Questions and Answers

Shepherd His Sheep

What is the meaning of the word ‘tempt’ in the New Testament?

 By Dr. Timothy Lin

What is the meaning of the word ‘tempt’ 

     1 Cor. 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, so that you will be able to endure it.

     James 1:13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone.

     In the original language, the word ‘tempt’ in the New Testament has two meanings: ‘test’ and ‘tempt’. So, the same testing event can have two goals. The purpose of the ‘test’ or ‘examination’ is God’s desire towards us to come to know Him deeper and grow more spiritually afterwards. The purpose of a ‘temptation’ is Satan's desire for us to fall into his trap, offend God and our spiritual lives to suffer. So, we who live in the end times should be careful. May God help us not to enter into temptation. (In the Lord's Prayer, He teaches to pray that we will not enter into temptation (Mt. 6:13)) Do not be afraid of testing because the Scriptures tell us that when it is “beyond what we are able ... He will provide the way of escape.” (I Cor. 10: 13 refers to God's testing and not temptation because He does not tempt anyone (James 1: 13)). What a gracious Heavenly Father! 

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