Difficulties Concerning Temptation

Today's edition was written by Pastor Nick Willke. Thank you brother! 

Chapter 10

“First of all, people seem to expect that after the soul has entered into rest in the Lord, temptations will cease. They think that the promised deliverance is to be not only from yielding to temptation, but even also from being tempted.”  

“Next, they make the mistake of looking upon temptation as sin, and of blaming themselves for suggestions of evil, even while they abhor them. This brings them into condemnation and discouragement. Discouragement, if continued in, always ends at last in actual sin. Sin makes an easy prey of a discouraged soul, so that we fall often from the very fear of having fallen.” 

Temptation is not sin, but like our author points out, it can easily discourage our souls when we are tempted. This discouragement can easily entangle us and lead to sin. I think to rephrase what the author is saying would sound like, “it is easy to think that when we become a Christian that our faith is going to be easy and our struggles will magically disappear.” When we put our faith and trust in Jesus, our life is on the trajectory of transformation. However, that does not mean that the world we live in changes—it will still be full of sin and temptation. The advantage we do experience in Christ is the proper tools and equipment to deal and live in a fallen world. 

Along with temptation can come discouragement. This, as our author points out, is how temptation can develop into sin. But one way we can combat this is with confidence that comes from the Spirit of God. That is why the Lord said so often to Joshua, "Be strong and of a good courage;" "Be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed;" "Only be thou strong and very courageous" (Joshua 1:9). And it is also the reason He says to us, "Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:27). We can have confidence in who God is, and who He is transforming and empowering us to be. It is important to recognize the difference between temptation and sin because we can then commit ourselves to the Lord for this victory. 

Thoughts and Questions for Interaction

• What are temptations that you face? 

• Is it possible that God is allowing these temptations to enter your life to grow your faith and trust in Him? If so, how so?

• What is stopping you from experience victory over temptation?

• Do you have others in your life with whom you share and battle these temptations?