TEMPTATION

The original words that are rendered by the English "tempt" are employed in two broad senses in the Scriptures, depending upon the context in which they are found. First, the concept may be that of putting something to the "test" to determine its character. David did not want to use Saul's armor because it had not been "proved" (1 Sam. 17:39). Second, the sense can be quite sinister -- that of a "solicitation to evil." Several examples prove helpful in understanding this subject. (a) God put Abraham to the test when he commanded him to offer Isaac (Gen. 22:1; cf. Ex. 16:4; Jdg. 2:22). Examples of how men pass the testing process provide encouragement to others -- to persevere in their faith (cf. Heb. 11:17ff). (b) "Tempt" is used in a negative way to illustrate how men exhibit weak faith in putting God on "trial," i.e., they defiantly challenge him (Ex. 17:2; Psa. 78:18ff; Mt. 4:7; Acts 5:9). (c) Satan tempts (entices) people to sin by the use of certain methods allowed by God in the providential scheme of things upon earth (Job 1:12; 2:6; 1 Cor. 10:13; 1 Pet. 5:8; Rev. 12). Good people fight against such temptations (Jas. 4:7), and seek to serve God with faithfulness. (d) The devil sought to seduce Christ through the three major avenues of temptation -- desire of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the vainglory of life (1 Jn. 2:15) -- but the Lord resisted all such assaults (Heb. 4:15), by appealing to the Scriptures (Mt. 4:1-11). (e) People can arm themselves against temptation by incorporating God's words into their hearts (Psa. 119:11), and through prayer (Mt. 6:13; 26:41).