Without a doubt we often confuse these two words and in the bible there are many examples of person of faith who were tested. We also see examples of persons who were tempted, are they the same thing. I pondered on this and came to the conclusion they are different.
Temptation - As in the Lord's prayer temptation often follows forgiveness. And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive them that trespass against us.And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil.
Noting that after the believer has accepted forgiveness , he is often tempted. We are taught to pray thus not to be led into temptation. How can we avoid temptation, living in the present world it is all around us. We go where God leads us yet sometimes there is a temptation to stray off the path. I live in an area where there are a lot of Amish and they often put on their horses what are called blinders. A blinder is a shield that blocks the vision of the horse keeping him centered on the road ahead. Of course we do not wear such blinders and are not horses. Do we rely on our conscience ah ha! No- our conscience is not a finely tuned mind. We must rely on the mind of Christ and the Holy Spirit will lead us away from temptation. Only through prayer can we avoid temptation as Christ taught.
Will we ever be tempted-Yes . Even Jesus was tempted as in the example following his baptism . He fasted for forty days and was tempted by Satan. Now Jesus overcame temptation after temptation he was tempted to end his fast , something he was committed to in his journey, he was tempted with power and material possessions. All theses things were part of the example that he was willing to go through , to show us it is possible to avoid temptation. We cannot completely avoid temptation but are shown to overcome it.
I know this might sound trivial but it is like starting a diet say you chose the south beach diet and would eat certain things. You start the journey on the south beach diet to conform to a weight that you decided was more comfortable. On the south beach diet you are supposed to find a buddy to go with you on the journey, the Holy Spirit is a great comforter. You are also given a list of good foods, you are not to even think about the unhealthy food , just the good stuff. Do you see where we are heading here, Good Food. Food for thought daily prayer and dwelling on the healthy diet will get you to your goal. It is more important to know what to eat , than what not to eat. I will say this again in another way - when you go shopping get the things on your list that you prepared and if your cupboard has something not on the list throw it out. Clean out those cupboards get yourself some healthy food.
Test- We now have overcome temptation - well at least we made it part of our daily practice to eat the right food. Now we find out that we are tested , when is this going to end . I am going to say tests are par for the course in the christian life. If you are not being tested , then you probably are just an admirer of Christ and not a follower. Yes , just like Nicodemus who admired Christ but would not go through the rigors of actually following him. You can find a Nicodemus just about any where - they seem to be the ones who throw compliments and go along with just about anything to please others. They also will enjoy your company because they live off your spirituality. Yes- they may even be a relative or friend- ha ha! A true follower of Christ will be tested and you know what - that is not such a bad thing. I remember in the old testament David was tested. Abraham was tested, many of the prophets were tested - uh, Job . I remember first reading the book of Job - what that man did not go through. I actually got mad , why are you putting this guy through this God? He is a holy man - its not fair, we often say that to God, why am I being treated unfairly. Well it is because you are a follower a true believer and that is what happens - you are tested.
I often like to dwell on the book of Psalms , and in Psalms 23 a basic principle is taught fear no evil.
That is good stuff, conquering fear is the end result of testing. It also grows our faith and when that happens we become sons and daughters of the living God. We become enlightened , we start to feel different inside , inner peace. We become spiritual beings and thine is the kingdom the power and the glory , forever and ever - yes, eternity. We become part of the kingdom of God - all this because we were tested. 1 Peter 1:6,7 "In anticipation of this ultimate deliverance, your joy overflows, though at present it may be your lot to suffer for a time through various trials to the end that your faith may be shown to be genuine. " How do you test a diamond, you examine it closely test its properties and behold one of the most beautiful and precious stones on earth.
So, temptation and test are different as night and day. Temptation is bad for you- Test is actually good for you. It is important to know the difference because sometimes we think we not on the right path and are just being tested. - peace to you.
Temptation - As in the Lord's prayer temptation often follows forgiveness. And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive them that trespass against us.And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil.
Noting that after the believer has accepted forgiveness , he is often tempted. We are taught to pray thus not to be led into temptation. How can we avoid temptation, living in the present world it is all around us. We go where God leads us yet sometimes there is a temptation to stray off the path. I live in an area where there are a lot of Amish and they often put on their horses what are called blinders. A blinder is a shield that blocks the vision of the horse keeping him centered on the road ahead. Of course we do not wear such blinders and are not horses. Do we rely on our conscience ah ha! No- our conscience is not a finely tuned mind. We must rely on the mind of Christ and the Holy Spirit will lead us away from temptation. Only through prayer can we avoid temptation as Christ taught.
Will we ever be tempted-Yes . Even Jesus was tempted as in the example following his baptism . He fasted for forty days and was tempted by Satan. Now Jesus overcame temptation after temptation he was tempted to end his fast , something he was committed to in his journey, he was tempted with power and material possessions. All theses things were part of the example that he was willing to go through , to show us it is possible to avoid temptation. We cannot completely avoid temptation but are shown to overcome it.
I know this might sound trivial but it is like starting a diet say you chose the south beach diet and would eat certain things. You start the journey on the south beach diet to conform to a weight that you decided was more comfortable. On the south beach diet you are supposed to find a buddy to go with you on the journey, the Holy Spirit is a great comforter. You are also given a list of good foods, you are not to even think about the unhealthy food , just the good stuff. Do you see where we are heading here, Good Food. Food for thought daily prayer and dwelling on the healthy diet will get you to your goal. It is more important to know what to eat , than what not to eat. I will say this again in another way - when you go shopping get the things on your list that you prepared and if your cupboard has something not on the list throw it out. Clean out those cupboards get yourself some healthy food.
Test- We now have overcome temptation - well at least we made it part of our daily practice to eat the right food. Now we find out that we are tested , when is this going to end . I am going to say tests are par for the course in the christian life. If you are not being tested , then you probably are just an admirer of Christ and not a follower. Yes , just like Nicodemus who admired Christ but would not go through the rigors of actually following him. You can find a Nicodemus just about any where - they seem to be the ones who throw compliments and go along with just about anything to please others. They also will enjoy your company because they live off your spirituality. Yes- they may even be a relative or friend- ha ha! A true follower of Christ will be tested and you know what - that is not such a bad thing. I remember in the old testament David was tested. Abraham was tested, many of the prophets were tested - uh, Job . I remember first reading the book of Job - what that man did not go through. I actually got mad , why are you putting this guy through this God? He is a holy man - its not fair, we often say that to God, why am I being treated unfairly. Well it is because you are a follower a true believer and that is what happens - you are tested.
I often like to dwell on the book of Psalms , and in Psalms 23 a basic principle is taught fear no evil.
That is good stuff, conquering fear is the end result of testing. It also grows our faith and when that happens we become sons and daughters of the living God. We become enlightened , we start to feel different inside , inner peace. We become spiritual beings and thine is the kingdom the power and the glory , forever and ever - yes, eternity. We become part of the kingdom of God - all this because we were tested. 1 Peter 1:6,7 "In anticipation of this ultimate deliverance, your joy overflows, though at present it may be your lot to suffer for a time through various trials to the end that your faith may be shown to be genuine. " How do you test a diamond, you examine it closely test its properties and behold one of the most beautiful and precious stones on earth.
So, temptation and test are different as night and day. Temptation is bad for you- Test is actually good for you. It is important to know the difference because sometimes we think we not on the right path and are just being tested. - peace to you.
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