Temptation

[Chad]

It’s not wrong to be tempted. All of us will be tempted at some point in our lives. We just read that even Jesus was tempted. But, it becomes wrong when we give in to the [HASHTAG]#temptation[/HASHTAG] and do something we know isn’t right.

Here’s the thing about temptation. It looks good at first. It could tempt us toward something we actually want to do, but in reality, it promises something that it can’t deliver.

When we give in to it, we buy into a lie. Temptation will lead you to do wrong — whether it be to cheat on a test to get a good grade or to lie to your parents so you don’t get in trouble.

We need to learn to recognize when we’re being tempted to do something that we know isn’t right, and give it over to God. He can give us the strength to overcome.

So, when and where do you feel like you are being tempted? What things do you need to give to God and get strength from Him to do what’s right?

Spend the next few moments praying to God about those things. Know that through Him you, can [HASHTAG]#overcome[/HASHTAG]!

Above from YouVersion app.

Notice, Jesus responded with the Word of GOD (aka "Sword of the Spirit") each time He was tempted.

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ” Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “ ‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’ ” Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ” Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’ ” Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. // Matthew‬ ‭4‬:‭1-11‬

See also
Spiritual Warfare / Armour of God | Talk Jesus

 

[Dovegiven]

Sometimes temptation comes to us in ways that the society around us judges as "good". I like to tell this tale for teaching "principle", which is a valuable tool to help us avoid making unrighteous decisions.

A traveling salesman realized he was hopelessly lost in the deep countryside. He came upon an old neglected farmhouse from which he might find directions. "There's a dog there inside a fence, so someone must live there.".
The man approached the fence, immediately confronted by the dog. Believing he ought not open the gate, he shouted "Is anyone home in there?"

The dog uttered "We're home. You must be lost. Go back the way you came, then stay rto the right, and you will come to the highway."

The salesman looked around, seeing no man, then called out "Who speaks?"
The dog replied "It is I, the dog. What else can I help you with?"
The salesman was dumbfounded. "I am going mad. I think this dog has said that."
The dog affirmed "Yes. it is me. I can even speak several foreign languages. Want a sample?" So the dog spoke something in several languages.
The salesman was overcome." How can this be? A talking dog? How....."
The dog offered "I have a story if you have a few minutes." The salesman was eager to hear it.
"I was discovered as a pup, enlisted into the FBI, sniffing out and solving many old cases. Then I was assigned to the CIA, sniffing out many unsolved cases, solving those. The CIA then assigned me to be a gift to the Russian Premier as Kremlin Pet #1, learning and passing on very valuable state secrets. I escaped and was made First Pet at the White House, by then becoming a dog heavy with dangerous knowledge, so I was retired to this farm. I am soooo bored here, my talents so valuable."

The salesman was excited. "I must speak with your owner." The dog said "You may pass through the gate unharmed."
At the door the salesman pounded. The old farmer emerged. "Whatdaya want?"

"Sir, would you possibly want to sell that dog? I am certain both of us will be billionaires this year, as that dog needs to be on TV talk shows and starring in movies."

The farmer replied "That dog is worthless, a worthless liar, so I won't sell him. He's been right here all his life. He ain't done a single thing he tells he did."

Principle over content. That helps avoid yielding to temptation no matter the cost.

 

[Dovegiven]

Some folks are still laughing over that joke from 40 years ago, but many laugh for the wrong reason, saying "What a fool he is!". Well, does that mean they would have taken the salesman up on the deal of the past millennium, even though Jesus would not touch it? Moses passed on a bigger deal than that, refusing to let Pharaoh call him his son.
So how do Christians become "principled" like that farmer who turned down fame and fortune based on a liar's talent? Know the word of God, and doing the word of God. Jesus used it to answer Satan's three most alluring temptations. We can do the same.

 

[RJ]

Spiritual warfare and temptation is a prime weapon in Satan's arsenal, and it manifests itself so often in the form of pride in self, like this one time won't hurt, or it's not a sin, etc.
The sneakiest are the most subtle are like, doubt,negativity,those "little white lies" and many more.
Temptation is not from God, and we are all subject to them in some form or another.

I think I am blessed because I am well aware the day and the moment that I was saved. Like that old slave hymn,
"How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed" !
As best I can, I stay on alert and when Satin tries to creep in, I go back to the vision of that day of my Spiritual Birth, revile in the moment, and Ole Lucifer just fades away!
:thumbsup: Great Subject!

 

[Wired 4 Fishen]

Temptations do not always have to lead to disaster or what some would call sin.
Sometimes we get tempted to run ahead of God and not wait on His timeing. Some times we are tempted to take that promotion and in it's self seems harmless I mean it will be more money and I can take care of my family better.
Some times it could be to quit your job and find one that the people are nicer in and again this in it's self is not a sin.

Now for the flip side of this reply.....
Just because it glitters does not mean it is gold or for us. Just because it is a promotion does not mean it is the will of the Father for you. Just because the people are mean does not mean you should leave.

Some times God sends us into a poverty stricken place wheather it be the hearts of others or lack or just plain old wordly people who are on ther wild side and not for you to becomer like them or to be bothered by them but For You To Take His Blessing to the place.
Some times the promotion will interfere with Gods plans for your life or in the end bring so much stress into your life that your family begins to fall apart.
I know I am going on and on but some times people do not realise that temptations are not always going to be unto something bad.

Now like Sin well it is deadly
Sin will take you farther then you want to go
Sin will keep you longer then you want to stay
Sin will cost you more then you want to pay...
Have a very blessed 2015
Jim

 

[clark thompson]

Being able to overcome temptations is how we can see our growth in Him, it will also allow us to grow in Him by faith.

 

[Dovegiven]

Every Christian ought to read "Pilgrim's Progress". It's free online at http://www.ccel.org/ccel/bunyan/pilgrim.html Use the font tabs in the upper right to find your comfort zone. It's required reading in all K-12 Christian academies I am aware of.
Temptation can simply delay doing God's will without even knowing what it was to be to done. Yielding to temptation results in sin. Contemplating a temptation too long can stop a Christian from knowing what God wants done next in time to do it.