Sunday: Root of Temptation
Read James 1:13-14. Why is it important that God does not tempt anyone? Where does temptation originate, and how can this knowledge be helpful in our own struggle with sin?
Image © Steve Creitz from GoodSalt.com
James is emphatic. Not only is God not the author of evil, He is not the source of temptation either. Evil itself is the source of temptation. According to this passage, the problem lies within us, which is the main reason it’s so hard to resist.
Thus, the battle against sin begins in the mind. As much as many might not want to hear it, the truth is that we choose to sin. No one can force us (Rom. 6:16-18). Sinful desires, inclinations, and propensities do constantly capture our attention. By using common hunting and fishing terms, James 1:14 describes these inward promptings. Our own desires lure and entice us, and when we give in to them, they finally hook and entrap us.
Read Ephesians 6:17, Psalm 119:11, and Luke 4:8. What common theme is seen in all, and how does that relate to the question of victory over temptation?
In the passages in James, he clearly separates temptation from sin. Being tempted from within is not sin. Even Jesus was tempted. The problem is not temptation itself but how we respond to it. Having a sinful nature is not, in and of itself, sin; however, allowing that sinful nature to control our thoughts and dictate our choices is. Thus, we have the promises, found in God’s Word, that offer us the assurances of victory if we claim them for ourselves and cling to them in faith.
Dwell on the idea that sin is always our own choice. (After all, if it weren’t our own choice, how could we be condemned for doing it?). What things can we do on a daily practical level that could help us keep from making the wrong choices?
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I like the fact that having a sinful nature is not sin but allowing that nature to be in control of one's life ii sinful. It is a sign that one is denying the power that Jesus offers for overcoming the sinfull nauture its looking down upon the atonement that Christ made to cleanse our sins
Quoted from the lesson - “Thus, the battle against sin begins in the mind. As much as many might not want to hear it, the truth is that we choose to sin.”
It is necessary to recognize our true state. One of the traits of the fallen human nature is an aversion to correction, an inherent resistance to acknowledging error when presented with truth. Yet correction is the very thing we need having lost our way. Conversion and growth require it. This condition of rebellion affects not only unbelievers but Christians as well, and sets up all to fail in the time of temptation.
One might say Christ is the answer. Still, what exactly does that mean? The Psalmist practical prescription is fortifying the mind with the truth of God’s word (Psalm 119:11). Knowledge by itself does not ensure victory, but it is the means by which the Spirit of truth works to build a defense against deception and to transform the desires from the carnal to the spiritual.
From time to time we will discover or be shown that some things we believe are erroneous. Some of the ideas might actually come from the pulpit and liberty taking ministers, or have been held for a long time. In such cases pride may present a barrier to acceptance and defensiveness rather than a teachable spirit prevails.
When we shun correction we quench the Holy Spirit whose work it is to renew the mind (Ephesians 4:30). We are then left more defenseless and likely to lose the battle with temptation. Those without a genuine love for truth and desire to submit (Luke 6:46-49) may call on Christ all day long with little effect (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12).
The faithful will cooperate with the Holy Spirit and in times of temptation like Christ say, “It is written…” (Luke 4:8), knowing that Heaven has their back and the mind is in the right place.
Hugh Dalhouse, i like your comment and God bless you for such elaboration. Amen !!!
We can avoid making wrong choices on a daily basis by focusing on Jesus as our example and by praying daily for guidance and wisdom from the one who gives it,Jesus Christ
indeed sin is a choice.
it is a fight between self(flesh) and Divine(spiritof God).
if we give in to self it bring forth sin BUT IF HEED TO SPIRIT OF GOD AND DO HIS WILL IT BRING FOR TO RIGHTEOUSNESS.
Please I need someone to help me. Sunday lesson teaches that 'God is not the author of evil'. I want the person to give attention to 1 samuel 16: 14, 15; which says, 'an evil spirit from the lord torment saul', and defend sunday lesson again. I want to use it this sabbath
Hi Adimie, we know that God is holy,
We also know God is perfect
Could a holy perfect God be or do evil at the same time?
About satan a devil the bible says
So Adam and Eve was also perfect and holy, until they choose to desobey God and obey the devil who lie to them. Remember Ps 24:1 A Psalm of David.
So God tempts no one He allows satan to do what he does best and us to choose who to obey. I hope this answer your question.
