The Linked Bible

CONCEPT

Temptation

The words have a sinister connotation in present-day usage which has not always attached to them. Originally the words were of neutral content, with the sense of "putting to the proof," the testing of character or quality. Thus, God is "tempted" by Israel's distrust of Him, as if the people were actually challenging Him to show His perfections (Exodus 17:2; Psalms 78:18; Acts 15:10; Hebrews 3:9, and often); Abraham is "tempted," being called upon to offer up Isaac (Genesis 22:1); and Jesus is "tempted" to a spectacular Messiahship (Mt 4 and parallel passages (see TEMPTATION OF CHRIST)). No evil is implied in the subject of these temptations. Temptation therefore in the Scripture sense has possibilities of holiness as well as of sin. For as all experience witnesses, it is one thing to be tempted, another thing to fall. To be tempted--one may rejoice in that (James 1:2), since in temptation, by conquering it, one may achieve a higher and nobler manhood.

"Why comes temptation but for man to meet

And master and make crouch beneath his foot,

And so be pedestaled in triumph?"

Holiness in its best estate is possible only under conditions which make it necessary to meet, resist and triumph over temptation. Thus, Jesus Himself became our Great High Priest in that, being tempted in all points like as we are, He never once yielded, but fought and triumphed (Hebrews 4:15).

One must not deceive one's self, however, in thinking that, because by the grace of God one may have profit of virtue through temptation as an instrument, all temptation is equally innocent and virtuous. It is noticeable in the case of Jesus that His temptation was under the direction of the Spirit (Mark 1:12); He Himself did not seek it, nor did He fear it. Temptations encountered in this way, the way of duty, the way of the Spirit, alone constitute the true challenge of saintship (James 1:12); but it is the mark of an ignoble nature to be perpetually the center of vicious fancies and tempers which are not of God but of the devil (James 1:13-15). One may not escape entirely such buffetings of faith, but by any sound nature they are easily disposed of. Not so easily disposed of are the trials (temptations) to faith through adversity, affliction, trouble (Luke 22:28; Acts 20:19; James 1:2; 1 Peter 1:6); and yet there is no lack of evidence to the consoling fact that God does not suffer His own to be tempted above what they are able to bear (1 Corinthians 10:13) and that for every crisis His grace will be sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:8,9).

Charles M. Stuart

▶Sermons

Audio

  • Alan Redpath
    Temptation and How to Overcome It
    Alan Redpath · 52:08

    The sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding temptation and the provision for victory that is available through the Lord Jesus Christ.

  • Anton Bosch
    Flee Temptation
    Anton Bosch · 43:06

    Anton Bosch teaches that believers must actively avoid temptation by not placing themselves in compromising situations, relying on God's guidance to resist sin.

  • Basilea Schlink
    (Messages) Weapons for Temptation
    Basilea Schlink · 58:00

    Jesus' example of overcoming temptation in the wilderness teaches us the importance of trusting in God's timing, surrendering to God's will, and persevering in the face of suffering.

  • Billy Strachan
    Active Faith Conquers Temptation
    Billy Strachan · 46:35

    The sermon emphasizes the importance of trials and challenges in Christian growth and development, and encourages Christians to rejoice in the midst of them and to trust God to work in their lives.

  • Carter Conlon
    Drinking Was the Beginning of Solomons Downfall (Clip)
    Carter Conlon · 0:58

    Carter Conlon teaches that Solomon's downfall began with his decision to drink wine, illustrating how even the wisest can fall when they seek happiness outside of God's will.

  • Chuck Smith
    Overcoming Temptation
    Chuck Smith · 34:19

    To overcome temptation, we must know the word of God thoroughly, consider the ultimate results of yielding to sin, and listen to and obey the voice of the Holy Spirit.

  • Chuck Smith
    Temptation
    Chuck Smith · 25:22

    Chuck Smith's sermon on temptation explores how Satan deceives believers by questioning God's Word and appealing to their desires.

Video

  • Anton Bosch
    Overcoming Temptation
    Anton Bosch

    Anton Bosch teaches that Jesus, as our sympathetic high priest, fully understands our temptations and weaknesses and invites us to boldly approach the throne of grace to overcome sin.

  • Basilea Schlink
    Audio: Weapons For Temptation
    Basilea Schlink · 58:15

    Basilea Schlink teaches that through trusting God's timing, willing suffering, and spiritual perseverance, believers can overcome temptation just as Jesus did in the wilderness.

Text

  • A.B. Simpson
    Count It All Joy When Ye Fall Into Divers Temptations
    A.B. Simpson

    Temptation is a necessary and beneficial experience that educates, strengthens, and establishes us, ultimately leading to humility and a deeper faith.

