JC Blog

It is easy to wrap temptation and suffering together into a nice little package because we experience both in this world, but they are very different. Temptation is the enticement to sin and suffering is a painful or distressing experience. Just as it is important to understand that God does not tempt us, God does not cause our suffering either. God is a good God; He loves us and sent Jesus to save us. So it is incompatible with His nature to imply that God allows or causes our suffering. But it still exists and as believers many times we suffer solely because we are Christians.

Believers are subjected to persecution and hatred because we bear the name of Christ. This should come as no surprise. Jesus told His disciples, "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you" ( John 15:18-19 ). We are different, set apart and not of this world. So it is no surprise that Jesus told us that we would have trouble in this lifetime.

The good news in all of this is that good things can result trouble and persecution. Peter told us to rejoice in these circumstances ( I Peter 1:6-7 ) and James told us to consider them pure joy ( James 1:2-4 ). This is because they knew that God was able to bring these things around for our benefit. This is not to say that He causes them to happen in our lives, but when trouble and persecution comes our way, we can cling to the promise he made to Paul in such a circumstance, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" ( II Corinthians 12:9 ). We can trust in the goodness and grace of God to get us through these incidents just as we can rely on Him to bring good out of them.

"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed" ( I Peter 1:6-7 ). The trials of this life work as a refining fire to burn away dross. Not only will we come out on the other side unscathed but we will come out with a genuine and proven faith. This is worth very much in the sight of God and results in His praise, glory and honor.

James tells us that God is able to perfect us through suffering. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" ( James 1:2-4 ). The King James Bible says that we will be 'perfect and entire'. I cannot stress enough that God does not cause our suffering, but He is able to bring good from it. Our faith is developed, the character of perseverance is perfected and we are mature and not easily taken off course by the struggles and hardships of this life.

Through both temptation and testing in life we learn to learn to trust and rely on Jesus "Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted" ( Hebrews 2:18 ). He had the full human experience so He can sympathize with us in every circumstance. What a marvelous attribute in the High Priest who lives to make intercession for us. "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need" ( Hebrews 4:14-16 ).

Tomorrow we look at Hebrews 3:1: Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus

God does not tempt us but God does test us, or a better way to put it is that He entrusts us. What's the difference? Temptation is being enticed or allured to sin. God will not tempt us with sin because He is good and no evil is found in Him ( James 1:13 ). Testing, on the other hand, is God trusting us to make the right choice. Look at Deuteronomy 30 for example, God gave the Israelites a choice, "This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live" ( Deuteronomy 30-19 ). He presented them with a choice, He wanted their buy-in, but He also gave them the answer, "now choose life, so that you and your children may live" then He gave them the reasons, "that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob" ( Deuteronomy 30:20 ). This is an incredible promise from him. He gave the Israelites full disclosure. He gave them a choice, gave them the answer and gave them the reasons for it. He wanted them to choose correctly and entrusted them to make the right choice.

In the same way, the Lord provides us with choices as believers wanting us to make the right decisions as well. This is not to say that if we don't choose wisely He will punish us. But He entrusts us with kingdom principals watching how we respond and act. Faithfulness in these tests are the road to promotion in His kingdom because He knows He can trust us to do what He has instructed. Money is a good example of this type of testing. Everything is from Him and He wants to trust us with it. So He watches how we use what we have to see if we are trustworthy. If we prove faithful in this area then He is more likely to give us more seed to sow ( II Corinthians 9:10 ). The reason is not to become rich, instead it is to have the means to be generous in every occasion, the result is bring glory and thanksgiving to God ( II Corinthians 9:11 ).

Peter told us, "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires: ( II Peter 1:3-4 ). God has given us instruction on everything so that we can live set apart lives in the midst of this world. He has been very clear in how we should live and entrusts us to choose wisely. The key to all of this is knowing God and walking after the Spirit because we will know who we are in Christ and we will be strong in the power of His might. It is the perfect solution.

So, when temptation comes, we can know we can resist and be free of it ( James 4:7 ). In the same way, when we are entrusted with the things of God we can find answers in His word ( II Peter 1:3-4, II Timothy 3:16-17 ). He has shown us His desires and gave us full instructions for life. Thankfully by knowing these wonderful truths, God has made this easy for us.

