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[Note: <\/strong>This MS is available in larger font on our Manuscripts<\/strong> page.]<\/span><\/p>\n Introduction<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n In the drama of life, temptation is a real and ever-present factor for the Christian. Perhaps even those persons who have no conscience are sometimes tempted, if only to do something honorable and decent occasionally! Our Lord recognized the reality and danger of temptation because he was subjected to its rigors by the devil himself (Mat. 4:1\u201311). The Scriptures imply that He was tempted on other occasions as well: \u201cFor we have not a high priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but one that hath been in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin\u201d (Heb. 4:15). Thus, in His concern for our spiritual safety, He taught us to pray, \u201cAnd bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil\u00a0<\/span>one\u201d (Mat. 6:13).1<\/sup>As He prayed in Gethsemane He told His sleepy apostles, \u201cWatch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation\u201d (26:41).<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Our word temptation <\/em>is from the Greek noun peirasmos<\/em>, which is capable of various connotations, depending on context. Vine comments as follows concerning this noun: \u201cused of trials with a beneficial purpose and effect, of trials or temptations, Divinely permitted or sent…; with a good or neutral significance…; of trials of a varied character…. of trials definitely designed to lead to wrong doing…; of trying or challenging God, by men….\u201d2 <\/sup>Hence, depending on context, this word may refer to trials brought about by persecution or suffering for righteousness\u2019 sake, as those described by Peter: \u201cBeloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial [peirasmos<\/em>, DM] among you, which cometh upon you to prove you, as though a strange thing happened unto you\u201d (1 Pet. 4:12).<\/span><\/p>\n However, James uses this word to refer to those things which would seek to cause us to sin: \u201cBut each man is tempted, when he is drawn away by his own lust, and enticed\u201d (Jam. 1:13-14). The temptation described here contains the elements of enticement, solicitation, and seduction\u2014things which attack from within the person. They are events pertaining to our lives that Satan uses and through which he appeals to fleshly desires in an effort to cause us either to neglect or to transgress the law of God. We may summarize by saying that while all temptation may constitute a trial, not all trials constitute temptation.<\/span><\/p>\n There is a \u201cplan of salvation\u201d to rescue us from the guilt and eternal consequences of sin. There is also a \u201cplan of damnation\u201d by which men become guilty of sin and under eternal condemnation. James sets the latter plan before us in the text under consideration. Temptation is the beginning point. As already defined, temptation is that process by which an appeal is made to one or more of man\u2019s natural desires in such a manner as to entice him to transgress or fall short of the will of God. This process began early in the lives of humanity\u2019s initial pair (Gen. 3:1\u20136) and will not cease till the last trump of God heralds the coming of the Lord and the end of time. In the very nature of his constitution and his relationship to God and His Word, no accountable human can escape temptation.<\/span><\/p>\n Sources of Temptation<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n To begin with, let us understand Who is not <\/strong>the source of temptation. James tells us emphatically that God is not the source of temptation<\/strong>.3<\/sup> First, he uses a universal, unqualified prohibition to deny the thought that God is the tempter: \u201cLet no man say…I am tempted of God.\u201d A footnote in the ASV suggests the alternate reading, \u201ctempted from <\/strong>God\u201d (emph. DM), which makes the claim even stronger: When man is tempted, that temptation never emanates from<\/strong>, is never set forth by<\/strong>, God. The effect of James\u2019 statement is that any person who dares to credit God with any enticement, solicitation, or seduction to sin is a liar. Second, James makes a definitive, declarative, positive statement of the case: \u201cHe [God] himself tempteth no man.\u201d Third, this fact is just as certain as (and proceeds from) the fact that \u201cGod cannot be tempted with evil.