Topical Bible: Temptation: To Presumption

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In the Christian theological framework, the concept of temptation to presumption is a significant aspect of understanding human interaction with divine will and the boundaries of faith. Presumption, in this context, refers to the sin of overstepping the bounds of faith by assuming upon God's grace or power without His directive or promise. It is an act of arrogance, where one takes liberties with God's promises or commands, often leading to spiritual downfall.

Biblical Instances and Teachings

1. The Temptation of Jesus: One of the most illustrative examples of temptation to presumption is found in the account of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness. In Matthew 4:5-7 , Satan tempts Jesus to throw Himself down from the pinnacle of the temple, quoting Psalm 91:11-12 to suggest that angels would protect Him. Jesus responds, "It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” This response highlights the sin of presumption—testing God by demanding a miracle without divine instruction.

2. Israel's Wilderness Experience: The Israelites' journey through the wilderness provides another example. In Exodus 17:1-7, the people demand water and question God's presence among them, despite His continuous provision. Their demand for a sign of God's presence is seen as an act of presumption, testing God's patience and faithfulness.

3. King Saul's Sacrifice: In 1 Samuel 13:8-14, King Saul presumptuously offers a burnt offering, a duty reserved for the prophet Samuel. Saul's impatience and assumption of priestly duties without divine sanction lead to his rejection as king. This narrative underscores the danger of presuming upon God's roles and timing.

4. Peter Walking on Water: In Matthew 14:28-31, Peter's initial act of faith in stepping out of the boat is commendable, but his subsequent fear and doubt illustrate the fine line between faith and presumption. When Peter begins to sink, Jesus questions his doubt, indicating that presumption can lead to faltering faith.

Theological Implications

The temptation to presumption is a subtle yet potent spiritual pitfall. It often masquerades as faith but lacks the humility and obedience that true faith requires. Presumption assumes God's intervention without His explicit promise or command, often leading to spiritual pride and disobedience.

Practical Considerations

Believers are called to exercise discernment and humility, recognizing the difference between faith and presumption. Faith is rooted in God's promises and commands, while presumption seeks to manipulate or test God. Christians are encouraged to seek God's will through prayer, Scripture, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, avoiding the temptation to act independently of divine direction.

Warnings and Exhortations

Scripture consistently warns against the sin of presumption. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." This passage emphasizes reliance on God's wisdom rather than human presumption. James 4:13-16 further cautions against boasting about future plans without considering God's will, reminding believers of the transient nature of life and the need for submission to God's sovereignty.

In summary, the temptation to presumption is a challenge for believers to navigate with humility and reliance on God's guidance, avoiding the pitfalls of spiritual arrogance and self-reliance.

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

D. The Temptation of Jesus. Ch. 4:1-13
... This is the temptation to place oneself needlessly in a situation of moral peril
and then to expect to be delivered by ... This is not faith, but presumption. ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/d the temptation of jesus.htm

The Temptation of Jesus
... [1467] Alternately, the temptation to despair, presumption, or the cutting short
of the contest in some decisive manner, must have presented itself to His mind ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter i the temptation of.htm

Whether Temptation of God is Opposed to the virtue of Religion?
... And though this implicit temptation would seem to arise from presumption or
indiscretion, yet the very fact that a man behaves presumptuously and without due ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether temptation of god is.htm

Perfect Modesty Will Abstain from Whatever Tends to Sin, as Well ...
... Difference Between Trust and Presumption. If Secure Ourselves, We Must Not Put
Temptation in the Way of Others. We Must Love Our Neighbour as Ourself. ...
/.../tertullian/on the apparel of women/chapter ii perfect modesty will abstain.htm

The victory
... failed of exciting distrust, he succeeds in leading us to presumption. If he can
cause us to place ourselves unnecessarily in the way of temptation, he knows ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 13 the victory.htm

The Temptation
... Such presumption disguised as filial trust is the temptation besetting the higher
regions of experience, to which the fumes of animal passions and the less ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/the temptation.htm

Explanation of the Lord's Question About his Mother and his ...
... about the nativity, all who reject it as creating a presumption in favour of ... in other
instances silent when anything was done against Him by way of temptation. ...
/.../tertullian/ on the flesh of christ/chapter vii explanation of the lords.htm

The Temptation
... the love of the world, and upon that love of display which leads to presumption. ...
Many claim that it was impossible for Christ to be overcome by temptation. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 12 the temptation.htm

The Temptation in the Wilderness.
... It was a temptation to shew the powers of the world that he was the Son of God;
that to ... It is presumption of a kind similar to the making of a stone into bread ...
/.../macdonald/unspoken sermons/the temptation in the wilderness.htm

The University of Arabia.
... Temptation follows the line of exaggeration, misuse, misadjustment, wrong
motive. It pushes trust over into unwarranted presumption. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks about jesus/the university of arabia.htm