Temptation, resisting

Being tempted in not in itself a sin. Sin arises when believers give in to temptation. Scripture urges believers to resist temptation, and gives them encouragement to face it.

Lent, derived from an Anglo-Saxon word signifying “spring,” is the penitential season preceding Easter. Its origins trace back to early Christians’ desire for special preparation before Easter, evolving into a 40-day period mirroring Jesus’ wilderness fast. Sundays are excluded, resulting in Lent beginning 46 days before Easter. Initially, Lent served as an intensive training period for catechumens, preparing them for Easter baptism. However, with the rise of infant baptism, this aspect diminished. The season’s significance remains rooted in its penitential nature and preparation for the Easter celebration.

Introduction

1500 Illustrations for Biblical Preaching Temptation

A woodpecker is a very interesting bird. The loud rat-a-tat-tat noise he makes as he drills into trees in search of bugs to eat always attracts attention. The secret of his success is simple. When a woodpecker finds a suitable tree, he begins to drill a hole. If the wood is too hard or no bugs are found, he simply moves over a bit and starts again. Over and over he continues, until he meets with success.

Satan uses temptation in much the same way. He will try one temptation on us and then if not successful will move over a bit and try another. And so he will continue, over and over again, until he finds a soft spot in us that he can use to his advantage.1368

Encouragement to those facing temptation

James 1:12

See also Ro 8:37; 1 Jn 4:4; Heb 4:15–16; Heb 2:18; Jas 1:2–3

Finding in God and his word resources to overcome temptation

Daniel 11:32

See also Mt 6:13; Jas 4:7; Pr 2:12–15; 1 Ti 6:11–12; Pr 2:1–2

Practical suggestions for overcoming temptation

Overcoming temptation through prayer

Matthew 26:41

See also 1 Co 7:5; Mt 18:8–9

Overcoming temptation through personal discipline

Heb 12:4; Heb 12:7; 2 Pe 3:17

Encouragements to resist temptation

Ga 6:1; 1 Th 5:22

See also Pr 1:10–15; Ro 6:12–14

Examples of those who did not give in to temptation

Job 1:22

See also Job 2:10; Da 1:8; Ge 39:7–10; Je 35:5–6

Jesus Christ resisted temptation

Matthew 4:4

See also Mt 4:7; Mt 4:10