TESTING VERSUS TEMPTING
- Thread starter biggiestomp
- Start date
-
Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.
If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!
To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.
M
James 1:13-14
New International Version (NIV)
13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.
One burnishes the soul, while the other depletes the soul.
New International Version (NIV)
13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.
One burnishes the soul, while the other depletes the soul.
Well I agree, Abiding. But as James 1:13-14 says, when tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.
So, for those when temped should not think that it is of God! Period! For some might say that God is tempting me. If they easily get into this mind set of belief, let’s say, they got extra change at the store and feel that's a blessing from God! Wrong! So in other words, being careful in what we speak and believe. That being the point of the question, “do you know the difference?” When asked in the room, some people felt that Job was tempted. So I guess, not many know the difference.
So, for those when temped should not think that it is of God! Period! For some might say that God is tempting me. If they easily get into this mind set of belief, let’s say, they got extra change at the store and feel that's a blessing from God! Wrong! So in other words, being careful in what we speak and believe. That being the point of the question, “do you know the difference?” When asked in the room, some people felt that Job was tempted. So I guess, not many know the difference.
A
God does not place the desire to do evil in our hearts. Satan tries and place them in our minds but it is our choice to buy into the lies or reject them and tear down the strongholds that war against the knowledge of Christ.
God tests us to see if we are honest with ourselves and willing to serve God with our whole hearts or if we are like the young rich man who walked away when told to give away his possessions. do we love God or the world? Who do we choose to be friends with? Whose Will do we defend: God's or our own?
God tests us to see if we are honest with ourselves and willing to serve God with our whole hearts or if we are like the young rich man who walked away when told to give away his possessions. do we love God or the world? Who do we choose to be friends with? Whose Will do we defend: God's or our own?
G
The teacher in me really grabs hold of this because in actuality testing is designed to show/prove what we know. God's first command was disobeyed and man has been given that lesson and billions of others to learn from along the way. Unlike Jesus, we are bound to fail in some situations, especially while becoming a new believer in process. And, we're always in process, but hopefully at elevated levels of testing. We should be encouraged when we move past something to realize through God we have overcome trials and temptations. There is such a beauty in the refining process of God as He tests us until we are standing beside Him with His faith fully realized in us. Then we are as Peter, but standing on the water, not sinking.
J
This is a great point. However, we aren't bound to fail in any circumstance. In fact, what we consider our biggest "failures" can bring about the biggest growth in our relationship with Christ. God does not set us up to fail and laugh at us when we fall. Instead, He is drawing near to us all of the time. In our difficulties we need to draw near to Him as well (Hebrews 10:19-22). So don't view challenges as failures; embrace them as blessings.