Does God allow temptations?
James 1:13 says that God doesn't cause us to be tempted but does He allow temptations?
James 1:13
NKJV - 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.
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Tim Maas
I think that Paul speaks to this issue while writing to the Christians at Corinth in 1 Corinthians 10:13: "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." God is sovereign, and the world, our fallen flesh, and the devil can go no farther than God allows in tempting us, afflicting us, or testing our faith. This is also shown in the book of Job, where Satan could harm Job only to the extent to which God permitted him (Job 1:12 and Job 2:6). In my opinion, God allows such occurrences for the refinement and strengthening of our faith and trust in Him, and to draw us closer to Him as a source of help. Even Jesus in His earthly life was (as the writer of Hebrews said in Hebrews 4:15) tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sin.
JD Abshire
Yes, I agree with Tim that God does allow us to be tempted or more accurately, "tested". Not that he, the Father or Holy Spirit had any doubts or concerns as to how Christ would or would not respond, I believe his testing/temptation was for our benefit. As stated, scripture reveals the evidence of his impeccable nature in that he was tested in all points yet without sin. I believe for the most part in our modern day vernacular the word "temptation" is misunderstood. For instance, let's say I was standing in line at the checkout counter and saw a man reach in his pocket for change. When he pulled his hand out so did a crumpled $20 which fell to the floor unbeknown to the man. Scenario #1. Without hessitation I tap the guy on the shoulder and say excuse me, you just dropped your money. Scenario #2. I look around to see if anyone else noticed and if not I put my foot over the $20, wait for the guy to leave then pick up my prize. In both cases a temptation or test was presented but each had a different response. What would Jesus had done? What did Jesus always do? He always responded according to his divine nature. "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." (2 Corinthians 5:21)
Andy Mangus
YES! And,....it all started in the Garden of Eden with The Devil (Satan) being allowed by God Almighty to tempt Eve and Adam to eat of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil,..."the forbidden fruit"! God gave us all the free will to choose to be disobedient, to make our own choices in everything we do, say or think. He gives us that same kind of choice that happened in the Garden....to choose what our conscience heart and mind wants to do--or--if we are indwelt by His Holy Spirit which directs us in every decision, to MAKE the 'Right choice and direction' along life's pathways, He will be our Guide, Comforter and Provider in all that we do, say or think! "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, mind and soul and He will guide, guard and direct your every pathway all the days of your life". For this, I say a hearty AMEN! --Andy--
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