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TEMPTATIONS AND TRIALSYou are now a Christian, and yet sin troubles you more than it did before your conversion. You are more aware of sin now than you ever were (Romans 7:21-25).
Temptation is not a sin. To all Christians it is a very real problem. Christ was tempted (Luke 4:1 13).
'Do not suppose that it is only the worldly-minded who have dreadful thoughts and blasphemous temptations, for even spiritual-minded persons endure the same: and in the holiest position we may suffer the darkest temptation.' C. H. SpurgeonMemorize 1 Corinthians 10:13
Temptation comes to all Christians—'common to man'
Temptation is not compulsion—'not tempted above that ye are able'
You can say Yes or No—God gives 'a way to escape'.There is a difference between trials and temptations.
The Devil tempts you to sin—to disobey God (2 Corinthians 11:3).But the Devil cannot make you sin.
He could when you were his slave (Romans 6:16)
Christ is now your Lord (Romans 6:17,18)
The Devil has no claim on you (Romans 6:6,11-14).
God sends trials to test His people (Genesis 22:1; 1 Peter 1:6,7).
'The trials are not unnatural things, nor obstacles to spiritual growth. They are God's appointed way forward.' J.A. MotyerWhen tempted or tried
—believe that God is faithful and look for the way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13)
—resist (James 4:7)
—endure and triumph (James 1:12)
—turn the temptation into blessing (James 1:2-4)
—learn from Luke 4 how Jesus dealt with temptation
—He answered with Scripture (vv.4, 8, 12).