Temptation; Where Does Temptation Come From?

If you were asked that question how would you answer?

Temptation comes from WITHOUT–

demonic – as you please read  Genesis 3:1-6 and also what Jesus teaches in Matthew 4:1-11, and you will see this also in what Jesus teaches in Matthew 4:1-11…,which you will see this…

• 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}

 Temptation comes from WITHIN –

as James 1:14-15 teaches,“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,”

Temptation comes from WITHOUT seeking to APPEAL to something that is WITHIN!- {Read Genesis 3:1 and 1 John 2:16}

Not all Temptations tempt us, though we can be tempted by all, none of us are above any, –“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].-{1 Corinthians 10:12 Amplified Bible}

Temptations seek to appeal to something IN us 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 KNOCKING…

I remember when one of my boys was young and I was trying to explain sin, and Genesis 4:6-7 where the LORD speaks to Cain and says,”…sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.” I was explaining the verse that sin crouches at the door…temptation is knocking, desiring to tempt and control…” I Won’t let it in!” he said. And out of the mouth of a child, we must be vigilant to guard our heart, depending upon the LORD’s Help.

Temptation often Appears Attractive, appealing to us…Its end is destructive, defiles us, and dishonors God.

Temptation is NOT Sin, yielding to it is!

Temptation is no respecter of age, nationality, or sex.

It comes in many ways, and forms. Enticing us to embrace and ultimately sin against God and others! Temptations such as DOUBTING God means what He says as the evil one suggested to Eve in the Garden, or Achan taking what God had forbidden  and hiding it so as not to be found out but God saw -Joshua 7. David’s SEXUAL SIN  began with not resisting the temptation but acted on his lusting after Bathsheba and the havoc temptation yielded produced in lives. -{2 Samuel 11}. There are more subtle temptations such as pride, holding a grudge, bitterness, gossip, etc. We see a list of temptations the Israelites succumbed to in 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 and Paul uses it as a warning to the Corinthians to learn from history and so must we!

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.

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