So here is a discussion starter...
What is the purpose of temptation?
The Bible says that no temptation has overtaken you except that which is common to man. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
But my question is, why do we have Temptation at all? This discussion will influence the sermon on sunday, so have a ball!!!
Without temptation, you have no ability to choose God.
ReplyDeleteI think temptation is ALLOWED for the sake of free will, but I don't think that is its primary purpose.
ReplyDeleteI think temptation is caused by living in a fallen world, and by having sinful natures and an adversary who hates us. Some of it's a deliberate attack, like Eve being tempted in the garden. And some of it is just a nasty side effect of being human, like head colds and acne.
Off the top of my head, I would say that God did not invent temptation, nor does he wield it, but he WILL use it for good in our lives if we are obedient to Him.
The purpose of temptation is to be tested on whether or not we are obedient. No one knows how strong they are unless they are tested.
ReplyDeleteI think all of the above are correct and important aspects of temptation, but I think the most prominent reason for temptation is to grow closer to God when we fall into it. God didn't necessarily design temptation for us to fail, but we don't totally fail due to falling into this temptation. Through the temptation and our time of despair, God can make us stronger and connect with us at a deeper level, creating a life changing experience for us that we can share with others.
ReplyDeleteThese are all great! keep the ideas coming!!!
ReplyDeleteThe Bible says that God cannot be tempted nor does He tempt anyone. Yet, He allows it.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Miriam, that temptation and pain are part of the realities of us living in this fallen world.
I have often wrestled with the "why" of it all and at this point, I believe it is because if God took away all pain and consequences and temptations from us in this fallen world, we would have no capacity to comprehend the destructive nature of sin. We would never see our wretchedness, our need need for God. We could never hate sin or yearn for our heavenly home!
Temptation was a never a part of this world until Adam and Eve sinned. Because of sin, and because of our human nature, we are tempted with so many ideas, passions, objects, people, and on and on. Temptation was a never part of His will, it is the evil one who tempts us. James 1:13-15 When tempted, no one should say "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Christ was tempted after fasting for 40 days and nights. Matthew 4 explains this along with Mark 1 and Luke 4. He was/is the only man capable of defeating Satan proving his divine attribute. He also commands us to be in constant prayer to avoid temptation for fear we will be lost. I Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. If any of us finds us facing temptation, we should go to our knees quickly- and find support so that we don't need to carry a burden alone.
ReplyDeleteMark Taylor: I think that temptation did exist before Adam and Eve sinned. Wasn't it temptation by the snake that led them to sin?
ReplyDeleteI guess I think of Job and how god let satin test him with all that he could and yet Job still gave all the Glory to God and followed him. I don't think God would ever give us more than we could handle but he allows tempation and test so we have oportunities to chose to follow him, rely on him, grow, learn and truly put or=ur faith in him. The stronger we grow as christian the bigger the obstacle that will come our way, but we will be able to better handle it as well
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