What is temptation?
The Bible says it comes from lusts within us.
"Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of
God: for God cannot be tempted with evil [to do wrong], neither tempteth he any
man: but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and
enticed." - James 1:13-14
When we have repented of our sins, have been baptized in the
name of Jesus for the remission of our sins, and have received the gift of the
Holy Ghost, we have the power His blood, the authority of His name JESUS, and
the power of His Spirit to help us when we are tempted. (Acts 2:38, Acts 1:8,
Acts 4:7, 10).
Through prayer and calling on Jesus, we have access to His
strength so we can make it through all situations that life presents us with.
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth
me." - Philippians 4:13
Trials perfect us. We grow in Jesus. We become stronger. We
have a testimony that can encourage others that they too can make it through
Christ.
Because temptations and trials make us a stronger child of
God, they can lead to joy, knowing we are becoming a better person in Jesus.
"Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season,
if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: that the trial of
your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be
tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the
appearing of Jesus Christ:" - 1 Peter 1:6-7 KJV
"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers
temptations; knowing this, that the trying [testing] of your faith worketh
patience [produces perseverance/endurance]. But let patience
[perseverance/endurance] have her perfect work [grow], that ye may be perfect
and entire, wanting nothing." - James 1:1-4
It is our love for Jesus that drives us to overcome our
lusts. We are blessed when we endure temptation (we are unwavering), for when
we have been tried [stood the test], we will receive the crown of life, which
the Lord has promised to them that love him.
“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is
tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them
that love him." - James 1:12
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