\u201d4<\/sup> The very perfect and holy nature of God precludes the possibility of His even being tempted, much less sinning. Moses\u2019 beautiful song in Deuteronomy 32 eloquently expresses Deity\u2019s incapability of sinning: \u201cAscribe ye greatness unto our God. The Rock, his work is perfect; for all his ways are justice: a God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and right is he\u201d (vv. 3\u20134; cf. Tit. 1:2; Heb. 6:18). In this very fact lies the warranty and security of all Truth, moral law, and righteousness.<\/span><\/p>\n The Primary Source of Temptation <\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Although James does not say so, the Scriptures generally and frequently recognize that Satan is the fountainhead of all temptation and that he has been from the beginning. Moses identifies \u201cthe serpent\u201d as the one who approached and tempted Eve (Gen. 3:1\u20135). He told her a lie (\u201cYe shall not surely die,\u201d v. 4) by which he \u201cbeguiled\u201d her (v. 13; cf. 2 Cor. 11:3). John identified him as \u201cthe old serpent [at least as old as Eden, DM!], he that is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world…\u201d (Rev. 12:9; cf. 20:2). No wonder the Lord called him \u201ca liar, and the father thereof\u201d (John 8:44b)!<\/span><\/p>\n Jesus was \u201ctempted of the devil\u201d (Mat. 4:1; cf. Luke 4:2, 13) or \u201cSatan\u201d (Mark 1:13). On one occasion when Jesus prophesied His death and Peter argued that such would never happen, the Lord figuratively cast him in the role of Satan, the tempter: \u201cGet thee behind me, Satan: thou art a stumbling-block unto me\u201d (Mat. 16:23). The arch-enemy of God and man lurks around every corner and in every shadow, as a ravenous beast, stalking his prey and bent on devouring it if possible (1 Pet. 5:8). Satan is so universally recognized as the source of all temptation that Paul thought it superfluous even to name him when he referred to \u201cthe tempter\u201d (1 The. 3:5).<\/span><\/p>\n Satan\u2019s Avenues of Temptation <\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Satan is a clever, calculating tactician, as indicated by Paul\u2019s reference to \u201cthe wiles of the devil\u201d (Eph. 6:11). We dare not be ignorant of these \u201cdevices\u201d (2 Cor. 2:11). His three-point strategic plan is outlined as \u201cthe lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the vainglory of life\u201d (1 John 2:16).<\/span><\/p>\n The Bible records the details of Satan\u2019s abominable work in two well-known and pivotal occasions of temptation\u2014those of Eve in Eden and of the Lord in the wilderness. Notice how Eve was approached and snared by all three of these avenues:<\/span><\/p>\n Satan approached our Lord through these same three channels:<\/span><\/p>\n There actually are no other avenues through which Satan may tempt us, but he has so mastered the use of these as to lead the vast majority of mankind astray.<\/span><\/p>\n Satan\u2019s Agents of Temptation <\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n He does not directly tempt us as he did Eve and the Lord, but he nonetheless tirelessly (and effectively) goes about his work through a vast army of henchmen, agents, and approaches. He uses the lust of the flesh for money and other material things to lure men away from God. One of the most insidious appeals to this fleshly lust and greed is the almost universal state-sponsored lottery that ensnares and separates many a fool (including some brethren) from his or her honest income. Jesus therefore warns us against piling up earthly treasures and serving \u201cmammon\u201d (money) instead of God (Mat. 6:19\u201324) and tells us of the \u201cdeceitfulness of riches\u201d (Mat. 13:22). Paul warns those who lust for wealth that they will \u201cfall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and hurtful lusts…[and may be] led astray from the faith\u201d (1 Tim. 6:9\u201310).<\/span><\/p>\n Satan uses the advertising industry to appeal to the lust of the eyes, prompting even the elect to lavish luxuries on themselves while billions are still without the Gospel. He uses the print, film, and television media to produce and sell the most explicit forms of sexual perversion. Such temptations, coupled with added encouragement from immoral sex educators in the public schools, have produced an epidemic of childhood sexual activity in the last quarter century. This epidemic has spawned its own twin tragedies: abortion of the unwanted resultant babies on the one hand or children giving birth to children on the other. Pornography is also a frontal attack on the stability of the home and family, tempting many through the lust of the eyes to fulfill the lust of the flesh, whereby they desert their pledged spouses and honorable marriage beds for the favors of others.