Temptation versus Trial

Journey through James: 1:13-15

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and He Himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. — James 1:13-15

James spent a good amount of time writing to us about trials. Trials are difficult but lead to our good if we endure them as God intends. Temptation does not come from God, and its goals is to lead to our demise. God uses trials in our lives; God does not tempt us to sin. 

James wants to make sure that we do not confuse trials and temptations. He wants us to understand this so that we can have the right mindset as we go through life. We need to set our minds to know that trials are for our good, and temptations do not come from God and lead to destruction. 

We often look for someone to blame when we face temptations or trials. James tells us that we cannot say that we are being tempted by God. God cannot be tempted with evil, and He does not tempt anyone. God does not tempt us to sin. 

Where then do temptations come from? Ultimately, we are tempted because of our own sinful desires. Temptations come from our selfish desires. We don’t have anyone outside of ourselves to look at when we fall into temptation. 

When we give into temptation, it leads us to sin. Giving into our selfish desires leads to breaking God’s commands. The temptation itself is not necessarily sin; however, if we do not walk away from the temptation or turn to God, it will lead to sin. 

Can a man carry fire next to his chest and his clothes not be burned? Or can one walk on hot coals and his feet not be scorched? So is he who goes in to his neighbor’s wife; none who touches her will go unpunished. — Proverbs 6:27-29

Spending time around temptation will lead to sin. We cannot stay close to things or situations that present temptation and think that we will be immune. We can have victory over temptation, but part of growth and maturity is avoiding or spending as little time around temptation as possible. 

Temptation will lead to sin, and sin when it has grown leads to death. Sin always leads to our destruction. Sin presents itself as harmless fun; however, sin always leads to death. Sin seeks to separate us from God. God does not tempt us to sin. Sin wants to control us and lead us to destruction. This has been true since the beginning. 

If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.” — Genesis 4:7

Dwelling on these thoughts can seem overwhelming. However, our situation is not hopeless. Just as God appealed to Cain and warned him of the deceitfulness of sin, so He provides a way of escape for us. 

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. — 1 Corinthians 10:13

Temptations seek to lead us to sin; trials should lead us to trust in God. Temptations lead to death; trials lead to perseverance and life. May we grow to understand the difference between the two, and may we relay on God for victory in both.