@Adimie Youngbo, God had sent the Holy Spirit for the purpose of correcting Saul's wrong course of actions. Saul instead of listening to the pleading of the Spirit, he chose to shun it. What happens when one rejects the Spirit of God? God allows other spirits to come your way though those spirits are not from Him. He lets things happen because one has made such choices. That is why the writer in a human point of view says " an evil spirit from the Lord". Otherwise it is an individual who rejects the Holy Spirit and opens him/herself to other evil spirits.
I believe what Samuel meant by saying God sent the evil spirit was that there is only one supreme power, nothing happens without His either causing it or allowing it. From the beginning God created the world and everything was only good. However Adam and Eve chose to have evil in the world, so God allowed it. Humans have a choice either to be controlled by evil or by God (Rom 6), because Saul basically rejected God he was in fact choosing evil to control his life. Look at the book of Job, Satan & God were discussing Job and whether Job love God only because of the blessings he received.
Satan challenges God and says you take away his blessings and in effect God says no, I won't do that but I will allow you to do it.
James is quite clear, God does not tempt us, therefore we must understand that statement in 1 Samuel as God saying, OK you don't want to choose me then I will allow to have your choice, the only other alternative, I will allow the evil spirits to control you.
As to the question on 1 Samuel 16:14-15, the other comments have basically explained the problem. I just want to mention that there are other texts using the same kind of language in order to express Gods absolute controll of everything. However, He does not dictate decisions but only permitting them, leaving the consequences of these decisions to the one who has made them. This does not mean that God is the originator of evil as seen in the following passages within the contextual setting: 1 Kings 22:23; Isaiah 45:7; 2 Thessalonians 2:11; Romans 1:21-26.
If God were the originator of evil, how coul He ever judge sinners? (Romans 3:5) The cross would not have been necessary, as we would have an excuse for sinning and could justify and judge ourselves -- be our own judge. So I think, we have to look at scripture in its whole context, as our faith does not rest on one single text.
Winfried Stolpmann
I guess we can look at it this way; God is the creator of all things on earth. He also have power over all things (living or spirits). Evil spirits "listen to him not by choice, but with trembling fear" and that kind of give you the mindset that our God is in "control" of (anything, and everything) that is in this world...except choices of our hearts. I assume that we all know these "bible stories" that confirms this thought, I come to say that God has total"control" over evil spirits "with authority"meaning he can "allow it" or "stop It"... but Lucifer, that old serpent, is the "origin, or author" of evil! Hope this will shun more spiritual light on this.
Thoughts >(vivid) Imagination >actions ..The process begins in our mind leading to actions.If we strive to control our thoughts/minds we shall be able shun sin by its form.
I believe God gives us what we want regardless of the consequences,if it's sin we desire he "withdraw his spirit" and "give us the desires of our sinful hearts"...Ths whole mess would not happen if "Israel didn't ask for a king"...even though God "did not want to" but He gave them what they want! So my conclusion of this 'God is not the author of evil' He is not! But He allow evil to torment us if we (willingly choose it) Evil is all around us! God told Cain Gen. 4:7.."Sin is at the door!" God warns Cain but He did not submit to God's warning! Same thing with Saul, He listen to his heart's desire instead of God's will!
What can we do: trust in the LORD and immerse yourself in the Word.
Php 2:5 For let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,
Php 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
1Ti 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith
Psa 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
Romans 12:9
(KJV) Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
(LITV) in horror fleeing from evil, cleaving to the good,
(MKJV) shrinking from evil, cleaving to good;
When we dwell on the fact that sin is a choice, we have to understand that it's not that we have the power to overcome it in our own strength. Making a choice means we give God permission, through His Spirit to do what is necessary to purge us from it. We don't withhold ourselves in any way from the cleansing power of His Spirit.
When we resist transformation, withholding any part of ourselves or cover a cherished sin, it is iniquity. When we choose evil instead of good, we make ourselves subject to evil.
The key to the problem and the solution:
James 1:14 temptation comes when we are drawn away from God
The solution is in Jas 4:8 Draw nigh to God
Pro 3:1 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:
Pro 3:2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.
Pro 3:3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:
Pro 3:4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
Pro 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Pro 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Pro 3:7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
The author of today's lesson wrote, "the battle against sin begins in the mind" (par. 3), but later on "Being tempted from within is not sin. Even Jesus was tempted. The problem is not temptation itself but how we respond to it" (par. 5). I'm a little confused by this, taking into light what Jesus says in Matthew 5: 27-28, where He says that if you even look at a woman lustfully, you've already committed adultery. Can anyone help me reconcile these statements? Thanks!
