We all experience trials and temptations. Both trials and temptations seem to be a part of life. Is there any difference between trials and temptations? If yes, what is the difference?
Lessons from the book of James (#2)
In James we read, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, …the testing of your faith produces steadfastness…. that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:2 – 4 ESV)
- There is a big difference between trials and temptations. Trials are for our benefit. Trials help us grow spiritually. Trials help us become “perfect and complete.”
We also read, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12 ESV)
- Trials are often difficult and painful. Trials may take time and endurance. Trials are used by God to help us become more mature in our Christian walk. As tough as trials may be, they are for our benefit.
- Here is a major difference between trials and temptations. Trials are from God. Temptations are from Satan.
Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and He himself (God) tempts no one. (James 1:13 ESV)
- Temptations involve fun. We enjoy temptations. When Satan tested Eve in the Garden of Eden he made the fruit look appealing. Eve believed that it would taste good. Eve felt that she would enjoy it. The fruit would make her wise.
So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. (Genesis 3:6 ESV)
- Note: Satan tempts, but we choose. Satan cannot make us act. We act out of choice.
- Temptations are sin. Temptations lead to death.
But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. (James 1:14-15 ESV)
- Temptations destroy relationships.
And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. But the LORD God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” And he said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, …. Genesis 3:8-10
We like temptations, temptations can be fun initially, but we suffer tremendous harm when we yield to temptations.
We don’t like trials, trials are hard, but we benefit greatly from them.
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