Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Nature of TemptationTemptation, in the biblical context, refers to the enticement or invitation to sin, often presented by the devil or one's own desires. It is a test of faith and obedience to God, challenging believers to choose between righteousness and sin. The Bible presents temptation as a common experience for all humans, yet it also provides assurance that God offers strength and a way to overcome it. Biblical Instances of Temptation The most notable account of temptation is found in the Gospels, where Jesus Christ Himself was tempted by the devil. In Matthew 4:1-11 , Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. The devil presents three temptations, each appealing to different aspects of human desire: physical needs, pride, and power. Jesus resists each temptation by quoting Scripture, demonstrating the power of God's Word in overcoming the devil's schemes. The Devil's Persistence The devil's persistence in temptation is evident throughout Scripture. In Luke 4:13 , after Jesus resists the temptations, it is noted, "When the devil had finished every temptation, he left Him until an opportune time." This indicates that the devil does not give up easily but seeks opportunities to renew his efforts. Believers are thus warned to remain vigilant, as the devil prowls like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). Human Vulnerability and Divine Assistance Human beings are inherently vulnerable to temptation due to their fallen nature. 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." Despite this vulnerability, God provides assistance. 1 Corinthians 10:13 assures believers, "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." The Role of Prayer and Scripture Prayer and Scripture are vital tools in resisting temptation. Jesus instructs His disciples to pray, "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one" (Matthew 6:13). This prayer acknowledges human weakness and the need for divine protection. Additionally, the example of Jesus using Scripture to counter the devil's temptations highlights the importance of knowing and applying God's Word. Ephesians 6:17 describes the Word of God as the "sword of the Spirit," an essential part of the armor of God for spiritual warfare. The Promise of Victory While the devil is relentless in his attempts to lead believers astray, the Bible promises victory through Christ. James 4:7 encourages believers, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." This promise of victory is rooted in the believer's relationship with God and the authority of Christ, who has already triumphed over sin and death. Through faith, prayer, and the Word, believers can stand firm against the devil's renewed attempts at temptation. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 4:13And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library In Despondency and Temptation. Knox -- the First Temptation of Christ Perseverance On Dissipation Chapter iii The Heart: a Gift for God The Christian Convert Warned Of, and Animated against those ... Lost Earnings The Nineteenth Chapter: the Practices of a Good Religious Wherein the Same Point is Handled. Resources Why did Jesus instruct us to pray 'lead us not into temptation' when God states that He does not tempt us? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the keys to resisting temptation? | GotQuestions.org How can I overcome temptation? | 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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