Escaping from the power of temptation

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Escaping from the power of temptation - (10/31/04)

There is a distinct difference between temptation and trials. Despite the same word is used for both on the original manuscripts, the context usually determines which word is more appropriate for the translation. Temptation is always used in the Bible in the negative way, in connection with the devil. That’s why James says: “God cannot be tempted by the Devil”. When a comedian says: “The devil forced me to do this”. He is theologically right.

On the other hand, trial is used in the positive way, for constructive purposes. The automobile companies spend a lot of money just testing cars, the most severe tests enables them to manufacture a durable and more acceptable product. That is God’s purpose also. For example, Genesis 22:1 says that God “tested Abraham”. Abraham overcome the test and became a stronger man.

We can be sure that God’s trials and Satan’s temptations will always be with us. We can never avoid them. So when times of trials come we should accept them with patience and faith, knowing that our loving Father wants to create a better and stronger product. And when times of temptation come, we should look to Jesus as an example, because he was also tempted. And as Jesus, we should remember God’s promises. He answered each temptation with an appeal to the authority of the Word of God.

What is the promise of the Word of God toward our temptations? "God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.”

Leroy Patterson