In the case of lusting after a woman and the desire to kill someone, etc. - the temptation and the sin can both happen in the mind. It starts as just a tempting thought, but with the Holy Spirit's help we can dismiss the thought before it becomes an actual sinful desire. If a man looks at a scantily clad woman, he can choose to look away right away and pray in his mind for help. If he continues to look at the woman by choice, the lustful thoughts will come.
That's my simple understanding. I hope that helps.
I think we can learn from David and Bathsheba.
First he was where he shouldn't have been, he should have been with the army, the devil finds work for idle hands.
Second when he went on the roof and saw the naked woman, he should have immediately looked away, walked away.
But he stopped and carried on looking and he was thinking lustful thoughts in his mind.
Then he turned his thoughts into action.
The way I see it, in that first look he was tempted - not sin, he could have turned, walked, run away.
However when he stopped and carried on looking and imagined himself with her - that was sin and that's what Jesus was talking about.
Imho both statements are true, it does begin in the mind, but it isn't a sin. I've heard this simplistic analogy before and I like it: we can't choose what thoughts come to our minds but we can choose what STAYS. We don't have to to let the bad thoughts set up shop and put down roots. The passing thoughts are the temptation.....the dwelling ones are the sin( potentially).
I hope I helped a little. I also like what Kevin v t said
@Marie, The author of today's lesson has indeed written , "the battle against sin begins in the mind" (par. 3), but later on he adds "Being tempted from within is not sin. Even Jesus was tempted. The problem is not temptation itself but how we respond to it" (par. 5). If we look at what Jesus said in Matthew 5: 27-28, it reads that if you even look at a woman lustfully, you've already committed adultery with her in your heart. At first I too was a little bit troubled. But the Spirit lead me to understand that there was no contradiction about what the author has said and what our Lord did say in Matthew 5:27-28. In other words, to look at a woman is not a sin. But to look at a woman lustfully is going a step further. Allowing the desire to conceive sin. Jesus, James and the author are all giving one and the admonition; let us not be carried away by lust, for its end result is sin.
Adimie,
This is the way I interpret the enigmatic biblical passage: People in Old Testament times did not have a clear picture of the great controversy between Satan and God. Many thought that the Lord was the source of both good and evil. Bear in mind that reading and writing was limited to a few. Even some kings could not read a document and had to rely on scribes. A clearer picture of the role of the Devil was presented in the New Testament.
To flesh things out a little in what you say, Nic, here is some scripture and ideas to back up what you have said. Adimie questions 1 Sam 16:14, 15 which was written before the Babylonian captivity. That is important because Satan isn't even mentioned in writings canonized into scripture before that crucial point in history. As an example that I have used before concerning this problem, "the anger of the LORD was aroused against Israel, and He moved David against them to say, 'Go, number Israel and Judah'" (2 Sam. 24:1 NKJV) which was also written before the captivity. Compare it to, "Now Satan stood up against Israel, and moved David to number Israel. So David said to Joab and to the leaders of the people, 'Go, number Israel. . .'" (1 Chron. 21:1-2 NKJV). Both incidences are the same having exactly the same historical background. The books of Chronicles, however, are thought to have been written sometime after the captivity, probably during the Persian period, based on internal evidence within the books themselves.
Furthermore, Isaiah, who was a pre-captivity prophet quoting God said, "I form the light and create darkness, I make peace and create calamity; I, the LORD, do all these things" (Isa. 45:7 NKJV) so even that great prophet didn't see a distinction during his ministry. We also see in the writings of Moses concerning the hardening of Pharaoh's heart where he says at times it is God who hardens Pharaoh's heart and at times it is Pharaoh himself that does it (compare Ex9:12, 34 to Ex 8:15, 32 for an example) so I am not sure about what he understood what was happening.
Now some will say, "Ah, yes, but what about the book of Job that mentions Satan which is considered to be the oldest book in the Bible?" But that book apparently wasn't canonized until late in Old Testament history which means that it wasn't recognized as truth until that time. Besides, the concept of "progressive revelation" is widely understood among scholars and even Ellen White testified to that phenomenon in the Bible.
The fact is that even the New Testament at times seems to view things differently concerning who does what, such as, "And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie" (2 Thess. 2:11 NKJV) which to a significant degree seems to contradict what James says, "Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone" (James 1:13 NKJV). And to John God sends the last plagues (Rev 15-16) which Ellen White clarifies as actually being done by Satan.