<\/span><\/p>\n He has perfected the use of vainglory and pride in tempting men to sin and then holding them there. Many are they who sell their souls to the devil in a willing sacrifice of Truth, righteousness, family, and friends in order to snatch the gold ring of \u201csuccess,\u201d reputation, and fame as they ride life\u2019s carousel. How vain is such glory! Perhaps an even sadder sight is that of those who were once enlightened and obeyed the Gospel becoming involved in sin and then, because of pride and vainglory, refusing to confess and repent of their mistake. Indeed, Satan has honed his craft of temptation so well through the centuries that his \u201cavenues\u201d almost appear as boulevards!<\/span><\/p>\n Secondary Sources of Temptation <\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Although Satan is the ultimate source of temptation, there are many secondary sources, factors, and approaches that can pose serious threats to our spiritual stability. Recognition of these will help us defend against them.<\/span><\/p>\n In Alfred Tennyson\u2019s \u201cIdylls of the Kings,\u201d he writes of Gareth, the youngest son left at home while his brothers have all gone off to serve King Arthur. His mother begs him to stay home, for she loves him dearly. She promises to plan a hunting trip and even provide a princess for his bride. Gareth replies: \u201cOh mother, how can you keep me tethered to you\u2014shame. Man am I grown, and man\u2019s work must I do. Follow the deer? Follow the Christ, the King. Live pure, speak true, right wrong, follow the King\u2014else, wherefore born?\u201d5<\/sup> The love of his mother sorely tempted him to stay.<\/span><\/p>\n Many years ago, I knew an elder and his family who had a dedicated, outstanding son who was just finishing high school and planning for college and his life\u2019s work. The young man was considering preparation for a life of preaching, but his mother confided that she just could not bring herself to encourage her son to preach due to the sacrifices and trials she foresaw. Consequently, he studied medicine for a while and at last word from them, ended up managing the family farm. The temptation of pleasing his mother was too great for him. This is not to imply that choosing to study to practice medicine or managing a farm, when compared with preaching, is sinful or even somehow dishonorable. However, this incident does illustrate the fact that the words, actions, and desires of loved ones are not easily resisted. If these temptations are to do what is wrong or to neglect what is right, the danger is great. In some ways temptations from loved ones may be the most difficult ones to defend ourselves against.<\/span><\/p>\n Rather, they want to be thought of as suave, daring, swashbuckling, super-tolerant people of the world. In their desire for this sort of reputation they are sorely tempted to compromise Biblical standards of behavior and\/or doctrine.<\/span><\/p>\n This appetite for acceptance explains much of the behavior of modern society, particularly that of its young people. This desire is the reason twelve-year-olds will swagger down the street blowing smoke and holding a cigarette as obviously as possible so everyone can see how sophisticated and \u201cgrown up\u201d they are. Many have become involved in even more serious behavioral problems, including usage of alcohol and other kinds of illegal drugs, sexual activities, and even criminal acts. While some have not actually become involved in such acts, they may boast of doing them in order to avoid being ostracized or ridiculed by those whose favor they seek.<\/span><\/p>\n Ironically, temptation may overtake us at our point of strength. The greatest pitfall of an outstanding athletic team may be over-confidence in its strength or ability to win. Many castles have been broken through at their strongest point where it was thought no defenders were needed. One should be slow to boast of a sin into which another has fallen, \u201cThat is one thing I will never do!\u201d We would do well to remember Paul\u2019s admonition, \u201cWherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall\u201d (1 Cor. 10:12). Few things give temptation an opportunity to seduce us as do pride, arrogance, and over-confidence.<\/span><\/p>\n While it is clear that Satan is the ultimate source of temptation, man is not thereby relieved of his culpability when he succumbs and sins. God created him with the power to choose his own course of life (whether good or evil) and has supplied him with both the information and motivation to equip him for resisting temptation. Man is therefore \u201cwithout excuse\u201d (Rom. 1:20) and must without fail eventually give account of himself to God at the final Judgment to be administered by His Son (Acts 17:31; Rom. 2:6; 14:10\u2013 12; 2 Cor. 5:10).