Christ may try or test us, but He will never tempt us. What is the distinction?
Pastor Tim Chaddick, author of The Truth About Lies, draws a clear difference. A test is a challenging situation that prompts us to discern how God would have us respond.
“A test really has to do with a situation itself. Temptation has more to do with the luring effect internally.”
At the moment of testing, temptation is initiated by the devil and he attempts to lure us away from truth, into sin. Our response makes the difference.
“That’s why I think temptation is very revealing… and temptation, though it is authored by the devil to destroy us, is allowed by God to instruct us.”
God allows us to be tempted and tested but is never the author of temptation. He allows us to live in a world wrought with temptation so He can shape us and mold us into the image of His Son.
“When it comes to temptation, He’s not responsible for our desire to want to make a bad decision, but He allows us to live in this world where there are all kinds of choices and He wants to train us as children to make the right choices.”
A second hidden benefit of facing temptation is that it causes us to look within and question the motives and desires in our hearts. When we are faced with temptation and thoughts that we know are sinful, we are forced to wrestle with our sinful nature and draw ourselves back to God.
Tim encourages us to trust our Father. God uses all things for His glory and our benefit, including temptation.
“He clearly allows us to live in this world so that we might learn to choose truth, and that’s why the way out of temptation is also the way up! Because when we choose the truth, we become stronger.”
Key Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 10:13-14; Romans 13:11-14
Featured Songs: Speak Life by Toby Mac; Grace Wins by Matthew West; Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns
