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Lessons Aimed At Helping Saints Define, Describe, & Defeat Sin

Lesson 3 – Temptation To Sin  Sin is something we can become so “entangled” in Heb 12:1  Not done to us against our will Jas 1:14  It occurs when we make a choice to do or not do something  The compelling factor = temptation

Lesson 3 – Temptation To Sin Defining Temptation  “Enticement to do wrong by promise of pleasure or gain; inducement to do something” [Webster]  “A trial or proving; the trial of fidelity, integrity, or virtue; enticement to sin re: desires or circumstances” [Thayer]

Lesson 3 – Temptation To Sin Defining Temptation  It has nothing to do with whether or not the one solicited gives in  Even if one refuses to yield to the “enticements”…he has been tempted  Consider Jesus Heb 2:18 4:15

Lesson 3 – Temptation To Sin Temptation vs. “Testing” or “Trials”  Original term (peirazō) meant “to try or attempt; to endeavor”  Whether the attempt was morally good or bad was irrelevant Acts 9:26 16:7  Later uses illustrate a definition more in line with our discussion

Lesson 3 – Temptation To Sin Temptation vs. “Testing” or “Trials”  Sometimes the Scripture reveals one being “tested” to ascertain character  How he responded to something reveals whether or not he passed the “test”  Jesus, Philip, & Andrew Jn 6:6-7, 8-9 Jn 2:11 Mt 8:27

Lesson 3 – Temptation To Sin Temptation vs. “Testing” or “Trials”  At other times, a command from God has “tested” man  The genuineness of faith is revealed  The command to Abraham to offer up Isaac Gen 22:1-2, 9-12 Heb 11:17-19

Abraham & Isaac  It was Abraham’s words (Gen 22:5) and his thoughts (Heb 11:19) that indicated his “fear” or awe toward God re: what he knew God could do Gen 22:12  It was precisely this response that was missing in both Philip & Andrew Jn 6:7-9

Abraham & Isaac  God wasn’t “testing” Abraham to find a flaw in his character…He “tested” him to allow him to show his faith  God didn’t want Abraham to fail…He wanted him to succeed  God never discredits us…He gives us the opportunity to rise in faith

Abraham & Isaac  Tempting someone to do evil is sinister  This characteristic cannot describe God Jas 1:13 1 Jn 1:5

Lesson 3 – Temptation To Sin Temptation vs. “Testing” or “Trials”  Temptation also differs from “trials”  Everyone will face adverse times  Sometimes the adversity is common to all men…at other times, adversity comes because believers try to remain faithful

Lesson 3 – Temptation To Sin Temptation vs. “Testing” or “Trials”  A “trial” may not necessarily involve evil or inducements to do wrong, but it could  Illustrated by Job Job 1: :1-10  He was allowed to suffer greatly…he lost all he had

Lesson 3 – Temptation To Sin Temptation vs. “Testing” or “Trials”  Yet, Job did not respond in the way Satan accused him of before God  Everything happened as Satan intended… except for Job’s response

Lesson 3 – Temptation To Sin Temptation vs. “Testing” or “Trials”  Some conclude “trials” (adversity) come because of sin…a punishment from God  Eliphaz Job 4:7-8  Jesus’ disciples Jn 9:1-2  Yet, God does allow us to see adversity… it can strengthen Jas 1:2-4 1 Pet 1:6

Lesson 3 – Temptation To Sin Temptation vs. “Testing” or “Trials”  The most common concept re: temptation is a solicitation (seduction) to do evil  Solicitation is the devil’s work…not God’s 1 Pet 5:8-9 Jas 4:7  God “tests” to make us stronger… Satan “tempts” to destroy us

Lesson 3 – Temptation To Sin Temptation vs. “Testing” or “Trials”  The process by which Satan tempts man can be better understood when viewed as a “formula” Jas 1:14-16

Temptation’s “Formula” Step #1 Enticement to do evil Jas 1:14  We all have desires…at times, they cry out to be satisfied  Satan presents unlawful ways for these desires to be fulfilled Gen 39:7 Acts 5:1-4  Temptation can be endured Jas 1:12 TEMPTATION = DESIRE + OPPORTUNITY

Temptation’s “Formula” Step #2 Sin itself is “born” Jas 1:15a  Interesting observation re: this verse  Man is not born in sin (Calvinism) …rather, sin is born in man

Temptation’s “Formula” Step #2 Sin itself is “born” Jas 1:15a  Man does not resist temptation Jas 1:12  When he yields (acts on the temptation), he sins (violates God’s law) 1 Jn 3:4  He is now separated from God Isa 59:1-2  He has a new “master” Jn 8:34 Rom 6:12-16 SIN = DESIRE + OPPORTUNITY + ACTION

Temptation’s “Formula” Step #3 Death is eventual Jas 1:15b  Sin does not (cannot) deliver what it promised (nature of deception)  Now separated from God, man is “dead” Eph 2:1

Temptation’s “Formula” Step #3 Death is eventual Jas 1:15b  Satan has achieved what he wanted…a soul is estranged from God  All that awaits is eternal death DEATH = DESIRE + OPPORTUNITY + ACTION + NO REPENTANCE

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