14/07/08

Tempted or tested?

1 Corinthians 10:13 - There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Why are we tempted?

Like James says in his letter (James 1:14) very clearly that we are tempted because of our own lust. Even when we are walking with the Lord we are not perfect and therefore fall prey to temptation.

Then the very next question comes why does God allow us to be tempted?

You will understand this when you understand that Jesus too was tempted. Now Jesus had no lust in Him but He was made weak in both body and soul and lead to be tempted by Satan. The three temptations which Jesus endured were indirectly the same which Adam and Eve went through and failed. Jesus via this test showed us how we can overcome temptation by holding on to the Word. Our overcoming temptation allows us too to become a testimony for others.

Who tempts us?

This is a very tricky question. In sense that the word used for tempt and test in the Old Testament is the same Hebrew word 'nacah'. The difference lies between the purpose of it, one gives an opportunity to receive promotion and the other searches for an opportunity to demote. God does not tempt to demote, His testing is also not something He loves to do. But since He does not want to loose us, He tests us or allows us to be tested so that He can draw us closer to Him when we pass.

Am I being tested or tempted too much?

The level of testing or temptation is controlled by the Lord to not exceed our capacity. So rejoice every testing or temptation is in our capacity to overcome, just be diligent to stand with the Lord. During every temptation or testing there comes a stage of escape (or I would say wild card) for which we should watch out for and at that moment if you do the right thing, you pass.


[ Prayer Starter ]
Father God, please be merciful on me and bring me not to temptation. Whenever I am tested hold my hand and do not let go of me. Guide me and send me your messengers to encourage me to overcome. I make this prayer in Jesus' Name, Amen.


[ Reference Scripture ]

1 Corinthians 10:12-14
12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.

James 1:13-14
13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

Hebrew 2:18
18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

Genesis 22:1
1 And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am.

The Word of God was given free to us, therefore we should also share it freely with others. (All rights are with God)