Page 5 - April 2023 - Truth & Tidings

testing? Who is being targeted, and what the Lord said, “Keep watching and pray-
is the motive for the temptation/test? In ing that you may not enter into tempta-
our lives, under the difficult weight of tion; the spirit is willing, but the flesh
a circumstance, how can we discern the is weak” (Mat 26:41 NASB). He knew
difference between a test from God and a temptation could not be countered just re-
temptation to sin? In Abraham’s trial, we actively. Their readiness and condition of
notice that he is being guided by God’s heart would be critical in the coming hour
Word (Gen 22:3,11), is counting on God’s of temptation. Sadly, their drowsiness and
provision (v8), is trusting God’s promises lack of prayer set them up for defeat. We
(Heb 11:17-19), and emerges with God’s are to keep watching and praying – that
blessing (Gen 22:16-17). In Eve’s tempta- is, never losing focus on the danger, and
tion, we notice that she is guided by subtle never losing communication with the
lies (Gen 3:4-5), is dissatisfied with God’s Deliverer.
provision (2:16), trusts a satanic promise What about the moment of sudden
over God’s (2:17; 3:5), and emerges with temptation? Am I clear, like Joseph, on
shame and a curse (3:7,16). the necessary plan of action? “Therefore
A trial from God – The goal is that we let anyone who thinks that he stands
trust divine promises, resist sin and glo- take heed lest he fall. No temptation has
rify God. The motive is blessing and the overtaken you that is not common to man.
result is joy and increased intimacy with God is faithful, and he will not let you be
God. A temptation – The goal is that we tempted beyond your ability, but with the
believe false promises, indulge in sin and temptation he will also provide the way of
dishonour God. The motive is destruction escape, that you may be able to endure it.
and the result is shame and increased dis- Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry”
tance from God. “So temptation is like a (1Co 10:12-14). Paul here addresses both
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knife, that may either cut the meat or the the over-confident believer and the defeat-
throat of a man; it may be his food or his ist. Both must seize upon the same avail-
poison, his exercise or his destruction.” 4 able resource, God’s faithfulness. His last
How Should We Respond to statement reminds us that temptation is a
heart issue; it is a challenge of my worship
Temptation? and to whom it will be directed.
There are two ways in which we can Temptation will doggedly work away
equip ourselves for the inevitable assault: at displacing our affections. “Distaste for
pre-emptively and responsively. One is to sin is certainly a part of renouncing it. But
set up defenses in anticipation, while the that is not the whole picture. Your affec-
other is to familiarize ourselves with the tions for what is wrong need replacing.
nearest exit for the moment of crisis. You need to love something else more.”
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To His three disciples in Gethsemane, Peter emerged from defeat, not with
³ It should be noted that, as in the case of Job, renewed determination (Mat 26:33) but
a Satanic incitement to sin can also be used with renewed devotion for his Lord (Joh
sovereignly by God to bring about blessing and 21:15-17). Take heart, dear believer – there
draw a believer closer to Himself, proving to be is hope for the tempted and tried!
simultaneously a temptation and a trial.
⁴ John Owen, Overcoming Sin and Temptation ⁵ Tim Chaddick, The Truth About Lies (Colorado
(Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2006), 152. Springs, CO: David C. Cook, 2015), 39.

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