Tomorrow we look at Part 6: Suffering as a Believer for the Cause of Christ

A good thing to know is that God does not tempt us. This may come as a shock to many people but God does not trick, tempt or give us opportunities to sin. This is contrary to His nature. Jesus underwent this type of temptation and testing so we would not have to. After all, the Bible records that Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tested by the devil ( Matthew 4:1, Mark 1:12-13, Luke 4:1-2 ). In this testing Jesus proved his faithfulness both to God, mankind and the truth. Since this was a victory, we will never be tempted by God. James makes this very clear, "When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone" ( James 1:13 ). Just as Jesus' temptation had no power and pull with Him, God cannot be tempted by evil and in the same manner would never tempt us with evil.

With this in mind it is important for us to understand where temptations come from. First, like with Jesus, it can come from the devil. But more likely it comes from our own desires that battle inside us. James went on to say immediately after declaring that God would never tempt us, "each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death" ( James 1:14-15 ). He made it very clear that our own desires, when focused on and allowed to grow inside us, give birth to sin. Temptation starts in the heart before it is evident in our lives. This is why it is so important to focus on the Spirit and the things of God. Then these things will be evident in our lives instead of the desires of the flesh. Paul made this very point in Romans 8. "Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace" ( Romans 8:5-6 ). Do you want to experience life and peace? Walk, dwell and live by the Spirit of God.

It is also important to understand that when temptation comes, God provides the way of escape. "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it" ( I Corinthians 10:13 ). This is an amazing truth, no matter how we are tempted, it all falls under the normal human experience. This is not to say that God gives his stamp of approval on every temptation that passes before us allowing them to happen. But when they do, God does not allow trials or situations to be beyond human resistance. Nothing will be more than you and I can bear. Plus, God is faithful to His Word and compassionate in nature so He can be trusted to not allow any temptation to exceed our ability to stand against it. If that were not enough, He will always provide a way of escape for us so that we can be removed from temptation, even in the midst of it.

God has given us sure-fire ways of escaping the things that can tempt us. First, if we are being tempted by Satan, James tells us in chapter 4, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" ( James 4:7 ). The truth is that Satan only has power over you if you give it to him. He is a defeated foe ( Colossian 2:15 ). He is afraid of you because, as a believer, you are a co-heir with Christ and seated with Him in the heavenly realm holding a true position of authority ( Romans 8:17, Ephesians 2:6 ). He has to flee. So in the midst of temptation, if we stop and recognize what is happening, then we will have victory. James gives us the key, submit yourselves to God and resist. What a wonderful combination and sure fire way of overcoming this type of temptation.

Secondly, if our temptation comes from our own desires then escaping these is done by the Spirit. "So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature" ( Galatians 5:16 ). Living by the Spirit is being consumed with the things of God. Planting His word in your heart, letting His truth and guidance overtake and consume you. We are to live like strangers in this world. When you walk after the Spirit this world and all its allure has no hold over you. It pales in comparison to the goodness and glory of God.

Lastly, a key to overcoming temptation is understanding God loves you, He died for you and He will never leave or forsake you ( Hebrews 13:5-6 ). This is so important to know and understand with every fiber of your being. So many times in life we try to replace our desire to be loved and accepted with material things, alcohol, drugs or relationships. But this insatiable desire grows from your inherent longing for God. Everyone is born with it and unless you know the only One who can fill this void, you will try to fill it in many other ways. Many of which are destructive because this need is so great. But once you get a revelation of God's love for you then contentment and peace will overtake you. They fill you to overflowing. You will dwell in a state of acceptance, love, forgiveness and grace, and those things will pour out of you as well. The things of this world become insignificant in contrast to God's love. Abundant Life fills the void until it overflows and you will no longer look for things to fill that space. You will experience firsthand the goodness of God.

Tomorrow we look at Part 5: Temptation vs. Testing, What’s the Difference?

"Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted" ( Hebrews 2:18 )

Jesus helps us in our time of need because He too suffered and experienced the full knowledge of being human. He knows and has a working comprehension of our weaknesses and struggles. Jesus shared in our humanity so He would be equipped to faithfully serve God, as our High Priest being both empathetic and merciful to us in every way. We do not have to bear the struggles of life alone. This is a promise that He will run to our rescue and help us when we are in need. What an amazing truth from God's word.

