The Test Of Temptation (TCJ eBible Lesson)

 THE TEST OF TEMPTATION

The Christian Journeyman ©  – A Light Unto My Path E-Bible Lesson.

“Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man:

but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make a way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:12-13)

 Introduction:

What is the definition of the word "tempt"?

"To entice or allure to do something often regarded as unwise, or immoral" (Dictionary.com)

 

Gary Patterson – The Christian Journeyman ©

“Oscar Wilde said, “I can resist anything except temptation.”

“Temptation is when you really want to do  something, but you know you shouldn't. Everyone is tempted by different things.

I am diabetic, but I have a sweet tooth. I love candy, cookies, cake,

ice cream etc. I know if I eat those things, there will be consequences.

My eyes could be affected, along with gaining weight, which would not be good for my heart!” More times than I would like to admit, I have yielded to the temptation to partake of these sweet things.

 

1.      In your own words, can you define temptation?

2.      What is the thought process involved in temptation?

 

Lesson Aim: A look at how the tests of temptation was dealt with, both in the Old Testament & the New Testament.

 

THE FIRST TEMPTATION AND THE FALL OF MAN

(Read Genesis 3: 1-24)

A sad beginning for our first parents. To abide in perfect fellowship with our creator, and to be able to abide in a perfect environment, only to have this ruined by the yielding to the temptation presented by Satan.

 

1.      Do you think that God had a purpose for this first temptation to be presented, or that this first act of deception just happened?

 

2.      If Satan wanted to destroy our first parents, why do it through temptation? Why not use another means of harm?

 

3.      In our temptation experiences, who is involved? Who is responsible? Who is involved in our restoration?

 

4.      Do you feel that God’s punishment for Adam & Eve’s disobedience was fair? Or do you feel that God was extreme in His punishment of them?

 

5.      What could Adam & Eve have done different, to avoid this temptation experience from ever happening?

 

THE TEMPTATION OF OUR LORD & SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST

(Read Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:12,13, Luke 4:1-13)

Right at the start we need to look at the meaning of the word "tempted.” The Greek word is "peirazein" which does not have the meaning to "entice a man to do wrong” “to seek to seduce him into sin”, “to try to persuade him to take the wrong way.” But "perirazein" means to "put to the test." (William Barclay)

When we think about what Jesus went through with Satan's approaches to Him, it certainly was a test of faith, and faithfulness. Could we say that when we are tempted, it is also a test of our faith, and faithfulness, to our Lord Jesus Christ?

 

Questions on the temptations of Jesus.

1)      Why did Jesus go into the wilderness of Palestine? What was His purpose for doing so?

2)      What was Satan hoping to accomplish in these three temptations of Jesus?

3)      Jesus was tempted by Satan two other times:  (Matthew 16:21-23, Luke 22:24-30)

4)      How did Jesus overcome the temptations of Satan?

5)      Do we experience the same temptations that Jesus did?

6)      Would you agree (disagree) that overcoming temptation makes us stronger as Christians?

 

In the beginning of 1 Corinthians 10, the Apostle Paul warns the Christians at Corinth (and us) to not do the things the nation of Israel did in the days of Moses.

1.      They were a delivered people from the nation of Egypt, but they were not an obedient people.

2.      Paul says that we are not to "lust after evil things as they also lusted." (vv. 6-11)

3.      They became idolaters, and were involved in sexual immorality. Twenty-three thousand people died because of their rebellion and disobedience.

4.      We are not to test the Lord. We are to heed the warnings of these examples.

5.      A good warning to us all as Christians: "There fore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall" (v.12)

      a)      What are the temptations that are common to man (v.13)

b)      Explain how God helps us to overcome temptation? (v.13)

c)      Is it a comfort to know that God is involved in the rescue process of our temptation experiences?

d)      Can you think of ways that God has helped you to have a way of escape from the grip of your temptation?

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