Where does temptation come from?

RamboPreacher · Postby **RamboPreacher** » October 10th, 2005, 6:27 am

Anyone care to elaborate?

I realize that probably it's more importatnt to address what we do with temptation, rather than where it comes from, but just wanted to start a new topic. Please elaborate, philosophise, and even provide scriptural reference as you are comfortable.

I see that James has some things to say about it, but then there are also scriptures like 1 Cor. 7:5; 1 Thess. 3:5. What say ye?

amydawn · Postby **amydawn** » October 10th, 2005, 7:00 am

I can't even get to a conclusion on WHAT temptation means.

I guess it could agree that it's anything that results in sin.

So now, I can't even get to a conclusion on the definition of 'sin'...

I refuse to research this right now. My BS (Biblical Studies) days are past... but back in the day, I think I recall forming the opinion/belief that the only sin a potential 'spritual enemy' would really promote, would be the 'sin' of unbelief.

So, perhaps sin is just unbelief.

Temptation, I think - most of the time -- is probably just biologically driven and not all the hocus pocus Christian's crack it up to be.

I never did care much for the book of James.

MrDanger · Postby **MrDanger** » October 10th, 2005, 7:14 am

My wife...she talked me into breaking my diet last night. :evil:

RamboPreacher · Postby **RamboPreacher** » October 10th, 2005, 7:19 am

I think that the simple definition of temptation (as opposed to testing), is anything that entices one to sin. Sin has many definitiosn as well, but let's leave that part as generic "sin" (I prefer to not categorizes or prioritize sin).

In context of this thread - we can assume that the einticement (temptation) itself is not sin. but only becomes sin if acted (dwelled?) upon.

RamboPreacher · Postby **RamboPreacher** » October 10th, 2005, 7:22 am

MrDanger wrote:My wife...she talked me into breaking my diet last night.

so....
not being on a diet is a sin for you?

hehehhehee

rough_rider · Postby **rough_rider** » October 10th, 2005, 8:45 am

Who is the tempter?

Jam 1:13 Let no one say, when tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God is incapable of being tempted by evil, and He Himself tempts no one.

Not God......

1Th 3:5 For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labor be in vain.

Mat 4:3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.

Joey · Postby **Joey** » October 10th, 2005, 11:22 am

I'd have to say Satan.
He started his mess with humans in the garden and has not let up since. As you mentioned, he is called the "tempter" in Matt 4:3 as Jesus was tempted by the devil in the wilderness....and later, Paul addressed him as a "tempter" in 1 Th 3:5.
I keep in mind though...he(satan) is only allowed to "do" what God will allow him to do. 1 Cor 10:13 says that he will not tempt us beyond what we can bear.

scooter · Postby **scooter** » October 10th, 2005, 11:41 am

It is a combo.

Satan and ourselves.

Pastor Don · Postby **Pastor Don** » October 10th, 2005, 3:19 pm

I think Scotter hit the nail on the head. Satan is certianly the tempter but as James said we are drawn away by our own lust and enticed.

If we do not have a desire for something, if we don't want it, then it is not a temptation for us.

It is kinda like cheese cake and my wife's Hershey's Kiss cake. You could put a whole cheese cake out in front of me and I would not be bothered by it, I just don't care for cheese cake. On the other hand, if you put even a slice of my wife's cake out there, now that is a temptation... I like it, I love it, I want some more of it... I know this is food related but it works the same with sin. If I have no desire to commit adultry then even if the tempter puts an opritunity in my path, I will not be drawn to it. I have no desire.

Anyway, that is my thinking...

Now a question... if I do not care for a certian book in the Word of God does that make it any less appliciable? Just a thought...

Joey · Postby **Joey** » October 10th, 2005, 4:49 pm

Well brothers...I am almost persuaded after thinking of it a little more.
Here is where I started running into problems with my first thoughts.
During the millennial reign, will there be any sin with the tempter gone?
He is the root of all temptation so I thought not, but there is still the flesh to deal with. We have a humanistic side of us that will still be temted at the end of the 1000 years when satan is released, so I wonder if we will not be able to fall during that 1000 years? If so, then James makes since.
I'm still learning here...interesting topic.

Postby **Pastor Gary** » October 10th, 2005, 4:52 pm

amydawn wrote:I never did care much for the book of James.

Why?

DeWayneTN · Postby **DeWayneTN** » October 10th, 2005, 5:49 pm

I choose the last option and my answer is "Little Debbie."

RamboPreacher · Postby **RamboPreacher** » October 11th, 2005, 5:25 am

one of the things I often get "challenged" with when dealing with Christian youth is a blame-game (my reference, not theirs) that it's not their fault that they "fell" into sin. the devil made them do it (seriously), or the devil tempted them with something they couldn't resist.

I find it difficult to believe that (please don't mistake this for exaggerating satan's importance) satan would directly tempt anyone, himself. I understand that he isn't omnipresent, so why would he spend time with the likes of any of them. (hope that made sense).

then there is the issue as was alluded to that if something isn't considered a sin, then being enticed to participate isn't then considered temptation. as example: many yout (yes, even churched, Christian youth) do not believe that doing "other things" isn't wrong unless they actually engage in the act (sorry about the vagueness, but I think you get it without having to move this to the VS forum); and even get responses that say things like that the president said so and so it must be true. (again, just an example).

amydawn · Postby **amydawn** » October 11th, 2005, 5:46 am

Pastor Don wrote:Now a question... if I do not care for a certian book in the Word of God does that make it any less appliciable? Just a thought...

Don't be such a dip. Does anyone have a radar for humor around here?

amydawn · Postby **amydawn** » October 11th, 2005, 5:55 am

Pastor Gary wrote:
amydawn wrote:I never did care much for the book of James.

Why?

I should say it differently.... how about this: "I never did care much for the understanding of the book of James that was promoted in the religious circles I formerly entertained."

It's kind of like Romans -- I use to sit and listen to my mom read from Romans. It's amazing how the message changed depending on tone of voice and emphasis being placed on different words. Amazing.

And until I achieved (what I believe to be) a more accurate understanding of Romans than what I was 'taught', I didn't care for Romans much either.

There are certain passages in the Bible that religious people use as a form of punishment -- the unmerited kind of punishment.

Any clearer?

Jude 2