Tim Maas Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

As James indicated in the verse cited in the question, God Himself is not the source of temptation. However, He may allow us to be tempted to promote our own spiritual growth and strength (which will also enable us to become a source of strength and blessing to others), or to increase our dependence and reliance on Him.

Also, as Paul noted in 1 Corinthians 10:13, "No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it."

In the account of Job, God allowed all of Job's family and possessions to be placed under Satan's control to vindicate Himself of Satan's accusation against Him that Job loved and served God only because of the blessings that God had given him. This was an attack on God that was so fundamental that it required allowing the extreme effects of Satan's actions. It also demonstrates the relative transience and insignificance of temporal human activities on earth in comparison to the blessings of being in God's presence for eternity, as Job's children would have been.

November 06 2018 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report