That’s why we need to know what the Bible says.” Are Trials and Temptations the Same Thing? Christian radio host Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth said, “Anytime we receive input that doesn’t match the Word of God, we need to realize that Satan is trying to deceive and destroy us. There are many kinds of temptation that lead to sins of commission or omission. When we give in to temptations, they take root and defile us. Temptation itself is not sin, but giving in to temptation is sin - even in our minds or viewed as a private sin of the heart. Those thinking they are above temptation should take heed of Paul’s warning about pride: “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” ( 1 Corinthians 10:12). From that point on, the devil has continued to prey on people and get footholds in their lives.
They yielded to Satan’s deception and disobeyed God. The devil, our deceitful adversary, can indeed tempt us, but he cannot force anyone to sin - he cannot violate human free will.Īs the terrible “serpent,” Satan enticed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Comedian Clerow “Flip” Wilson popularized the phrase, “The devil made me do it.” Those words make us laugh, but they really are an attempt to justify sin. The Bible says Satan prowls like a hungry lion, seeking to devour his prey. Satan, the great tempter, masquerades as an angel of light. Jesus also said to pray, “deliver us from evil.” Some scholars say it means “from the evil one.” We cannot, as humans, resist the devil in our own strength that is why we must submit to Christ, our Deliverer, first. The word “temptation” can also refer to trials, and Christians can rightly ask for deliverance from suffering. Jesus taught His disciples to pray, “Lead us not into temptation.” This is a simple petition - asking God to not allow or permit us to be tempted to sin. If He did, that would be contrary to His holy nature and to His desire to sanctify His children: “for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy’” ( 1 Peter 1:16). Some think God tempts people, but God never tempts anyone to sin. Some think it will be obvious, but temptations are subtle and nuanced. Temptation can be overcome, but first believers must recognize that it exists so they can learn how to resist it.Ĭhristians sometimes have naïve assumptions about temptation. Temptation is a person’s strong inner desire to participate in an activity or habit that will impact life and perhaps prove destructive in the long run.
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