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S. Michael Houdmann
Supporter
Temptation, by its very nature, feels wrong. God's moral law is written in the heart of every human being (Romans 1:20), and when a sinful temptation is introduced, our consciences immediately sens...
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A Lamb
Supporter
Benjamin Franklin said that the only thing certain in life is death and tax’s. Well he forgot to add temptation. Even Jesus our Lord was tempted by the devil so temptation is not a sin. However giving into temptation will lead to sin and sin leads to death. God has promised us that any temptation we face is not more than what we can bear and the temptations faced are all common to mankind. (1 Cor 10:13) There are three things God has given us that we can use to overcome temptation and we also see how Jesus handled temptation when he was being tempted by satan. 1. The Word of God - Jesus used the word against satan during the period of fasting in the wilderness. 2. The blood of Jesus Christ – Jesus has given us victory by the cross and we can plead His wonderful name that every demon trembles at. If we have impure thinking we can confess His name to release us from this. 3. The Holy Spirit – Whenever we are about to embark on anything unscrupulous including the thought of giving into temptation we hear the still quiet voice of the Holy Spirit. (well I know I do) Hope this helps you because it did me when my pastor shared this and much more about temptation. Bottom line is that we will all be tempted at some point in our lifetime and it would be impossible to go through a life without being tempted.
Steven Best
Supporter
There is no sin in being tempted, only in giving way to its allures, and our ability to resist is based on our hearts' affections and our maturity in the Lord. However, there is another aspect of the sin of temptation which is seldom discussed, but needs to be, and that is the fact that we can be the source, intentionally or unintentionally, of tempting others, and this is sin. For instance, it is always a sin to invite someone into areas they should not go, such as inviting a recovering alcoholic to have a drink, or celebrate a birthday at a bar. In doing so, we are very likely luring someone into the presence of temptations they are not strong enough to resist (I Cor 8:9). How we choose our friends also says a lot about the kinds of temptations we allow into our lives, because those walking in sin often enjoy luring others down their paths (Rom 1:32). In my experience, it is no different for drug users, gamblers, sex addicts, etc. This is why Paul wrote a strong warning to the church at Corinth, carried down to us through the centuries today (I Cor 15:33). Consider Sodom and Gomorrah. It wasn't enough the people of these cities thought they had a right to do as they please, but that they could impose their licentious behavior upon others possessing no such desires (Gen 19:4-5). Unfortunately, this has become a problem in the church today, as pastors and church boards seek to compromise with governments, which have lost their moral compasses and are seeking to impose their lack of moral judgment upon the church, by using intimidating language such as "hate crimes" and "intolerance." However, when church leadership opens the doors to immoral, so-called brethren, they ignore Paul's stern warning and instruction to the church (I Cor 5: 11, II Cor 6:14) and thereby bring temptation squarely into the house of God (Acts 20:28-31), where the young, impressionable, and weaker members need to be instructed, strengthened and matured in their faith. Therefore, It is my firm conviction that the answer to the question of whether or not temptation is sin is both complex and essential. Certainly it is not always a sin just to be tempted. Jesus was tempted yet was found to be without sin (Mat, 4:1 Heb 4:15) because God allows certain temptations in our lives, in order to reveal the impurities of our hearts. This is so we can draw near to him and strengthen those areas in our lives. However, temptation becomes a sin, when a Christian is participating with that temptation in any way, such as going to places where they know they will be tempted. Similarly, believers seeking to share "freedoms" with weaker believers, draw them into temptations God did not intend, which is also a sin. Similarly, It is a sin to bring temptation into the church in the way that many are today in the name of “tolerance.” Congregational leaders will be responsible for whatever they allow to be practiced openly in the church, by so-called believers. That such a church's young, impressionable, and/or weaker members may fall into those temptations, is practically guaranteed, when not afforded the protection God expects for them in the assembly of the righteous (I Pet 5:1-5, II Tim 4:1-5).
Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
Abraham is "tempted," being called upon to offer up Isaac (Gen 22:1); and Jesus is "tempted" to a spectacular Messiahship (Mt. 4 and parallel passages). No evil is implied in the subject of these temptations. Temptation therefore in the Scripture sense has possibilities of holiness as well as of sin. For as all experience witnesses, it is one thing to be tempted, another thing to fall. To be tempted--one may rejoice in that (Jas. 1:2), since in temptation, by conquering it, one may achieve a higher and nobler manhood. —Charles M. Stuart Martin Luther once wrote that evil thoughts come like birds flying over our heads. We cannot help that. But if we allow them to build nests on our heads, then we are responsible for them. -- J. Heinrich Arnold So no, temptation is not a sin. It is NOT a sin to be tempted.
Jeffrey Johnson
Supporter
Is temptation a sin? Is being tempted a sin? Many sincere Christians become troubled when they face temptation. A wrong thought may enter the mind, a strong desire may arise, or a difficult weakness may resurface. Some immediately wonder, "Have I already sinned?" The Bible's answer is both reassuring and clear: temptation itself is not a sin. Being tempted does not make a person guilty before God. One of the strongest proofs of this truth is Jesus Christ. Hebrews 4:15 says: "We have one who has been tested in all respects as we have, but without sin." Jesus experienced temptation, yet he remained completely sinless. If temptation itself were sinful, we could not describe Jesus that way. His life shows that facing temptation and committing sin are different. After his baptism, Jesus spent forty days in the wilderness, where Satan directly tempted him (Matthew 4:1-11). Those temptations were real. Satan appealed to hunger, power, and glory. Yet Jesus refused every attempt to draw him away from God's will. He met each challenge with faith, self-control, and trust in the Scriptures. James explains where the line is crossed. "Each one is tried by being drawn out and enticed by his own desire. Then the desire, when it has become fertile, gives birth to sin" (James 1:14-15). Temptation is the invitation. Sin begins when a person welcomes what is wrong, allows it to take root, and chooses to follow it. That distinction can bring great comfort. A Christian who fights against temptation, prays for strength, and turns toward God is not showing spiritual failure. In many cases, that struggle shows a sincere desire to remain faithful. The conflict itself can show a conscience that is alive and sensitive to God's standards. The Scriptures contain examples of faithful people who faced powerful temptations. Potiphar's wife repeatedly pressured Joseph, yet he chose to flee rather than surrender to it (Genesis 39:7-12). His temptation was not his sin. His response reflected his love for God. By contrast, David lingered in temptation, allowing it to grow until it led to serious wrongdoing (2 Samuel 11:1-4). The difference lay in the response, not in the initial temptation. The Bible also teaches that God understands human weakness. Psalm 103:13-14 says: "As a father shows mercy to his sons, Jehovah has shown mercy to those fearing him. For he well knows how we are formed, remembering that we are dust." God does not look at His servants with harsh suspicion every time they face a test. He sees their efforts, their struggles, and their desire to remain close to Him. Even more encouraging is the promise found at 1 Corinthians 10:13: "God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but along with the temptation he will also make the way out." God never abandons His people during a trial. He provides strength, wisdom, and a path to endure successfully. So, is temptation a sin? No. Is it a sin to be tempted? No. Even Jesus experienced temptation. Sin occurs when a person chooses to embrace what is wrong. A believer who resists temptation, seeks God's help, and continues the fight can take comfort in knowing that God understands the struggle and lovingly supports those who remain faithful to Him.
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