[Why do we have to be tempted (to test, to examine, to prove)?]
“Consider it PURE JOY, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that THE TESTING OF YOUR FAITH PRODUCES PERSEVERANCE. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, NOT LACKING ANYTHING.” (James 1:2-4)
[Joy: chara; delight, rejoicing! Who is it that is tempting us?]
“When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For GOD CANNOT BE TEMPTED BY EVIL, NOR DOES HE TEMPT ANYONE; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away BY THEIR OWN EVIL DESIRE and enticed.” (James 1:13-14)
[What shall we do then when we are going through temptation?]
“But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “GOD OPPOSES THE PROUD but SHOWS FAVOR TO THE HUMBLE.” Submit yourselves, then, to God. RESIST THE DEVIL, and HE WILL FLEE FROM YOU. COME NEAR TO GOD AND HE WILL COME NEAR TO YOU. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” (James 4:6-8)
[Favor: charis; kindness, graciousness. OK, we MUST believe what we pray, how then should we pray?]
Jesus said: “Pray, then, in this way…LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION, but deliver us from the evil one.” (Matt. 6:9, 13)
[Look what our awesome Lord and Savior, Jesus has done for us!]
“For this reason, he (Jesus) had to be made like them, FULLY HUMAN IN EVERY WAY, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement [penance, pacification] for the sins of the people. BECAUSE HE HIMSELF SUFFERED WHEN HE WAS TEMPTED, HE IS ABLE TO HELP THOSE WHO ARE BEING TEMPTED.” (Heb. 2:17-18)
[Help: boētheō; to come to the aid of, to provide heavenly support through our trials!]
Be blessed as you praise The Lord, knowing that:
JESUS WILL COME TO OUR AID IF WE ARE BEING TEMPTED TODAY!
-Bill Stockham