No Longer Series
Temptation
Temptation
the act of tempting; an attempt to lure someone into doing wrong
TEMPTATION Broadly defined, temptation is the enticement to do evil. Satan is the tempter (Matt. 4:3; 1 Thess. 3:5). Beginning with Eve, Satan successfully tempted Adam, Cain, Abraham, and David to sin. He was less successful with Job, and Jesus was “tested in every way as we are, yet without sin” (Heb. 4:15 HCSB)
James explains that God cannot be tempted by evil, and He does not tempt anyone (James 1:13). Temptation may be for the purpose of destroying a person through sin leading to death and hell. This is Satan’s intent. God may allow testing for the purpose of bringing forth faith and patience, which ultimately honor Him, as in the case of Job. James further explains that a blessing awaits the one who endures temptation (James 1:12).
James describes the mechanism of temptation. “Each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desires” (James 1:14
The origin of the temptation is attributed to fallen human nature (Rom. 6:6; Eph. 4:22; Col. 3:9; and 2 Cor. 5:17).
Next James uses a metaphor, that of a woman bearing children, to paint a terrible picture. Once a person has been drawn away by his own desire, desire becomes pregnant and gives birth to sin. Temptation is not sin; yielding to temptation is. Jesus said that cherishing adultery in thought is to commit adultery (Matt. 5:28).
Next James uses a metaphor, that of a woman bearing children, to paint a terrible picture. Once a person has been drawn away by his own desire, desire becomes pregnant and gives birth to sin. Temptation is not sin; yielding to temptation is.
When the full cycle is completed, sin in turn brings forth death