But isn't this bordering on saying that we should never be tempted and that temptation is sin?
Temptation, itself, is not a sin. Everyone has things thrown in front of us called temptations. Just don't become enticed. God always provides a way of escape so that temptation does not conceive (enticed/dwelling on it) and finally give birth to sin. Resist the devil and he will flee.
14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.
Sin is a long way from first seeing something tempting. I remember when I was married to an abusive man, and would see a nice looking man. I would shake my head vigorously to get his image out of my thoughts and think about something else.
Even the good things I do are tainted with at least some minor degree of selfishness. I'm not always aware of it.
14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
When we walk in the Spirit, notice that the blood of Jesus continually cleanses us of all sin. And also notice we continue to have fellowship with each other. 1 John 1:7. It is because of obeying the order to love and forgive each other.
The yoke of Jesus is easy. There are basically two things we need to do.
- Obey your super-sensitized, Spirit-lead conscience where the moral laws of God are written. 1 John 3:21-24, and
- Forgive always. Matthew 6:14-15