Reflection on Temptation and Hope

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Reflection on Temptation and Hope Introduction Every day, we all face temptations, but with prayer and God’s mercy we have hope. Satan uses them temptations to bring us down, but God takes the opportunity to use these temptations to strengthen us. Hope is foundational to our faith in Jesus Christ and a life of eternity in the presence of God. Temptation Theological Definition Temptation, in itself, is neither good nor bad. It is what you do with whatever or whoever is tempting you. One thing is for sure, if you are being tempted then your thought, and desires are contrary to the thoughts and desires of God. Another thing is certain, it is not from God. James 1:13-14 tells 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 one is tempted when by his own evil desires, he is dragged away and enticed.” Biblical Foundation Nowhere in the Bible, does it tell us that we will not be tempted. In fact, it assures us that we will be. Jesus was tempted by the devil three times in Matthew chapter 4. Even though Jesus had fasted for forty days and He physically was weak, He still resisted Satan by quoting the Scriptures. No one can escape the influences of temptation. It is not biased or prejudice. It is not confined to any age group, race, gender, intellect, or social standing. “There is no one righteous, not even one; all have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one” (Romans 3:10,12). But the good news is that we have been promised that “God will provide a way out so that we can stand up under it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Temptation can lead to death (James 1:15) or it can lead to life (James 1:12). Temptation is important. It is the method by which faith is tested. Practical Application
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