This past week during our Sunday School time at church we had an interesting discussion about testing and temptation, and someone raised the question about the difference between the two. I decided it was worth remembering so, a blog post is in order.
So are testing and temptation the same thing? Does God test us and tempt us? The Bible has something to say on the subject in James 1:12-14. I’m quoting from the NIV.
(12) Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
(13) When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;
(14) but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.
We are definitely subjected to trials and testing, and according to verse 12 receive rewards for passing the tests. However, verse 13 clearly states that God does not tempt anyone. So what is going on?
Testing and temptation are not the same thing. God indeed will test us, and it is consistent with His character. A test is a choice given to us, obedience or defiance, belief or unbelief. God gives us choices not only as tests, but as an expression of His love of us by not forcing compulsory obedience. As James states, passing the test is beneficial to us, not only in reward, but as a means of spiritual growth, in reinforcing our love, faith, obedience and knowledge of and to God. A test is not evil, but is for our benefit.
Temptation on the other hand, is the enticing and dragging away from God’s choice for us, by trying to convince us that the wrong choice is somehow acceptable for us. Temptation is founded in lies and distortion and thus cannot be from God, because it is inconsistent with His nature. However, God does allow us to be exposed to temptation, from either Satan or our own evil desire as stated in verse 13. Learning to stand up to temptation and discern the truth from temptation’s lies are ways that we grow spiritually. Lessons are often learned through the difficult. We also have God’s promise that He will always equip us with the ability to resist temptation. Look at 1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
My husband had to leave early to usher that morning, so he missed our discussion. As I related it back to him, he, in his usual brilliant way, summed it up with this observation. So, in the garden, we had the apple and the serpent. The apple was the test, and the serpent provided the temptation.
I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Choose Joy!
