OVERCOMING TEMPTATION/TRIALS
Overcoming Temptation, Enduring Trials
And Knowing the Difference
Brethren, the Lord our God calls us to both resist temptation and endure trials. Though many confuse them the Scripture makes it clear these are not the same. If we fail to distinguish them, we may misunderstand God’s work in our lives and even begin blame God.
First, temptation is never from God. The Bible says, “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, 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). Temptation comes from within. It is the pull of our own desires leading us toward sin. And we know the end of that path: “Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death” (James 1:15).
Trials on the other hand are different. Trials are permitted by God and serve a purpose in shaping us. James writes, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience” (James 1:2–3). These are not enticements to sin, but tests of faith. Peter also says, “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth… might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:7).
So the major question that we must ask and answer is, how do we respond?
When facing temptation, we must resist. “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful… will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). The way of escape is there, but we must choose it. “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). Even our Lord answered temptation with, “It is written” (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10).
When enduring trials, we must remain faithful. Trials are not to be escaped but endured. “We glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope” (Romans 5:3–4). Endurance strengthens us. “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life” (James 1:12). And when we feel weak, we must remember the words of Paul, “…for my strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
The difference is simple. Temptation seeks to pull us away from God and into sin. Trials are allowed to draw us closer to Him through faith. One must be resisted. The other must be endured. And when we know the difference that is powerful, because it gives us the ability to discern how to respond. So, let us be watchful. When sin entices, flee from it. When your faith is tested, choose to make a stand on what is true. Trust the Lord in the midst of both, for “the Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations” (2 Peter 2:9), and He will not fail us. So, let us choose to remain faithful.
~Casey Clement
> PS. Be intentional each day this week. Identify one moment of temptation and choose the way of escape God provides. Also, pray to God thanking Him for watching over you and providing the way of escape. And when you face trials or difficulties do not complain or retreat. Instead, pray immediately, thank God for the opportunity to grow. That is how we respond in faith. At the end of each day, reflect on where you resisted and where you endured. This is the first step to strengthening our faith, and giving God the glory He deserves.