No, not all temptation is appealing, but there is a temptation that is appealing to YOU… and Me!

  • It is part of living in a fallen world, demonic activity, a world system, opposed to God, energized by the evil one and also having to recognize our own sinful tendency.

David described as a “man after God’s won heart,” yet succumbed to the temptation to lust within him and the carrying out of that lust by commiting adultery with Bathsheba.-{Read 2 Samuel 11,12; 1 Kings1,2}.

The evil one appealed to Eve that she could be “like God,” not in character or attitude but in sovereignty, “For God knows that on the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will become like God, knowing good and evil.”-{Genesis 3:5}. This reflects what some see in this passage that the secondary issue of the wicked desire ofthe evil one “…I will make myself like the Most High.’”-{ Read Isaiah 14:13-15}.

The Scripture says that there can be and and is enjoyment and pleasure in sin as Hebrews 11:25 says, “…pleasure in sin for a season.”

Sin, at times appeals to us, and to be sure the Scripture says there can be pleasure in sin…but note, “for a season,” and like any sports season, it comes to an end and the often there is the fruit that is born that is never Godly or God honoring.

There is a temptation that appeals to each one of us!

  • Sometimes it comes from WITHOUT us as Jesus teaches in Matthew 4:1-11. Manifested in 1 John 2:16, of the WORLD’S SYSTEM- OPPOSED TO GOD… “ For all that is in the world—the lust and sensual craving of the flesh and the lust and longing of the eyes and the boastful pride of life [pretentious confidence in one’s resources or in the stability of earthly things]—these do not come from the Father, but are from the world.”-{1 John 2:16 Amplified Bible}
  • Sometimes it comes from WITHIN us as James 1:13-14 teaches! We have to know ourselves and guard our hearts ,eyes, ears… what we look at, read and listen to. None of us are above yielding to temptation to sin against God. When temptation comes it comes to appeal to you and me… subtle at times but always the end is fulfilment of self desire outside of God’s will, commands and desire for us!

No, Not every temptation appeals to every person in the same way or at all, but various temptations will appeal to one person and not another but for that other person there will be a temptation that seeks to appeal to them! Not all are what are considered “gross,” some are subtle, pride for example, can be more subtle, looking down on others as inferior such as the two men who went to pray that Jesus speaks of. One thanks God he is not like others, “The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’’-{Luke 10:11-12}. He appeals to his self-righteousness how he fasts and gives…and not like others! But the other man whom he had looked down on realized he was a sinner and asked God to have mercy on him a sinner! Jesus said that man went home “Justified before God.” -{ Read Luke 18:10-14}

Certain temptations find something in us to appeal to and attract us, offering us something, outside of God’s will and His best for us. Offering us an alternative to God and His will as revealed in His Word. Listen to how James puts it…

  • “But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it has run its course, brings forth death.”-{James 1:14-15}

Temptation is calling…Not in a generic way, but SPECIFIC. Calling out to you… calling out to me!

Temptation is NOT Sin, yielding to it is!

Temptation is no respecter of age, nationality, or sex. It comes in many ways. forms.

Temptation has no power over the followers of Christ except what we give it in our lives!

Temptation’s Goal is that you and me might YIELD to the temptation and sin against God and others.

TEMPTATION AND CONDEMNATION;

The evil one tempts us and if we choose to yield and sin then he is at the other end to ACCUSE and condemn, But Thank God His Son’s Blood and Word are sufficient to restore us and begin afresh, what a wonderful LORD and Savior we have.

KNOW YOURSELF!

There is an evil one without using the world system to tempt and a “traitor” within that temptation appeals to. Know yourself, fear yourself and do not be decieved into thinking you cannot fall to temptation.

  • Heed the words of 1 Corinthians 1:12- “Therefore let the one who thinks he stands firm [immune to temptation, being overconfident and self-righteous], take care that he does not fall [into sin and condemnation].”-{Amplified Version}.

HOPE FOR YOUR EVERY TEMPTATION;

“No temptation [regardless of its source] has overtaken or enticed you that is not common to human experience [nor is any temptation unusual or beyond human resistance]; but God is faithful [to His word—He is compassionate and trustworthy], and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability [to resist], but along with the temptation He [has in the past and is now and] will [always] provide the way out as well, so that you will be able to endure it [without yielding, and will overcome temptation with joy].”-{1Corinthians 10:13 Amplified Bible}

TEMPTATION IS APPEALING BUT APPALING IF ACTED UPON- AS IT’S AIM IS SIN AGAINST GOD IF YIELDED TO

KNOW YOURSELF-

God Bless,

Aidan,