The Bible has a lot to say about the topic of temptation. From Genesis to Revelation, scripture provides insight, warnings, and encouragement when it comes to facing temptations in life. In approximately 9000 words, this article will explore the biblical perspective on temptation – what it is, where it comes from, strategies for avoiding and overcoming it, and God’s presence through it all. Definition of Temptation In the Bible, the words “temptation” and “test” are often used interchangeably. The Greek word is “peirasmos” which means an experiment, attempt, trial, proving, or testing. Essentially, it refers to anything that tests a…
Author: Richard Curi
King Joash (also known as Jehoash) was an important king in the Bible who ruled over the kingdom of Judah for 40 years. According to 2 Kings 11-12 and 2 Chronicles 22-24, Joash became king as a young child after his grandmother Athaliah tried to seize the throne by killing all potential heirs. However, Joash was rescued as an infant and hidden in the temple for six years while Athaliah ruled. At age seven, Joash was brought out of hiding by the priest Jehoiada and anointed as the rightful king. Jehoiada served as a mentor and guide to the young…
Galatians 5:1 says, “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” This verse teaches us that through Christ’s death on the cross, He has freed us from slavery to sin and the law. Here are 9000 words explaining what this means and why it matters: 1. We were slaves to sin Before Christ saved us, we were slaves to sin. Sin controlled our thoughts, words, and actions. Romans 6:16-18 says, “Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of…
Eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and others are complex conditions that affect both the body and mind. Though not specifically mentioned in the Bible, there are many Bible verses and principles that can encourage and instruct those struggling with an unhealthy relationship with food and their body image. God cares about our bodies The Bible makes clear that our bodies are not our own but were created by God. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?…
Systemic racism refers to policies, practices, and procedures within society and institutions that produce racially inequitable outcomes and advantages for some groups at the expense of others. This goes beyond individual acts of prejudice or discrimination to look at how systems and structures can perpetuate racial inequity. The Bible has several relevant themes and passages when it comes to understanding systemic racism. All human beings are created equal before God The Bible teaches that all people are made in the image of God and have inherent dignity and worth (Genesis 1:27). God does not show partiality or favoritism based on…
The Bible has a lot to say about habits, both good and bad. Developing godly habits and breaking sinful ones is an important part of the Christian life. Here is an overview of what the Bible teaches about habits: 1. Our habits reflect the condition of our hearts Jesus said that “out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45). Our words and behaviors reveal what is really inside of us. Sinful habits like gossip, anger, greed, and lust all stem from impure hearts. Godly habits like prayer, Scripture reading, generosity, and service reflect hearts changed by…
The book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible contains wise sayings and reflections on the meaning of life. Chapter 3 verse 5 states that there is “A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing.” This verse contrasts two different seasons and attitudes we will all encounter in life – times of connection and intimacy, and times of separation and restraint. On the surface, this verse is acknowledging the natural rhythms and seasons of life. The weather gets cold and we put on coats to stay warm. The weather gets hot and we take off layers to stay cool.…
The verse “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 ESV) speaks to the reality that life has both joyful and sorrowful seasons. There are times of weeping and times of…
The land and people group of Midian play an important role in several biblical narratives. Here is an overview of the significance of Midian in the Bible: Midian’s Connection to Abraham Midian was one of the sons of Abraham through his second wife Keturah (Genesis 25:2). After Sarah’s death, Abraham took Keturah as his wife and she bore him six sons, one of which was Midian. So the Midianites were distant relatives and descendants of Abraham. Moses Flees to Midian After Moses killed an Egyptian for beating a Hebrew slave, he fled Egypt and settled in the land of Midian…
Philippians 1:11 says, “filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” This verse speaks of the “fruit of righteousness” that comes through faith in Jesus Christ. But what exactly is this “fruit of righteousness”? To understand this phrase, we first need to look at the broader context of Philippians 1. The apostle Paul is writing to the Christians in Philippi and commending them for their partnership in the gospel (Philippians 1:5). He expresses his joy and confidence that God will continue the good work He began in them (v.6). Paul…