In these cases I think we need to see the preponderance of scripture that says that God, above all other things, works to save us rather than to put us into the fire, "who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth" (1 Tim. 2:4 NKJV). For the fires of hell were made specifically for the devil, not for man (Matt 25:41). That is one of the great reasons for the cross - it saves while the devil condemns (Rev 12:10) and tempts as he did with Christ so Jesus said for us to pray to God, "do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one" (Matt. 6:13 NKJV). Jesus said many such things to counteract the teaching of the Jewish leaders who had a very warped idea of what God was like.
Tyler,
Here is a brief non-exhaustive test (not temptation) of the ideas, not of you:
For the benefit of those of us who would like to check context what is the reference for the EGW reference to progressive revelation? As well what does progressive mean in context? Is it that errors are made earlier and corrected later? If so might more correction be needed now or later? Did EGW in humility confess/admit to any doctrinal error previously presented as inspired based on progressive revelation? (This does not include her personal opinions which were not offered as coming from God.)
Does it matter more when books were canonized or written? Who were the ones actually inspired; the authors or compilers (2 Peter 1:21)? Are we not interpreting the authors? If Moses, the presumed author of Job wrote about Satan what does that say about knowledge of Satan since the origin of Bible writings? As well did John not have access to the inspired writings of Moses to be adequately informed if not inspired when talking about the plagues?
Who sent the plagues against Pharaoh; in particular was the destroying angel a demon of Satan? How about the Flood? Did Satan scare himself? By the way EGW actually said God pours out the plagues (See Maranatha p. 267). The simpler and far less problematic understanding of the difficult texts is that God takes responsibility for what He allows. The Omnipotent One can do that. At the same time He reveals enough so we may understand some (not all) of what is going on.
The Bible cannot be treated like ordinary literature which is subject to revision. For then one may simply cast aside what does not sit well with them and find a later revisionist position which is pleasing. Such has led to the rejection of a literal six-day creation among some. The danger of departing from the straight testimony (as is common in Babylon) was underscored by EGW.
“Pour out the testimony just as straight as it is found in the word of God, with a heart full of the warming, quickening influence of His Spirit, all in tenderness, yearning for souls, and the work among God’s people will be effectual. The reason why there is so little of the Spirit of God manifested is that ministers learn to do without it...I saw that however strongly men may have advocated the truth, however pious they may appear to be, when they begin to talk unbelief in regard to some scriptures, claiming that they cause them to doubt the inspiration of the Bible, we should be afraid of them, for God is at a great distance from them” (Testimonies for the Church Vol. 1 p. 383).
Based on the lesson: What is the difference between temptation and a test?
To my way of thinking, Julia, none. Why would God need to test anyone when He knows everything, who numbers, "the very hairs of your head" (Matt. 10:30 NKJV).
The Bible says that God tests people to teach us a lesson, that we can not rely on ourselves.
See what Moses told Israel about their time in the wilderness, see all the other texts below.
Deu 8:2 And you shall remember all the way which Jehovah your God led you these forty years in the wilderness in order to humble you, to prove you, to know what is in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not.
Deu 8:3 And He humbled you and allowed you to hunger, and then He fed you with manna, which you did not know, neither did your fathers know it, so that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes out of the mouth of Jehovah man shall live.
Deu 8:16 who fed you in the wilderness with manna which your fathers did not know, so that He might humble you and so that He might prove you, to do you good in your latter end,
Deu 8:17 and so that you might not say in your heart, My power and the might of my hand has gotten me this wealth.
Deu 8:18 But you shall remember Jehovah your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, so that He may confirm His covenant which He has sworn to your fathers, as it is today.
prove thee: Deu_8:16, Deu_13:3; Gen_22:1; Exo_15:25, Exo_16:4; 2Ch_32:31; Psa_81:7; Pro_17:3; Mal_3:2-3; Jam_1:3; 1Pe_1:7
What is the difference between a temptation and a test?
We are tempted to do wrong.
When God tests us, He give us an opportunity to show whether we put our beliefs & trust into action.
Exo 16:4 Then Jehovah said to Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from the heavens for you. And the people shall go out and gather a certain amount every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in My Law or not.
Tyler, your silence is almost defeating on today's lessons. I seem to be struggling with the idea that our sinful natures are not sin in and of itself. I feel torn by this statement as I think that it is both. Not from the perspective that we have an excuse to sin, I would agree. But I am somewhat uncomfortable by this blanket statement. Maybe I am being drawn away by the cords of my own enticement! Any thoughts.
"Tyler, your silence is almost defeating on today's lessons . . . I am somewhat uncomfortable by this blanket statement."
