Temptation

Temptation

Is being tempted the same as sinning?

God’s Response

He was there for forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was out among the wild animals, and angels took care of him. Mark 1:13

Since he himself has gone through suffering and temptation, he is able to help us when we are being tempted. Hebrews 2:18

Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour. Take a firm stand against him, and be strong in your faith. 1 Peter 5:8-9

Jesus faced temptations and never gave in. Since Jesus was sinless, being tempted is different from sinning. You don’t have to feel guilty about temptations that come into your life because sometimes you cannot control them. However, you can feel guilty when you give in to temptation. Satan is always trying to make you stumble. Sometimes you must literally run from temptation straight to Jesus so he can give you strength to fight against it.

God’s Challenge

No one who wants to do wrong should ever say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else either. James 1:13