Temptations Come…
“Opportunity may knock only once, but temptation leans on the doorbell.”
Malorie Blackman is primarily known for her children's and young adult literature, but this quote is hardly limited to those who are young. As a matter of fact, the longer I have been a follower of Jesus, the more I realize the doorbell is always ringing! There was a time when I thought that through time, effort, and, of course, God’s grace, I might become immune to temptation or at least that temptation would not be a constant companion on the road of life. Instead, I have grown to understand that the sin in my life, the sin in the world, and the work of the Enemy are such that temptation will always be present. The goal is not to be free of temptation but to be faithful in the midst of temptation.
We tend to think of temptation as something that we desire that we know will be bad for us; the seduction to sin which will inevitably bring harm to our lives. And, while this is undeniably true, the idea of temptation is less about how it impacts us and more about our relationship with God Himself. Biblically, temptation primarily refers to a test or trial where the Christian is able to act either faithfully or unfaithfully. Temptation, regardless of the package it comes in, is always about either drawing nearer to our Lord or betraying Him in our thoughts, words or deeds.
Temptation is often treated rather comically: the presence of a horned, impish devil sitting on your shoulder; the seductive temptress on the street corner; the rich oh-so-bad-for-you chocolate cake. It is amazing how, even in our biblically illiterate society, the image of a bright red apple with a bite taken out of it and a serpent nearby is universally understood as the essence of temptation. Doing just a bit of research, I find that there is even a cologne for men called “Temptation”.
But for those seeking to follow Jesus, for His disciples and servants, temptation is no laughing matter. The Bible takes temptation seriously. Jesus takes it seriously; and therefore, we must take it seriously. Understanding what temptation is, where it comes from, what its purpose is, is but a part of a healthy Christian response. We know that our Lord desires us to resist temptation, that our response should be one of faith and not selfish unbelief; but all too often we underestimate the presence and power of temptation.
The presence of temptation: It would be easy to identify temptation if it always showed up with a sign announcing its depravity and evil; but it rarely, if ever, does. All too often temptation appears, not as something we know we should avoid, but as the very thing we deeply desire. How often in your life have you embraced something “good”, only to later on realize that it was a temptation designed to lead you away from a grace-filled life in Christ? Temptation is not an occasional thing—it is as present as sin itself.
The power of temptation: We all have felt this—the relentless pull to satisfy our own desires, regardless of the cost or, specifically, the impact on our walk with Christ. It is easy to think of it as overwhelming, a nearly irresistible force. Its power cannot be minimized or ignored—it must be dealt with as we are directed by our Lord.
If the presence and power of temptation is as strong as we all know, what hope is there for believers? Only the hope that Paul himself clung to: “Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!”
As you prepare for worship this week, read James 1:12-15.
1. What does it mean to be “blessed” in verse 12?
2. What kind of “trial” might James be addressing in verse 12? Where does this trial come from?
3. How does one “stand the test”? Look at the end of the verse—“those who love him”. Hmmmm. What is the connection between standing the test and love of God?
4. Why does James warn people not to say that they have been tempted by God? Why would he need to warn them against that?
5. Why would people be tempted to say that God is tempting them? Have you ever been so tempted?
6. What is James’ two-fold “proof” that God does not tempt people? How do each “prove” that God doesn’t tempt people?
7. How does temptation come according to James? Think of an example from your own life. Where has this pattern (the move from desire to death) been evident in your own life?
