Thursday, February 2, 2006
The Benefits of Temptation
But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. —James 1:14–15
Did you know that temptation can have a positive effect in your life as a Christian? If you really want to follow God, you will cling to Him all the tighter during temptation. As A. B. Simpson said, “Temptation exercises our faith and teaches us to pray… Every victory gives us new confidence in our victorious leader and new courage for the next onslaught of the foe.”
Some people are under the impression their sin won’t catch up with them. But the Bible says that not only will it catch up with them, but it will ultimately bring forth death. Sooner or later, it is going to happen. They are not the sole exceptions to the verse that says, “Take note, you have sinned against the Lord; and be sure your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23). Trust me. The Bible warns us about this. We have seen the ruin that sin has brought in the lives of those who have given in to it.
But let’s look at the other side of the coin. James 1:12 tells us, “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” Another way to translate the word “blessed” is “happy.”
So we see that temptation toughens us up. It makes us stronger. It teaches us to depend totally on Him. It’s not easy at the time. But what a blessing it is to know that you have passed the test.
Copyright © 2006 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New King James Version, copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Bible text from the New King James Version is not to be reproduced in copies or otherwise by any means except as permitted in writing by Thomas Nelson, Inc., Attn: Bible Rights and Permissions, P.O. Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214-1000.
More by Greg Laurie: http://www.harvest.org/devotional/index.php/5.html
