potiphar's wife, fled from the situation, declaring, "How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?" (Genesis 39:9). His immediate rejection of the temptation and physical removal from the situation serve as a model for believers. Similarly, Jesus Himself, during His time in the wilderness, resisted the temptations presented by Satan by relying on Scripture. Each time He was tempted, Jesus responded with, "It is written," followed by a relevant passage from the Word of God (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10). This demonstrates the power of Scripture in combating temptation and the importance of knowing and applying God's Word. Practical Steps for Avoidance Believers are encouraged to take proactive steps to avoid temptation. The Apostle Paul advises, "Flee from sexual immorality" (1 Corinthians 6:18) and "Flee from idolatry" (1 Corinthians 10:14), indicating that physical and spiritual separation from sources of temptation is crucial. Additionally, Paul exhorts the Thessalonians to "abstain from every form of evil" (1 Thessalonians 5:22), suggesting a comprehensive approach to avoiding sin. The cultivation of a strong spiritual life is essential in resisting temptation. James writes, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" (James 4:7). Submission to God involves regular prayer, study of Scripture, and fellowship with other believers, all of which fortify the believer against the allure of sin. The Role of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in helping believers avoid temptation. Galatians 5:16 states, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh" . The indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit empowers believers to live in accordance with God's will, providing guidance and strength to resist temptation. In summary, the Bible provides clear guidance for saints to avoid the way of temptation. Through prayer, reliance on Scripture, proactive avoidance, and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, believers are equipped to navigate the challenges of temptation and remain steadfast in their faith. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 4:14,15Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Letter i. --Temptation to Despair. All Saints' Day, or St Ursula's Day Thou Shalt not Commit Adultery. Spiritual Desolation. On the Feast of a Holy virgin Special Practices of Uniformity. Turning-Points And Bring us not into Temptation but Deliver us from Evil Perseverance of Saints. The Hedge of Thorns and the Plain Way 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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