Hi
Considering temptation, as an example, if a person was to see a bag of money that didn't belong to them, and they had a sudden urge to take it, how would one differentiate whether that was an act of the flesh, or temptation from Satan?
Just trying to understand temptation in its correct context.
Hi PWS,
I see temptations and testings, both from the Greek peirasmos, as being anything in our lives that works against our trusting Jesus in all respects.
So then, I may have not enough cash to cover the needs, and I see an opportunity to get some cash, but not the right way. Maybe something is threatening my safety. Maybe something is alluring to me, seductive. Or all the other temptations we face.
I can choose to trust Jesus, and sit tight. Or I can feel the need inside, a covetousness from the flesh, and feel the desire to take the money. Or perhaps I'm in the devil's sights, who wants someone to devour. Or some other spiritual darkness that is pushing me to sin.
As far as daily life goes, there doesn't seem to be any difference to me. I know that the answer to all temptation is to trust in Jesus to give me the ability to live a good life, and to endure through whatever seems to be pushing and pulling at me.
In 1 Corinthians 10:13 "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."
That there is a "way of escape" with "the temptation", this is a particular way. The word translated "escape" is a word for "a safe haven from the violent sea". There is a particular thing God is working in us, allowing us to be tested. Everything in our lives God works for our good, and to make us like Jesus.
I think that the primary purposes of testing/temptation in the life of the believer are to probe for weakness, not that God needs to see, but we need to see, and to move us towards greater faith.
Much love!