The Three Temptations
Genesis 9: 8-15; 1 Peter 3: 18-22; Mark 1:12-15
Fr. Nelson Lobo OFM Cap
- What is Temptation?
Temptation means to be enticed, incited or attracted to do something wrong or a forbidden thing. A recent survey of Discipleship Journal readers ranked areas of greatest spiritual challenge to them: 1. Materialism 2. Pride 3. Self-centeredness 4. Laziness 5. Anger/Bitterness 6. Envy 7. Gluttony 8. Lying. Survey respondents noted temptations were more potent when they had neglected their time with God (81%) and when they were physically tired (57%). Resisting temptation was accomplished by prayer (84%), avoiding compromising situations (76%), Bible study (66%), and being accountable to someone (52%).
- Where do Temptations come from?
- The source of temptations can be many. By one’s own lusts, desires, passions or selfish interests. (James 4:1-4) by the lusts of the flesh, eyes and by the boastful pride. (I John 2:15,16). From our own sinful human nature.
- God may give Satan permission to tempt some of us like in the case of Job. (Job 1:12). Satan may tempt anyone as he did Jesus with offers of power, prestige and positions. (Matt. 4:1-11)
- Everyone can be tempted by bad associates or friends (Prov. 1:10). Some Christians can be tempted by well-meaning people. Temptations can come from all kinds of worries, riches or pleasures of this life.
- Frustrations, sickness, poverty, difficulties or discouragements can tempt us to give into feelings of defeat, despair and failure. Bitterness can cause us to grow resentful towards people, organizations or even our own poor choices. Temptations can come from many types of worries, riches and pleasures
- Temptations can come from accomplishments, accolades or worldly thinking.
- Why does God allow us to be Tempted?
God can use temptations to develop more of a Godly character in us. To test the level of our spiritual maturity and obedience. To provide examples to others how they can overcome obstacles. Remember human heart is the battlefield between God and Satan. Where God rules with love but Satan rules with lies and cunningness.
- What are some different types of Temptations?
We can be tempted by anything that appeals to our human desires that are contrary to the will of God. These temptations can come in the form of unbelief, mis-beliefs, worry, jealousy, anger, wrath, slander, clamour, immorality, laziness, drunkenness, complacency, selfishness, idolatry, selfish ambition, false securities, societal pressures, family pressures, peer pressures, sexual allurements, the love of money, possessions, unbelief, immaturity, failure to grow up in all aspects into Christ, unhealthy comparisons, sins of omission, sins of commission, sins of disposition, sins of wrong assumptions. (Gal. 5:19-21)
- What are some of the results if you yield to Temptations?
If you give into any temptation, it will eventually become your Master. Obsessions of pride, relationships or personal interests. Giving into temptations can ruin your credibility and disqualifies you from being an example. Giving into temptations disqualifies you from being promoted to higher levels of responsibility.
- How some of us deal with Temptation?
We generally deal with temptation in 1 of 3 ways:
- Some people simply give in to it. Their philosophy says, “Don’t worry about temptation. If it feels good, do it. Whatever is natural must be right.” So, they exist like animals, living for their own self-gratification. This could be the side effect of believing in the theory of evolution.
- Some fight temptation with their own strength. They fight and fail, fight again and fail again because no one can overcome temptation consistently in his own strength. If we could, Jesus would not have had to come and die for us. These people might hate what they do, but they go on doing it because they do not have the power to stop themselves. E.g. Judas
- Finally, there are those who overcome temptation through the power of the Lord Jesus Christ. God’s grace is sufficient for us.
- How to overcome Temptations?
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. Singing and making melody in your hearts. Whatever you do in word or deed do all in the name of the Lord Jesus. (Col. 3:16). Watch and pray that you do not enter into temptations. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. (Mat. 26:41). Fix your thoughts on things above and not on things of the earth. Wisely choose your friends and close associates. Draw near to the Lord through morning devotions before you do anything else. Follow the faith and the lifestyle of Godly people. Remind yourself of all the promises of God. Have the joy of the Lord as your strength Expect great things from God attempt great things for God. Commit yourself to Christ, His church and the fulfilling of His great commission.
Conclusion- No temptation that comes to you is beyond your capacity to resist it. In fact, temptations are universally appealing to all people, just in different forms. But God monitors the level of the intensity of each temptation so that we are able to bear up under its pressures. (I Cor. 10:13)
