The Key to Trials VS. Temptations

I believe I have figures out the key when trying to determine if you are going through a test or being tempted by desire. What does the Bible say about temptations and tests? It must be a very fine line and downright confusing because for several weeks, the question has been asked, “If God does not tempt us, like it says in James 1:13, then what are these tests God allows?” 

When I am considering a topic, I often go the dictionary. To help understand the difference in tests, temptation and trials, Webster says the following:

1. Test- a critical examination, observation or evaluation; the process of leading to its proof or disproof or to its acceptance or reject

2. Temptation- the strong desire to have or do something and especially something that is bad, wrong or unwise; especially evil; enticement

3. Trial- a test of quality, value or usefulness of something; ability to do something to determine if someone should join a team or be in a play etc.

After studying these words, and listening to many people discuss trials and temptations, I have found, what I think is, the key to understanding trials and temptations from God’s point of view.

Test

A test in the Bible is always allowed for a holy and righteous outcome. However, we can choose to reject being righteous and holy therefore, flunk our test. Abraham had a test when he was instructed to kill Isaac, his only son. He passed his test. Test ARE NOT attractive or pleasurable or they would not be tests at all. Anyone like finals in school? Me either, but they were to examine and evaluate the proof that I had learned something. Same with God. When you are a Christian, God does not want just talk; He wants action. 1 Peter 1:7 says, “You may have to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come to prove your faith genuine.” In testing comes suffering. And isn’t that what we are called to do in response to Jesus’ suffering for us? Do you knowingly put yourself in difficult situations where your faith is tested (what we should do) or do you always turn away from the test? Sometimes test are out of our control like an illness or death. It all comes down to how we handle it and who we blame. Blaming God or really anyone or thing in this fallen world is really just unproductive and puts focus on wrong emotion. 

Temptation 

 Temptation on the other hand IS attractive. Temptation is always sin and evil crouching at your door. Temptation looks GOOD, feels GOOD and most of the time we think it sets us apart from others. Giving into temptation is selfishness. It lures us to have a focus on ourselves and not on the needs of others. Examples brought up were the way too big house or the boat that is never used or the expensive sports tickets that are never used. We have to choice to deny ourselves and use this extra money to help others. We have control over every temptation. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond hat you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” All temptation can be denied. 

Trials

Trials are, by definition, are both test and temptations because both deal with a choice. Trials have to happen to see if our faith and allegiance to the Lord is real, true and genuine. Some trials cannot be avoided like a horrible accident, mass shootings, illnesses, destructive weather and hurtful people. However, our reaction to the trial is the point of the trial, not the trial itself. Some trials are caused by our bad choices, too. Getting a speeding ticket, buying something we know we can’t afford, choosing to start an addiction, having an unplanned pregnancy or getting an STD can all be avoided with a different choice.

I hope this insight helps you understand trials and temptations. It was very helpful to me to dissect the terms and gain some Biblical wisdom. In the story where the man was told to “sell your possessions and give to the poor and you will have treasures in heaven. Then come follow me.” Matthew 19:22 records the man went away sad because he had great wealth. I imagine this man had a ‘too big’ house and a boat he never used and some fine clothes and jewels and too many servants and some fine paintings on the wall and maybe even more chariots and horses than he needed. Doing this study made me think of this story differently. And, it made me wonder what temptations I have given into that I can sell to benefit others.

Blessings!