Lystra, I am sorry that I caused so many problems. Shirley also seems to have problems with what I said by quoting texts out of the Bible that say that the Lord tests us. My statement was in answer to Julia's question about whether temptation and testing is the same thing and to that I said that I thought they were the same.
First, I see very similar usage of these terms in the Bible. While it says that the Lord tests, the very same Hebrew and Greek words are sometimes also translated into the English word tempt. For instance compare Deut 8:2 to Deut 6:16 where the same Hebrew word is used. So there seems to be a close relationship between the two words when translated from the ancient languages.
In today's English to test usually means to find out something about a person or an object. Teachers test their students to find out how much they have learned. A chemist tests a substance to find out what it is made of or a test pilot tries to determine how a new design works. In this sense the one who is testing needs to know something and in that sense I say that God does not need to know anything because He already knows everything (Isa 46:10) yet Deut 13:3 says that God does need to know. That is confusing to me, either He is all knowing or He is not. So I question if God is really testing us in that sense and certainly He doesn't tempt us as James says.
The devil tempts in order to prove something or to trip us up so that he can support his position as he did with Job and Jesus in the wilderness. Because of that I see the close connection between testing and tempting and prefer not to use those terms when speaking of God. To me they are the tools of Satan rather than God but I can't argue with scripture over the matter. I can only understand it as a communication to fallen humanity spoken on our level of understanding and in particular to ancient people who had trouble understanding God.
When we put ourselves in the line of evil, we are enticed. James 1:14. "Evil itself is the source of temptation." We are naturally inclined to sin since our first parents fell to Satan's deceptions. All we need to do is to make a choice to walk God day by day. Unless we do so, we are doomed to plunge ourselves into the traps of sin again and again. We should decide in our minds not to sin because that is where it all begins. Psalm 119:11. We should not use humanistic approach in this warfare but we should pray for guidance from God.
I like how today's lesson defines temptation vs. sin. I can be tempted but I do not have to yield to sin. It's my choice how I chose to respond to temptation. By recognizing my sinful nature and admitting my need for Christ to overcome the temptation, I can claim victory over sin in his name. The practical ways I can overcome temptation and sin are through yielding my will daily to Christ, Bible study, prayer, and memorizing Scriptures. I like the concept of the soldier preparing for battle in Ephesians 6:10-18. I need the whole armor of God to be victorious over sin. I do not need to fear temptation because the enemy has already been defeated through Christ. I have the same power and victory through Christ to overcome sin also.
We ned to remember that our bodies are temples of a Holy God and we need to take care of it in order to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit showing us how to make right choices. We can start by going to bed early, wake early enough to spend some time with God for instructions. Take a hot and cold shower instead of a cup of coffee to set the stage for the day.take a glass of water with a half of lemon juice to eliminate what the liver has cleansed through the night and the body does not need for the day. Eat fruits and a seven grain cereal to complete the elimination. Hydrate your brain/body with water only. Can't remember to hydrate, then per Dr Agatha Trash, "drink a glass of water every 10 minutes for one hour only" just a small start to help along the way to hear the still small voice saying."this is the way, walk ye in it "
How interesting, so far in James we have learned about:
1st trials - something that comes from outside
2nd temptations - something that come from inside ourselves
Trials - trust God and ask for wisdom
Temptations - trust God and fill your mind with the Word
So cool that you would mention this as I also see this emerging theme. The Word is an armor for the temptations that come from the outside and compass to help us make the right choices when temptations come from the inside! Pretty cool!
1 John 4:4 NKJV
4. You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
Be Still and Know: http://youtu.be/BgaHaioAjyg
Thank you for that link, Chris. I appreciate that Stephen Curtis Chapman promotes genuine Christian "stillness" or contemplation in this song when He writes,
This is a stillness consciously focused on meditating on the character and works of God, in contrast to the eastern-type (pagan) meditation that seeks to create an empty "stillness" in the soul, expecting God (or some power that claims to be God) to "show up."
For reference, here are all the lyrics of the song "Be Still and Know" by Stephen Curtis Chapman:
Are you familiar with Ellen White's words on the subject?
Notice that she explicitly states a focus for our contemplation. (We are not to leave our minds empty, thus inviting in the evil spirits. [Compare Matt 12:43-45])
Tyler,
Trials are like exercise: No pain, no gain. Knowledge of the beneficial effects of exercise will not replace the actual effort.
Happy i am for the in-depth study that Sabbath school network is offering. I have one question though, Did God test Abraham? Is there a difference between test and temptation?
