First page Back Continue Last page Overview Graphics
Matthew 4:1-11
What did Jesus do about temptation
What is Temptation?
- A temptation is an act that looks appealing to an individual. It is usually used to describe acts with negative connotations and as such, tends to lead a person to regret such actions, for various reasons: legal, social, psychological (including feeling guilt), health, economic, etc. Temptation also describes the coaxing or inducing a person into committing such an act, by manipulation or otherwise of curiosity, desire or fear of loss.
Notes:
Temptation is an ACT – somebody has to do it.
It is not a thing. You cannot actually be tempted by chocolate. You can be tempted to eat it by someone putting some in front of you. That may be you, or a family member, or a shelf filler in a supermarket, but don't blame God.
James gets to the heart or this issue, and puts the blame where it really belongs:
James 1:13-15
When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but 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.
The Idea is primarily religious, and especially Jewish, it comes from the Genesis story of creation.