DISCLAIMER: While this MOST LIKELY will NOT shed any NEW light on our understanding of temptation, I do hope that my words will encourage you.
Man, we are SO fallen! Without repeating redundantly (!) what MChandler repeats redundantly(!!) EVERY week (No offense, Matt, if you're reading this![inserted future damage control for insure friendship!]), I'll just say and leave it at "It all started at Genesis 3:15." Nuff said!
It seems that temptation can attack when we least expect it, when we DON'T expect it and in ways and areas in which we don't expect or imagine. In Luke 17:1 (ESV), Jesus warns us that “temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come!"
We can be living life, going through our daily routine (which may or may not include praying and reading God's Word) and a thought of temptation can approach us unforeseen. Even as I wrote this blog entry, I found myself being tempted several times and at times, it even escalated into further temptation! Sometimes, we can even be PRAYING or reading the Bible, God's Holy Word and . . . temptation can enter. And, sometimes, when we're being tempted in one area of our life (or committing sin in an area), we can be tempted in another area, which may or may not be related to the initial area in which we are currently!
A few things to consider:
First, temptation is not the same thing as sin. Temptation, defined by dictionary.com, is "something that entices or allures". Sin is defined by dictionary.com as "any act regarded as such a transgression, esp. a willful or deliberate violation of some religious or moral principle", which would . . . lead . . . one . . . to . . . think . . . that, while the temptation is not necessarily caused by any thing we do but, instead, by Genesis 3:15 (AKA [also known as] out of our control), we DO have a choice as to HOW we respond to temptation! We can choose whether to continue thinking about that temptation, dwelling on it and ultimately, allow it to drive us into sin OR, we can resist temptation. Does not the Bible tell us many things about temptation? For instance, the apostle Paul tells us that "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." (1 Co 10:13, ESV)
Secondly, temptation is not equal to sin! As previously stated, temptation is an allurement and sin is our incorrect response to that allurement. They are not the same thing! Many people confuse the two, thinking or having been led to believe by others, that temptation and sin are one and the same. In doing so, they think that when they are tempted, they have sinned or committed sin when in reality, they have not.
Thirdly, it's HOW we respond to temptation that determines whether or not it BECOMES sin.
You see, there are two responses to temptation: we can ignore it in the hope it will go away (actually, it will only grow stronger!) OR, follow Jesus' example when tempted by Satan by responding with remembering Scripture that contradicts that particular temptation and/or sin (read Mt 4:1-11). For deeper issues and addictions, counseling and a Christ-centered recovery program might be beneficial.
I wonder if we just don't pray enough and pray that "[we] may not enter into temptation.” (Lk 22:46, ESV)! I wonder how many of us that REALLY been open with a close brother (if you're male, sister if you're female!) in an accountability relationship, as to how we are REALLY living in our walk with Christ.
