Overcoming Temptations

                                                                         -Tunde Mabinuori

What is Temptation?

Temptation according to the Merriam Webster online Dictionary is “something that causes a strong urge or desire to have, or do something and especially something that is bad, wrong or unwise”.

It has its root from the Latin word “tentare”, which means to try or to test and it is the only Greek word used for temptation in the New Testament.

 It is that something that allures, excites, seduces and arouses the desire to carry out an act that has immediate gratification but has long term regret/ repercussions. Temptations could also be described as the coaxing or inducing of a person into committing an act.

Temptation can be defined to mean a prompting to sin either by persuasion, manipulation, curiosity, desire/ fear of loss or by the offer of some pleasure or good which appeals to one.

Now the serpent was more subtil than ant beast of the field which the Lord God had made, and he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

And the woman said unto the serpent, we may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden; But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, ye shall not surely die. – Genesis 3: 1-4  

Surprisingly today, the devil’s tactics have not changed because he still uses the same methods as of old to beguile Christians.

Who can be tempted?

Temptation does not exempt anyone. Everyone gets tempted irrespective of race, caliber, age, colour, position/ status, sex etc. Even the Pope gets tempted. The only thing that differentiates a Christian and non-Christian is the way we respond to our temptations. One of the ways for a Christian to overcome temptation is to watch and pray, Matthew 26:41 (NIV) “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation…”

The first creation – Adam and Eve had their fair share of temptation (Genesis 3:1-6). Even the father of faith – Abraham had his own experience – Genesis 16: 1-5, Jesus, the second Adam was not left out in temptation (Matthew 4:1-10).

Is there a difference between trials and temptations?

Yes, there is. Temptation is from Satan, while trials are from God. The two are from different sources and have different purposes in our life. Trial is like a promotional exam conducted by God for His own children. The ultimate goal is for promotion. God takes His children through trials because He wants to test or prove their heart to see if they will be fit for the next level or position He has for them.

There are few examples of God trying His people in the Bible. Abraham in Genesis 22:1-17 is a typical example.

Temptation on the other hand, has as its primary aim to demote or destroy you. Note the following concerning temptation:

a.       It is designed to make you fall or to destroy you.

b.      It has a satanic origin.

c.       It is common to all irrespective of status, age, place, race, spirituality, etc.

d.      It is the first step to committing sin.

e.      It is an experience for only the living.

Pastor Tunde Mabinuori is the Minister-in-Charge, Rhema Chapel International Churches, Oluyole Estate, Ibadan.

e-mail: tundemabinuori@gmail.com