5 Reasons We Experience Temptation

Last Updated on July 24, 2021 by Pastor Ikechukwu Chinedum

Today we will be teaching on 5 reasons we experience temptation. One of the controversial questions I have listened to as a shepherd is why should believers face Temptation? Some people will ask, sir, if I’m serving God with all deligence, should my life not be better and free from trials? Our service to God or position in God has nothing to do with temptations or trial.

Jesus Christ the son of God after fasting and praying for forty days and nights, he was tempted by the devil immediately he stepped out of the wilderness. Matthew 4:1-11 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “ ‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. Jesus was filled with the power of the Holy Ghost, the Bible recorded that he was a man without blemish, yet the devil tempted Him.

This just establish the fact that we can face temptation regardless of how close we are to God. Abraham despite being called the friend of God was terribly tempted. Abraham went through moments of trial with his wife Sarah. God kept promising to make Abraham father of nations and yet, Abraham doesn’t have a child even at seventy years. Job, despite being an upright man before God, the Bible recorded that God still allowed him to be tempted by the devil. Our curiosity would be lifted if only we know the reasons why we experience temptation.

One thing we must know is that for every temptation, God has provided a way out if it. The book of 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 the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 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 the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

Why do God allow His children to be tempted?

Temptations Are Part Of The Work of God To Mould Us

We never truly understand faith until we see it go through fire and still came out shining like the sun. What most Christians enjoy today is grace. It was easier for Apostle Peter to castigate Judas Iscariot after he betrayed Christ. However, when it was time for Peter to hold the faith, he failed too.

Sometimes, God allow temptation to mould our faith in Him. God sometimes remove the hedge of fire, take out the grace and allow us work barefooted on the thorns of life. This is not to harm us, but to equip us for a greater task. Abraham’s greatest temptation was barreness. God made him wait for so long just to know the kind of man he was. Abraham’s faith earn him a spot as the friend of God.

Temptations Put God in The Show

Trials and Temptations reveals the realness of God and the genuineness of His power. When we are in the storm of life, we fight bitterly. Sometimes, it seems like we are fighting alone because we have been blinded by the storm and we could no longer see the God in the storm.

God displayed his powers in the life of Abraham after his wife Sarah gave birth at age 90. Temptations reveal the potency in the power of God Almighty.

It Brings Us Back To God

There are times that God allow temptations and trials in the life of a believer just so he/she can find his way back to God. When Christ was asleep in the boat, the storm started and the boat was about to capsize.

The apostles had at the moment forgotten that Christ was even in the boat with them because of fear. They tried all they could to salvage the situation but their best seems not to be enough. At the moment they were about to perish, their senses were restored and they remember that Christ was in the boat with them. They cried to Christ for help and the storm was calmed.

The trial of life are sometimes sent to help us find our way back to God.

Temptation Is a Sermon To Other People

Jobs life was a practical example. After he faced the tribulation that led to the death of his children and loss of his wealth. Practically, Job had nothing to live for. There was no reason for him to have survived the sickness because all he worked for had been destroyed already.

However, God saved him and bless him beyond measures. He was richer and more prosperous than he used to be. Job’s life is a sermon to others especially unbeliever that God alone is the Almighty.

To Teach Us Patience

The promises of God are sacrosanct. Though heaven and earth may pass over, but none of His words will go unfulfilled. However, our temptation could be a delay in God’s promise to us.

God promised Abraham to make him the father of many nations and at 90 Abraham still doesn’t have a child. God literally was teaching Abraham how to maintain good attitude when waiting for the promise of God to be established. Sometimes, trials and temptations are teaching us to be patient and let God take the lead.