<\/span><\/p>\n The Operation and Result of Temptation<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n James 1:14\u201315 reveals the way in which temptation operates and the result of its successful operation in a person\u2019s life:<\/span><\/p>\n The warning should be evident to all: That which may seem to be a small and insignificant flirtation or temptation may lead to the very bowels of eternal Hell!<\/span><\/p>\n Avoiding and Preventing Temptation<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n There is some defense against temptation in understanding what it is, how it operates, and the tragic results of yielding to it. However, there are other more specific weapons of which we need to be aware for this unceasing battle. Some of these are especially helpful in avoiding and preventing temptation, while others will be more helpful in dealing with temptation when it confronts us. Some will serve us well for both circumstances. Since temptation provides such a challenge to holy living for each Christian, it behooves us to find and apply whatever preventive and combative means are available to us.<\/span><\/p>\n In an hour of extreme dread and emotional agony for Himself, the Lord urged a two- fold safeguard against temptation upon Peter, James, and John in Gethsemane: \u201cWatch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak\u201d (Mat. 26:41; cf. Luke 22:46\u2014\u201crise and pray\u201d). While Jesus\u2019 admonition was apparently a mild rebuke for their inability to resist the temptation to sleep in His hour of crisis, His advice is appropriate for avoidance of temptation of every kind. One who is concerned about obeying God and keeping oneself \u201cunspotted from the world\u201d (Jam. 1:27) will be vigilant concerning the places he goes (Gal. 5:16), the company he keeps (1 Cor. 15:33), and the things he allows to enter his mind (Phi. 4:8). He will be on constant alert for the first sign of any allurement that would appeal to the \u201cfleshly lusts, which war against the soul\u201d (1 Pet. 2:11). Remember that Peter, who was warned of the Lord to \u201cwatch\u201d concerning temptation, also warned us to \u201cbe watchful\u201d concerning Satan\u2019s attempts to destroy us (5:8; cf. 1 The. 5:6).<\/span><\/p>\n While vigilance is necessary in preempting temptation, it must be combined with prayer. When the Lord taught us how to pray, His model prayer included the petition: \u201cAnd bring us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one\u201d (Mat. 6:13). These words cannot be understood as an implication that God might actually place enticements to sin before His children, for He \u201ctempteth no man\u201d (Jam. 1:13b). Rather, we are to pray that God, in His gracious providence, will help us to avoid temptation and thereby help us escape the soul-destructive work of Satan. It is encouraging to remember as we pray: \u201cThe Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation\u201d (2 Pet. 2:9). One who frequently prays about temptation is much more likely to be conscious of the ever-present danger of it, and thus more watchful for it. Let us then \u201cpray without ceasing\u201d and \u201ccontinue stedfastly in prayer, watching therein with\u00a0<\/span>thanksgiving\u201d (1 The. 5:17; Col. 4:2). Surely, if we would pray more we would faint less (Luke 18:1); fervent, constant prayer will help us avoid temptation.<\/span><\/p>\n Incessant study and application of the Word of God will help us avoid temptation: \u201cThy word have I laid up in my heart, that I might not sin against thee\u201d (Psa. 119:11). The entire panoply of the Christian soldier, whether defensive or offensive, has the Word of God as its source (Eph. 6:13\u201318). By its use we \u201cmay be able to stand against the wiles of the devil\u201d and \u201cquench all the fiery darts of the evil one\u201d (vv. 11, 16). Paul commanded, \u201cWalk by the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh\u201d (Gal. 5:16). To \u201cwalk by the Spirit\u201d is parallel to being baptized \u201cby one Spirit\u201d (1 Cor. 12:13, KJV) in the sense that the Spirit is the one Who instructs us so that we know how to walk and how to be baptized, respectively. He delivered this instruction originally to inspired men (1 Cor. 2:10, 13), who produced the written Word to spiritually instruct and edify all mankind (Acts 20:32; 1 Cor. 14:37; 2 Tim. 3:16\u201317; 1 Pet. 1:22\u201325; 2 Pet. 1:20\u201321).