Is temptation a sin?
Every one of us is tempted on a daily basis. But are we committing a sin when we are tempted? First, let’s explore the source of temptation. James tells us that the source is not from God, but rather from our own weaknesses and desires: (James 1:13-14: “Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each one is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desires.”). We are tempted because we are human and have human weaknesses, but is being tempted a sin? Jesus Himself was subject to temptation: (Hebrews 4:14 – 15: “Therefore since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest incapable of sympathizing with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sin.”). Jesus was tempted, but remained sinless: (Peter 2:22: “He committed no sin nor was deceit found in his mouth”). Clearly, temptation itself is no sin because Jesus Christ was sinless, but was also tempted. It is succumbing into temptation that is a sin.
What tools do we have to help us resist temptation? The Bible tells us of three. 1. Faith: (1 Peter 5:9 “Resist him, strong in your faith, because you know that your brothers and sisters throughout the world are enduring the same kinds of suffering”). 2. The Word of God: Matthew 4 describes the temptation of Christ by Satan. Jesus repeatedly referenced the Word of God in countering Satan’s temptations. 3. Prayer. Part of the Lord’s Prayer suggests that we pray for deliverance from temptation: (Matthew 6:13: “And do not lead us into temptation…”).
Additionally, God promises us a reward if we are able to effectively resist temptation: (James 1:12: “Happy is the one who endures testing, because when he has proven to be genuine, he will receive the crown of life that God promised to those who love him.”). How can temptation be a sin if we are rewarded if we do not succumb to it? Temptation is not a sin, but a test. We are rewarded if we pass the test, and we sin if we fail and succumb to it.
We all fail and do not effectively resist temptation, but the sinless Jesus Christ paid the price for the times when we fail. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for the gift of Salvation that you purchased on our behalf at Calvary.
Mark Askeda
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