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 person’s faith, obedience, character, or trust in God. Temptation provides an enticement or attraction to sin. It appeals to our natural desires and weaknesses. James 1:13-15 explains the progression – “Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” (English Standard Version)
Where Does Temptation Come From?
While God does not directly tempt people (James 1:13), the Bible identifies three main sources of temptation:
- The devil – Satan actively tempts people to turn away from God and toward sin. Matthew 4:1-11 describes Satan’s temptation of Jesus in the wilderness. 1 Thessalonians 3:5 warns, “…that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know.”
- The sinful nature – Human beings are naturally drawn toward sin and selfishness. Romans 7:21-23 says, “So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members.”
- The world – 1 John 2:15-17 warns against loving the world and the temptation it brings. “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.”
Examples of Temptation in the Bible
Here are some biblical examples of individuals facing temptation:
- Adam and Eve were tempted by the serpent to eat the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3).
- Joseph was tempted by Potiphar’s wife to sleep with her (Genesis 39).
- David was tempted by lust when he saw Bathsheba bathing (2 Samuel 11).
- Solomon was led astray by his many foreign wives (1 Kings 11).
- Ananias and Sapphira were tempted by greed to keep back money (Acts 5).
- Demas deserted Paul out of love for the world (2 Timothy 4:10).
Even Jesus was tempted while fasting in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). These examples demonstrate that temptation is a common struggle faced by ordinary people, leaders, kings, and even the Son of God.
Strategies and Encouragement for Overcoming Temptation
While temptation is inevitable, the Bible offers hope and strategies for avoiding and resisting it. Here are some key verses of encouragement and tips for overcoming temptation:
- “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)
- “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)
- “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11)
- “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Colossians 3:2)
- “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11)
- “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
- “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16)
Strategies include scripture memorization, prayer, accountability, self-discipline, avoiding compromise and triggers, fellowship, and keeping an eternal perspective. God provides strength to endure temptation and a way out through dependence on Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus Christ – Our Help and Example in Temptation
A key section of scripture on temptation is Hebrews 2:14-18: “Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery…Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”
Because Jesus endured temptation, He understands our struggles and can give mercy and grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:15-16). Through His sinless life and victory over temptation, He conquered sin and death so that we can have eternal life. Jesus set the perfect example of using scripture to rebuke temptation while trusting in the Father. He has opened the way for us to follow in His steps by God’s power at work within us.
Why Does God Allow Temptation and Testing?
A common question is “if God is good, why does He allow temptation?” Scripture reveals several purposes behind this:
- To refine faith – Testing refines and strengthens our faith like fire refines gold. James 1:2-4 explains, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
- To develop obedience – Obedience is developed and refined through the choice to submit to God over temptation. Hebrews 5:7-8 describes how Jesus learned obedience through suffering.
- To teach dependence – Overcoming temptation requires depending on God rather than our own strength. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
- To prepare for ministry – Jesus was tempted in order to empathize with and intercede for us. Our experiences with resisting temptation equip us to minister to others.
- For judgment – Those who continually give into temptation without repentance demonstrate the condition of their heart. Romans 2:5-8 warns that stubbornness can lead to God’s wrath and judgment.
While unpleasant, temptation tests and grows virtues that reflect God’s character. He remains sovereign over it all and provides the resources believers need to overcome.
Trusting God’s Faithfulness Through Temptation
A final biblical encouragement is to view temptation as an opportunity to grow in dependence on Christ and trust in God’s absolute faithfulness. 1 Peter 1:6-7 proclaims, “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Rather than giving in to despair, we can rejoice that God will use temptation to refine us.
1 Corinthians 10:13 again promises, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” Through temptation, we draw closer to Jesus, gain spiritual strength, and experience God’s faithful deliverance in new ways. His grace and power shine brighter in our weakness.
The Bible offers great encouragement, wisdom and strategies for overcoming temptation, but emphasizes dependence on Christ above all. He stands ready to rescue and sustain us at all times when we humbly rely on Him. “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:15-16)