230 likes | 264 Views
…. The Bible Doctrine. Of Sin. Lessons Aimed At Helping Saints Define, Describe, & Defeat Sin. Lesson 3 – Temptation To Sin Sin is something we can become so “entangled” in Heb 12:1 Not done to us against our will Jas 1:14
E N D
The Bible Doctrine Of Sin Lessons Aimed At Helping Saints Define, Describe, & Defeat Sin
Lesson 3 – Temptation To Sin • Sin is something we can become so “entangled” in Heb 12:1 • Not done to us against our will Jas 1:14 • It occurs when we make a choice to do or not do something • The compelling factor = temptation
Lesson 3 – Temptation To Sin Defining Temptation • “Enticement to do wrong by promise of pleasure or gain; inducement to do something” [Webster] • “A trial or proving; the trial of fidelity, integrity, or virtue; enticement to sin re: desires or circumstances” [Thayer]
Lesson 3 – Temptation To Sin Defining Temptation • It has nothing to do with whether or not the one solicited gives in • Even if one refuses to yield to the “enticements”…he has been tempted • Consider Jesus Heb 2:18 4:15
Lesson 3 – Temptation To Sin Temptation vs. “Testing” or “Trials” • Original term (peirazō) meant “to try or attempt; to endeavor” • Whether the attempt was morally good or bad was irrelevant Acts 9:26 16:7 • Later uses illustrate a definition more in line with our discussion
Lesson 3 – Temptation To Sin Temptation vs. “Testing” or “Trials” • Sometimes the Scripture reveals one being “tested” to ascertain character • How he responded to something reveals whether or not he passed the “test” • Jesus, Philip, & Andrew Jn 6:6-7, 8-9 Jn 2:11 Mt 8:27
Lesson 3 – Temptation To Sin Temptation vs. “Testing” or “Trials” • At other times, a command from God has “tested” man • The genuineness of faith is revealed • The command to Abraham to offer up Isaac Gen 22:1-2, 9-12 Heb 11:17-19
Abraham & Isaac • It was Abraham’s words (Gen 22:5) and his thoughts (Heb 11:19) that indicated his “fear” or awe toward God re: what he knew God could do Gen 22:12 • It was precisely this response that was missing in both Philip & Andrew Jn 6:7-9
Abraham & Isaac • God wasn’t “testing” Abraham to find a flaw in his character…He “tested” him to allow him to show his faith • God didn’t want Abraham to fail…He wanted him to succeed • God never discredits us…He gives us the opportunity to rise in faith
Abraham & Isaac • Tempting someone to do evil is sinister • This characteristic cannot describe God Jas 1:13 1 Jn 1:5
Lesson 3 – Temptation To Sin Temptation vs. “Testing” or “Trials” • Temptation also differs from “trials” • Everyone will face adverse times • Sometimes the adversity is common to all men…at other times, adversity comes because believers try to remain faithful
Lesson 3 – Temptation To Sin Temptation vs. “Testing” or “Trials” • A “trial” may not necessarily involve evil or inducements to do wrong, but it could • Illustrated by Job Job 1:13-22 2:1-10 • He was allowed to suffer greatly…he lost all he had
Lesson 3 – Temptation To Sin Temptation vs. “Testing” or “Trials” • Yet, Job did not respond in the way Satan accused him of before God • Everything happened as Satan intended… except for Job’s response
Lesson 3 – Temptation To Sin Temptation vs. “Testing” or “Trials” • Some conclude “trials” (adversity) come because of sin…a punishment from God • Eliphaz Job 4:7-8 • Jesus’ disciples Jn 9:1-2 • Yet, God does allow us to see adversity… it can strengthen Jas 1:2-4 1 Pet 1:6 WRONG
Lesson 3 – Temptation To Sin Temptation vs. “Testing” or “Trials” • The most common concept re: temptation is a solicitation (seduction) to do evil • Solicitation is the devil’s work…not God’s 1 Pet 5:8-9 Jas 4:7 • God “tests” to make us stronger… Satan “tempts” to destroy us
Lesson 3 – Temptation To Sin Temptation vs. “Testing” or “Trials” • The process by which Satan tempts man can be better understood when viewed as a “formula” Jas 1:14-16
Temptation’s “Formula” Step #1 Enticement to do evil Jas 1:14 • We all have desires…at times, they cry out to be satisfied • Satan presents unlawful ways for these desires to be fulfilled Gen 39:7 Acts 5:1-4 • Temptation can be endured Jas 1:12 TEMPTATION = DESIRE + OPPORTUNITY
Temptation’s “Formula” Step #2 Sin itself is “born” Jas 1:15a • Interesting observation re: this verse • Man is not born in sin (Calvinism)…rather, sin is born in man
Temptation’s “Formula” Step #2 Sin itself is “born” Jas 1:15a • Man does not resist temptation Jas 1:12 • When he yields (acts on the temptation), he sins (violates God’s law) 1 Jn 3:4 • He is now separated from God Isa 59:1-2 • He has a new “master” Jn 8:34 Rom 6:12-16 SIN = DESIRE + OPPORTUNITY + ACTION
Temptation’s “Formula” Step #3 Death is eventual Jas 1:15b • Sin does not (cannot) deliver what it promised (nature of deception) • Now separated from God, man is “dead” Eph 2:1
Temptation’s “Formula” Step #3 Death is eventual Jas 1:15b • Satan has achieved what he wanted…a soul is estranged from God • All that awaits is eternal death DEATH = DESIRE + OPPORTUNITY + ACTION + NO REPENTANCE