  • A.B. Simpson
    Emblems From the Story of the Fall
    A.B. Simpson

    The sermon explores the symbolism and significance of the story of the Fall, highlighting the role of Satan, the nature of temptation, and the promise of redemption through the sacrificial death of the Savior.

  • A.B. Simpson
    James Chapter 1 the Practical Discipline of Life
    A.B. Simpson

    The sermon emphasizes the importance of enduring temptation and adversity as a means of spiritual growth and development, and encourages believers to rejoice in all circumstances, trusting in God's providence and blessing.

  • A.B. Simpson
    The Furnace for Gold; but the Lord Trieth the Hearts
    A.B. Simpson

    The sermon emphasizes the importance of resisting temptation, trusting in God's guidance, and remaining confident in the face of adversity.

  • A.B. Simpson
    The Practical Discipline of Life
    A.B. Simpson

    The sermon emphasizes the importance of viewing temptation as a means of spiritual growth and development, and of trusting in God's providence to guide us through life's challenges.

  • Andrew Bonar
    Letters: Rev. a.n.somerville Glasgow (8)
    Andrew Bonar

    The sermon emphasizes the importance of being deeply affected by the call to ministry, being occupied with Christ and His glory, and being content with our role in the kingdom of heaven.

  • Andrew Murray
    'And to Be Desired to Make One wise.'
    Andrew Murray

    The sermon highlights the dangers of worldly wisdom and the importance of seeking God's will.

  • Art Katz
    Eating From the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil
    Art Katz

    The sermon warns against the temptation to judge and decide for ourselves what is right and wrong, and the consequences of eating from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.

  • A.W. Pink
    THE LORD’S PRAYER Chapter 7 The Sixth Petition
    A.W. Pink

    A.W. Pink explains that in the sixth petition of the Lord’s Prayer, believers earnestly seek God’s grace to be delivered from the power and peril of temptation, recognizing both God’s sovereignty and human weakness.

  • A.W. Pink
    The Messianic Covenant
    A.W. Pink

    A.W. Pink's sermon explores the significance of the Messianic Covenant and the role of prophecy in shaping the expectations of God's people regarding the coming Messiah.

  • C.H. Spurgeon
    And It Came to Pass in an Evening-Tide
    C.H. Spurgeon

    C.H. Spurgeon's sermon warns of the ever-present dangers of temptation, particularly in moments of idleness and the importance of vigilance and prayer.

  • C.H. Spurgeon
    Lead Us Not Into Temptation; but Deliver Us From Evil [Or, the Evil One]
    C.H. Spurgeon

    Christians should avoid temptation by seeking to walk in obedience and praying for deliverance from evil.

  • C.H. Spurgeon
    The Devil's Jackals!
    C.H. Spurgeon

    David's sin serves as a warning to beware of evening temptations and the dangers of idleness and luxury.

  • C.H. Spurgeon
    Then Was Jesus Led Up of the Spirit Into the Wilderness
    C.H. Spurgeon

    Even the most consecrated Christians can still be tempted by Satan, and we must remain watchful and vigilant to protect ourselves.

  • Charles Finney
    Christ Tempted, Suffering, and Able to Succor the Tempted
    Charles Finney

    Christ's experience of temptation allows him to sympathize with human flesh and frailty, and to give us guidance and strength to overcome.

  • Charles Finney
    Temptations Must Be Put Away
    Charles Finney

    To avoid being led into sin, you must be willing to put away things that have the potential to lead you astray, even if they are lawful and important in themselves.

  • Charles Stanley
    The Struggle With Temptation
    Charles Stanley

    Temptation is an enticement to take a God-given desire beyond our God-given boundaries, but with God's help, we can control and refocus our feelings of temptation.

  • Chuck Smith
    Genesis 3:1
    Chuck Smith

    Chuck Smith's sermon on Genesis 3:1 highlights the nature of temptation, the tactics of the tempter, and the consequences of yielding to sin.

  • Chuck Smith
    Luke 4:1
    Chuck Smith

    Chuck Smith's sermon on Luke 4:1 explores the nature of temptation and the power of God's Word to resist it.

  • Chuck Smith
    Matthew 4:1
    Chuck Smith

    Jesus' temptation in the wilderness demonstrates that we are not immune to Satan's attacks, but by rightly handling the Word of God, we can escape temptation and win the victory over the enemy in our own life.

  • Daniel Steele
    Jason and the Sirens -- Victory in Temptation
    Daniel Steele

    The secret to overcoming temptation and living a victorious Christian life is to let the joy of the Holy Ghost in the heart surpass all the pleasures of sense.