In the testing of Jesus in the wilderness after 40 days and nights of fasting, the differences between testing and temptation can be seen clearly. From Satan’s perspective, the experience was intended as temptation (an inducement to sin0, but for Jesus the experience was a test, which He passed without the least wavering. Despite Satan’s cleaver use of God’s Word, he did not succeed even slightly in penetrating Jesus’ impregnability to sin. God allows trials to come into our lives not to solicit (tempt) believers to sin, but to move them to greater endurance. James 1:13 reminds us that, “… For God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone.” God and evil exist in two distinct realms that never meet. He has no vulnerability to evil and is utterly impregnable to it onslaughts. He is aware of evil but untouched by it, like a sunbeam shining on a dump is untouched by the trash. This means that we must learn the truth of God’s Word so that we can stand against the temptations of Satan, the World, and our flesh. Choose the freedom of the Word of God, and we will have the power to … READ MORE

Philo of Alexandria, a contemporary of Christ, wrote, “When he mind has sinned and removed itself far from virtue, it lays the blame on divine causes. Solomon wrote in Proverbs 19:3, The foolishness of man subverts his way, and his heart rages against the Lord.” Temptation, is a concept that all of us struggle with. In the Greek The word for Temptation (peirasmos) is the same word for Trial. In other words, what could be a trial for some, is a temptation for others. Trials or tests are designed to help us manifest what we have learned and to help us as we grow and mature to understand what we still have to learn. God and Satan have two diametrically opposite ideas for the struggles that come into our lives. God’s desire is that we learn where we are in our Spiritual walk and gain strength and victory by trusting in Him. Satan’s, goal in the struggle, is to attempt to lead us into a deeper battle with sin. James 1:13-17 gives four strong proofs that God is not responsible for our temptations and even less responsible, for our giving in to them. He does so by explaining the nature … READ MORE

Paul says is Romans 7:24, “O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” Before God can ever give us the good news of the gospel, He must kill our pride and arrogance with the law given to Moses. The gospel is the power of the resurrection, while the law is the pow3er of condemnation. When the two are put together, they serve their proper purpose. The best way to evaluate your need of redemption is to ask yourself this question: Have you recognized your own sinfulness before God? Are you boasting of your own self-righteousness and defending yourself before God? It is only when we stand silent before HIm as sinners that He can save us. As long as we defend ourselves and commend ourselves, we cannot be saved by God’s grace. The whole world is guilty before God — That includes you and me! Paul concludes answers his question in Romans 7:25, by saying in verse 25 “I thank God – through Jesus Christ our Lord! We read in James 4:10 “Humble yourself in the sight of the LORD, and He will life you up.”… READ MORE