Tempted And Tried

Jas. 1:12, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” An old gospel song says, “Tempted and tried, we’re oft made to wonder why it should be thus all the day long.” That song states an absolute truth. For we are both tempted and tried in life — but there is a difference between being tempted and being tried. We need to understand the difference. And understanding that difference begins by first defining the two words.
1. What is temptation? “Temptation” is an enticement or allurement to sin. 2 Pet. 2:18-19; Gen. 3:1?6; 1 Jno. 2:16. The devil is the ultimate source of all temptation — he is called “the tempter” Matt. 4:3; 1 Thess. 3:5.
a. It is not a sin to be tempted, the sin is in yielding to temptation. Jesus was tempted in the wilderness. Matt. 4:1?11. Jesus withstood the temptation, Satan’s power to entice us to sin is
not unlimited. With God’s help Satan can be withstood and defeated. 1 Cor. 10:13.
(A) What are trials? A “trial” is a difficulty or hardship that tests our faith, whether initiated by
God or allowed by Him. Gen. 22:1-2; 2 Cor. 12:7; Rev. 2:10. Temptation and trial of
faith are different Satan’s temptations are an attempt to entice us to sin. Trials exercise
and test our spiritual strength in an attempt to make us stronger. Satan is always the
originator of temptation. God sometimes originates trials that challenge us for our good.
Deut. 8:2?3, explains the how trials test our faith.
(1) What about our attitudes toward other people’s temptation? Be patient with others
who have problems with sins we have overcome. Never assume that you will never
commit those sins again. 1 Cor 10:13. But, don’t forget to read Vs. 14. There is
still the possibility that you will be vulnerable to another sin at another time. Don’t
over estimate your own ability to withstand temptation. Gal. 6:1-5, gives some
solid advice on this matter.
(a) Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that your situation is worse than anyone
else’s and that others just do not “know what it is like.” You always, without
exception, assume personal responsibility for the choices we make in the
face of temptation. Never tell yourself the lie, that “the devil made me do it”
That’s the quickest and easiest way to lie your way into hell. Jas. 1:12?15.
(b) When temptation presents itself flee from it. The easiest temptation and ssin to which we fall prey is to clammer after the things of the world------Fame, fortune, luxury and ease. The things that bring this we are told to flee.
1 Tim. 6:8?12
(2) What about the hardship of trials? For starters don’t be surprised when we suffer hardship and difficult times. 1 Pet. 4:12-13, is pretty plain about that. Don’t look at hardship as something inherently undesirable.

(a) Not all pain and hardship is bad, any more than all pleasure is good. Few things, in life, are worse for us than the habitual avoidance of difficulty. It’s only when you learn how to rise and meet the challenge of hardship that you begin to develop the noble traits of courage, personal strength, character, and self?respect.
(b) There are no shortcuts to strong faith and healthy self?respect. = That’s why James says, “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.” Jas. 1:2-4. Remember God’s promise in Rom 8:28;
(b) Acts 20:32.

Spur - 05/18/03 pm