As believers we will undergo different types of temptation and suffering in this world. But understanding Jesus' role concerning this will equip us to come out on the other side unscathed. First we will look at temptation, or the things of this world that hold us. Next we will look at where temptation comes from so that we can understand our position of authority over it. Lastly we will look at being tested as a believer and how it is different than temptation. We will look at the cause of suffering and how it can prove our faith to be genuine, refined and, in the end, worth more than gold.

The Temptation of the Flesh

Just as Christ was not tempted by sin, as believers we too have been freed from the sin nature ( Romans 6:6-7 ). He has provided the means for us to escape the desires of the flesh so that it does not hold us captive. This is a key principal for the Christian life, "So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want" ( Galatians 5:16-17 ). We have been set free from the sin nature ( Romans 6:6-7 ) and have been given a born again spirit that does not sin ( I John 3:6, I John 3:9 ). But one third of our makeup is still flesh ( I Thessalonians 5:23 ). Spirit, soul and body war against each other and the winner in this three-way tussle is the one where we place our focus and attention. So by focusing on the things of the Spirit, the things of the flesh will have no appeal or hold on us. By this principal, Jesus provided the means for effortless change.

Take the example of Jesus' temptation in the desert by Satan. When the devil told him to turn stones into bread to prove that he was the Son of God, Jesus responded with what God said about it. He was hungry as He hadn't eaten in forty days however He was more focused on the Spirit and the things of God so He could not be tempted even to satisfy His hunger. He was so consumed with the thoughts and words of God not even His physical need could redirect Him.

Tomorrow we look at Part 4 : Temptation Does Not Come From God

Jesus was tested while on earth. The most memorable example is when He was tempted in the desert by Satan. Matthew records, "then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread" ( Matthew 4:1-3 ). In this case Jesus was hungry, or a better way to put it is that He would have been starving. If there was ever a time when He would be weak in His humanity or tempted by the flesh this would be it. But look at His reply, "Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God' “( Matthew 4:4 ). Even in His hunger, He was not tempted to the point of sin and responded with scripture.

In the next instance the Bible records, "Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple.”If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.' “( Matthew 4:5-7 ). Satan became aware that he could not tempt Jesus with fleshly desires so he raised the ante and used scripture to tempt Jesus into proving His lordship. "Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.' “( Matthew 4:7 ). In other words, Jesus' understanding of the things of God trumped Satan's misuse of scripture. By having an eternal perspective He could not be tempted in this way either.

Lastly the scriptures record that "Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor.”All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me" ( Matthew 4:8-9 ). The interesting thing about this is that Satan had the power to offer this to Jesus because the world was his; he obtained it in the garden from Adam. In the same way, by offering it to Jesus in exchange for His worship, Satan was attempting to seize control of Jesus' heavenly kingdom. Of all the things that might peak Jesus' interest, this would be it because this was the very reason He came to earth as a man, to regain control of what was lost in the garden. But Jesus could not be fooled. "Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.' “Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him" ( Matthew 4:10-11 ). Jesus knew the Father and knew His plan so He could not be tempted in this way either. Jesus proved His faithfulness in being tempted in this way. Satan got nowhere with Him and left at Jesus' command. Angels attended to Him afterwards as this trial was hard on Him, but He proved that sin, evil and the things of the flesh had no hold on him. He could not be tempted with them.

However, this is not the only way that Jesus was tempted and tried while on earth, He was tested in many ways. At every turn the Pharisees were also there to test him. In reading through the gospels you will see it everywhere, "The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven…" ( Matthew 16:1 ); "Some Pharisees came to him to test him…" ( Matthew 19:3 ); "But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, "You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me...?" ( Matthew 22; 18 ). The list goes on and on. In every case they were demanding answers from Him. They were looking for ways to entrap Him. They wanted to catch Him in their snare so they could accuse and kill Him.

He did this for us. He underwent these trials so He would be a faithful High Priest in all things related to God. Isaiah records the reason, "after the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities" ( Isaiah 53:11 ). He knew the result was bringing reconciliation and peace to us on God's behalf. He underwent testing, trials and temptation so that we would not have to. The result is He empathizes with us when we struggle and go through trials. Because of this he is able to run to us and help us in our time of need.

Tomorrow we look at Part 3: Jesus Helps Us When Tempted