The Root of Temptation

“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.”—James 1:13-15

Temptation. We all deal with it. But where does it come from? It doesn’t come from God—the Scripture is clear, “…for God cannot be tempted with evil, and He Himself tempts no one.” God doesn’t tempt us, nor does He put us in situations where we’re going to be tempted, we do that. As James wrote, “…each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.” Our desires, like everything else went through the Fall. And our desires, like everything else are corrupted, leading us into times of temptation. Which is why Jesus told His disciples to “watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak" (Matthew 26:41). We must be on guard against temptation, because we know how easily we can give into it. 

In fact, God knows how quickly we can be deceived and led into temptation, which is why He has given us His Spirit and His Word to instruct us how to get out from it. If you’re in Christ, you don’t have to sin. You can escape from it. As Paul wrote, “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.

There are several things that we can learn from 1 Corinthians 10:13. The first is that we’re all tempted, every last one of us. The temptations we experience aren’t brand new. Others have experienced the same thing.

Secondly, God is faithful—He is there for us. He is pro-us. He wants us to resist temptation. He is not against us; He is decidedly and unreservedly for us. He doesn’t want us giving into sin, but has given us the resources to ensure success in resistance.  God doesn’t tempt us, indeed, if He did, He would cease to be God, because tempting us would be against His nature.

Thirdly, the temptation we experience will never be beyond our ability to get away. We will always have a way out. Always. It’s a divine promise. To disbelieve it is to call God a liar.

Are you aware what your sinful desires are? Are you watching and praying? Are you guarding against temptation? Do you believe God gives you a way out when temptation comes? Watch and pray that you may not be led into it, but if you are know that God has given you a way of escape. You don’t have to give in. You are free to resist sin and pursue the risen Savior. And if you do sin, know that it hasn’t escaped God’s attention-He has provided grace and mercy through His Son, and the promise that “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”—1 John 1:9.

God will forgive us when we sin, but its better to learn how to resist it. May God give us the strength to say, “no” when temptation comes and may His name be exalted in us to the praise and honor of His great and glorious name. Amen.