<\/span><\/p>\n The number of saints who seem to be dedicated to maintaining their abysmal ignorance of the \u201crudiments of the first principles of the oracles of God\u201d (Heb. 5:12) is legion. They will not even come to a Bible class prepared for them on Sunday morning or Wednesday night. It is impossible to picture such careless and indifferent folk as daily students of the Word. Given this observation, is it any wonder so many blunder into and succumb to the most obvious temptations, sometimes defending their \u201cright\u201d to do so (e.g., \u201csocial\u201d drinking, dancing, displaying their near-nude bodies in public, attending Sunday morning worship only, et al.)?! There is no defense against temptation for the Christian who will not earnestly and faithfully study and personally apply the Word of God. Many have never learned: \u201cThrough thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way\u201d (Psa. 119:104).<\/span><\/p>\n Overcoming Temptation<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Even when the most stalwart saint does his best to avoid temptation, Satan is so crafty and persistent that he will still find ways to make forbidden things appear attractive. How shall we deal with temptation when it unexpectedly confronts us? Some tactics may be thought of as \u201cpsychological\u201d (i.e., they have to do with our thought processes), while others are suggested by Scripture. The well-prepared saint will want to take advantage of both.<\/span><\/p>\n Psychological Weapons <\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n The Scriptures urge this very motivation upon us. Paul exhorted the Ephesians: \u201cI therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beseech you to walk worthily of the calling wherewith ye were called\u201d (Eph. 4:1). If we \u201ctake thought for things honorable in the sight of all men\u201d (Rom. 12:17b), we are responding to the pressure of reputation. We have often wondered if it would not be a good idea to place a bumper sticker on every car belonging to Christians that reads: \u201cI am a member of the church of Christ.\u201d It is a sobering thought to realize that I may destroy not only upon my own reputation by yielding to certain temptations, but even worse, I may seriously harm the good reputation of the Lord\u2019s church by so doing.<\/span><\/p>\n The Scriptures testify that this motivation is both high and holy. Paul used it as follows: \u201cOr despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?\u201d (Rom. 2:4). It should be repugnant to us to even consider doing anything that might grieve the Holy Spirit (Eph. 4:30). It is most practical, when tempted, to ask, \u201cWhat would my father or mother, husband or wife, children, best friends, the elders, or the preacher think of me if I yield to this temptation?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Scriptural Strategies <\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n When you met with great temptation,<\/span><\/p>\n Did you think to pray?<\/span><\/p>\n In the name of Christ, the Savior,<\/span><\/p>\n Did you sue for loving favor,<\/span><\/p>\n At the gates of day?<\/span><\/p>\n Oh, how praying rests the weary,<\/span> So, when life seems dark and dreary,<\/span><\/p>\n Don\u2019t forget to pray.<\/span><\/p>\n Conclusion<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n It is a part of the very warp and woof of life for every human being that temptations will come. This is even more the case for the Christian. Satan cannot stand to see one \u201cdelivered…out of the power of darkness, and translated…into the kingdom of the Son of his love\u201d (Col. 1:13). Accordingly, he will arouse every sort of temptation against the elect that he possibly can. It is comforting to remember, concerning all such things,<\/span><\/p>\n Paul\u2019s inspired promise: \u201cThere hath no temptation taken you but such as man can bear: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation make a way also to escape, that ye may be able to endure it\u201d (1 Cor. 10:13). God will provide the escape, but we must seek it and use it!<\/span><\/p>\n Endnotes<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n [Note: <\/strong>I wrote this MS for the 1998 Shenandoah Lectures, hosted by the Shenandoah Church of Christ, San Antonio, TX. I delivered the material orally and it appeared as a chapter in the lectureship book, Practical Christianity: Daily Christian Living<\/em>. DM]<\/span><\/p>\n Attribution:<\/strong> From thescripturecache.com<\/em>; Dub McClish, owner and administrator.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Views: 0[Note: This MS is available in larger font on our Manuscripts page.] Introduction In the drama of life, temptation is a real and ever-present factor for the Christian. Perhaps even those persons who have no conscience are sometimes tempted, if only to do something…<\/p>\n\n
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\nPrayer can change the night to day.<\/span><\/p>\n\n