Temptation

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.

" 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