Topical Bible: The Blessed: Who Endure Temptation

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In the Christian faith, enduring temptation is seen as a significant aspect of spiritual maturity and growth. The Bible speaks to the blessedness of those who withstand trials and temptations, emphasizing the rewards and spiritual benefits that come from such perseverance.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of enduring temptation is prominently addressed in the Epistle of James. James 1:12 states, "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him." This verse highlights the promise of eternal reward for those who remain steadfast in the face of trials, underscoring the connection between love for God and the ability to endure.

Nature of Temptation

Temptation, as understood in the Bible, is an enticement to sin or to stray from God's commandments. It is often portrayed as a test of faith and character. The source of temptation can be external, such as worldly influences or the devil, or internal, stemming from one's own desires. James 1:13-14 clarifies, "When tempted, no one should say, 'God is tempting me.' For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed."

Examples of Endurance

The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals who endured temptation and were blessed as a result. One of the most notable is Jesus Christ Himself, who, after fasting for forty days and nights, was tempted by Satan in the wilderness. Despite the allure of power, sustenance, and safety, Jesus resisted, using Scripture to counter each temptation (Matthew 4:1-11).

Another example is Joseph, who, when tempted by Potiphar's wife, chose to flee rather than succumb to sin (Genesis 39:7-12). His steadfastness eventually led to his rise in power and influence in Egypt, demonstrating the long-term blessings of enduring temptation.

Spiritual Benefits

Enduring temptation is not only about avoiding sin but also about strengthening one's faith and character. Romans 5:3-4 states, "Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." This passage illustrates the transformative power of trials, suggesting that enduring temptation leads to spiritual growth and a deeper hope in God's promises.

Divine Assistance

Believers are not left to endure temptation on their own. The Bible assures that God provides the necessary strength and resources to overcome. 1 Corinthians 10:13 offers encouragement: "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 divine support is a cornerstone of the Christian understanding of enduring temptation.

Practical Application

Christians are encouraged to actively resist temptation through prayer, Scripture study, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Jesus taught His disciples to pray, "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one" (Matthew 6:13). This prayer reflects a dependence on God for guidance and protection against the snares of temptation.

In summary, the blessedness of those who endure temptation is a recurring theme in the Bible, promising both immediate spiritual benefits and eternal rewards. Through the examples of biblical figures, the assurance of divine assistance, and the transformative power of trials, believers are called to persevere, trusting in God's faithfulness and love.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

James 1:12
Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them that love him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Warfare of a Christian Life.
... as a good soldier." There are some things to endure along the Christian way. James
says, "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation." Temptations are outward ...
/.../orr/how to live a holy life/the warfare of a christian.htm

Letter i. --Temptation to Despair.
... Letter I."Temptation to Despair ... Well, this is precisely what God does not wish, and
what He cannot endure in souls aspiring after perfection ... blessed despoilment ...
/.../de caussade/abandonment to divine providence/letter i temptation to despair.htm

The Temptation of Christ
... We may therefore from this blessed passage gather strong consolations ... that, we may
be called to endure many a ... in our hearts, which time and temptation may draw ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the temptation of christ.htm

And Bring us not into Temptation but Deliver us from Evil
... Reviled, we have blessed; persecuted, we have borne up ... as though poverty involved
no temptation"he must ... since according to Solomon, the needy endure no threats ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen on prayer/chapter xix and bring us.htm

On the Presentation of the Blessed virgin, or on the Octave of Her ...
... man holds fast in his integrity, temptation comes to ... mean the Sacred Humanity of
our Blessed Lord Jesus ... a thousand times less can nature endure this condition ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xiv on the presentation.htm

Blessed Adversity.
... of Satan had in vain tried ordinary means of temptation with the ... was blessed prosperity,
his adversity, likewise, was blessed adversity ... Weeping may endure for a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/taylor/a ribband of blue/blessed adversity.htm

Certain Amorous Speeches of the Soul to Herself in Prayer:
... The like is to be said of the following Devotions to our Blessed Lady, &c. ... 4. When
wilt thou peaceably and gently endure all tribulation and temptation? ...
/.../certain amorous speeches of the.htm

Spiritual Desolation.
... Blessed be thy holy will! ... "O how much better it is," says St. John of Avila, "to
endure aridity and temptation by God's will than to be raised to the ...
/.../de liguori/uniformity with gods will/6 spiritual desolation.htm

Meditations for one that is Like to Die.
... xi), are now most blessed and glorious saints with ... consideration of which made David
endure Shimei's cursed ... and every sense, upon, every temptation, is ready ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations for one that is.htm

On a Holy Martyr's Day
... day, singing of him that he is blessed because he ... The other sort of temptation is
inward and spiritual ... great grievances and temptations which he has to endure. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xxxi on a holy.htm