What the Bible Says about

and Temptation

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 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 desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then after desire is conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” James 1:12-15 NIV

It is NOT sin to be tempted Jesus struggled with temptation He was tempted in everyway, just as we are – Hebrews 4:15; Luke 4:1-13; Matthew 16:21-23; 26:36-46 Yet the Bible says He never sinned – Hebrews 4:15; 7:26; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 John 3:5-6

It is NOT sin to be tempted Temptation is simply an invitation to sin We sin when we decide to accept the invitation – Luke 4:1-12 The invitation to sin will always there; we must decide in our hearts not to accept it! – Genesis 4:6-7

God NEVER tempts anyone Many people want to blame God They blame God for . . . – Proverbs 19:3; Genesis 3:9-12 God would NEVER do anything inconsistent with His character! – James 1:16-17

God NEVER tempts anyone Our own evil desires lead us into temptation Satan may entice us, but he can’t make us do anything! – James 1:14; Luke 4:1-11; 1 John 2:15-17 We must take responsibility for our choices! – Romans 8:5-8, 12-14; Galatians 5:16-17

We MUST take temptation seriously No one is immune to temptation! Some Christians become overly confident in their ability to handle temptation – 1 Corinthians 10:1-12 The Bible admonishes us over and over again to be careful that you don’t fall! – 1 Corinthians 10:12; 1 Peter 5:8-9; 2 Peter 1:5-11

We MUST take temptation seriously Temptation leads to sin, and sin leads to death! No one ever plans to fall away from the faith Not taking temptation seriously is the first step! – James 1:14-15

“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man “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 a way out so that you can stand up under it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV

God ALWAYS provides a way out God is faithful . . . He is always there to help us! – Hebrews 4:15-16; James 1:2-8 He will never let us be tempted beyond what we can bear – 1 Corinthians 10:13; Job There is absolutely nothing that can force us to sin; it is totally our choice!

God ALWAYS provides a way out We have the ability to overcome all temptation! God has given us everything we need for life and godliness – 2 Peter 1:3; 1 John 4:4 I can do all things through him . . . – Philippians 4:13

“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16 NIV