Dear Adinie, in response to your comment that Saul was tormented by an evil spirit from God indicate that evil spirits are subject to God's control within divine boundaries eg 1 kings 19-22. Hob 1;12 2:6. Saul' disobedience continued to be punished by attacks of an evil spirit vv. 15-16,23; 18:10 ; 19:9.
Regarding the evil spirit that control Saul, I have read that in biblical times what God permitted to happen He was credited as doing. We see this happening in Egypt during the plagues. Pharaoh’s is said to be hardened by God when in fact it was Pharaoh's stubborness that kept him from humbling himself to God. Likewise in the book of revelation it talks about Jenkins refusing to repent during the last plagues but rather cursing Him.
In other parts of the bible, Ezekiel, Jeremiah, etc. God him self says that He will let His anger fall upon Israel and we see the Babylonians viciously destroying Jerusalem.
Regarding the looking at a woman and lusting after her and how it relates to temptation not being a sin, I would say that looking at a woman and admiring her by a male that is married is a dangerous temptation (not a sin). Looking at woman and desiring her (lusting) is being enticed by his desires which according to Jesus, such a person has sinned because such a person is willing to consider the possibilities.
Tyler, my apologies as my intent was not to cause discomfort. I usually make a habit of reading through the comments as I find them rather interesting and look forward to reading particular contributors as I find them enlightening....and you are one of them. I am struggling with the ideas around temptation and sin and was wondering what your perspective on the subjects were....thanks for sharing.
Tyler,
Your explanation makes so much sense I am surprised that many Adventist scholars have failed to grasp what is patently clear both from Scripture and from history.
The existence and character of Satan is clearer in the New Testament, but since the writers of the NT were heavily relying on the Old Testament, we find some passages that obscure the truth.
I fully agree with you that revelation is progressive; and even Daniel predicted that knowledge would increase in the future. This is why we need to become diligent students of the Bible and be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit who is the infallible revealer of truth.
Nic, I hate to bust the bubble but I am not a scholar and have gotten the ideas I have from reading what others have come to understand, many of which are scholars within our own denomination. Therefore, what I have said didn't originate with me and actually can never for God is the source of all real knowledge. So if you find something that makes sense then praise God for the gifts He gives to man in spite of his sinful tendencies.
Is forgiveness has something to do with us not being to the promised land?
An old illustration of temptation - it is like a bird flying above your head, it is not sin if it lands on your head and you shake it off, but it is sin if you allow it to make a nest on your head.
sin is when you disobey the commands of God,God gave us ten commandments if we obey them then we wont sin
Through prayer and faith we shall overcome
Tyler,
I did not mean that you made all these discoveries out of thin air. We learn from others, but the main credit always goes back to God and the leading of his Holy Spirit.
We seem to have similar views of inspiration and the role of Scripture. When I read your comments, I felt encouraged with the realization that I was not alone on this.
Many Adventists believe that inspirations demands infallibility in every word we find in the Bible. If this were so, there would be no need to study the Bible nor weigh the import of every statement found there on any subject; reading one verse on any topic would be enough.
Help, does GOD tempte us or test when we face many triayes
Leonard,
The difficulty with the question you ask comes with the old and modern variations in the usage of the words test and tempt. God does not tempt us in the sense of leading us into sin. His intent is to lead us out of or away from sin.
God does test us for our sake, to reveal defects of our character, so that having become aware of our weaknesses we may lose confidence in self and trust Him to give us strength. The test may take the form of trials which whether or not originated by God He allows and uses to help us.
God is actively shielding and protecting us from the ills or dangers of sin, without which we would be destroyed. From time to time God withdraws some measure of the protection or sends His own set of trials tailored to accomplish His purpose. It is God's decision and He takes responsibility for it. The intent is not simply to hurt us but to help us.
The Creator uses discomfort, difficulty, enemies and even fear as a means to get our attention and draw us to Himself, eventually saving us. He loves us enough to chasten if in His all-wise opinion it is the best way (Hebrews 12:6). Love demands what is best, not necessarily what is nice. We may rejoice in this. Hopefully this helps a little.
Through pain through difficulty through the fire through trials and temptation God is just there holding your hand encouraging you to run the race. EGW says in Early writings, if we overcone the temptations of Satan we emerge victorious and are beeter ready to meet the next. Gold becomes pure after going through a furnace. If our characters are to be purified and perfected to the similitude of Christ, we need to be burnt in a furnace. Brethren count it all joy ...says Paul.