Are you being tempted by the enemy or tested by the Lord? Several key indicators can help you know the difference.
Temptation: what you need to know
The devil is the one who tempts us by or with evil.
To tempt is to:
• Entice to sin
• Entice to disbelieve what God says during a specific situation
• Attempt to cause to fall aside from the truth of God’s Word
• To put to the test with an evil or ill intent
The main objective of temptation is to try us in a negative way, with the intent of an eventual negative outcome. Because of this, we can know that temptation never comes from the Lord.
Testing: what you need to know
On the surface, testing often looks much less pleasant than temptation. This is a primary source of confusion between the two.
To test is to:
• Attempt to ascertain the truth about someone or something
• Try someone with the intent to prove or mature them
The main objective of testing is to try us in a positive way, with the intent of eternal, positive outcomes.
Jesus’ readiness to help in both temptation and testing
Whether we are facing temptations or tests, it’s a comfort to know that Jesus experienced these things as well (see Matthew 4:1-11 and Matthew 26:36-44). What the Hebrews writer says is true: “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15).
Jeremy Taylor wrote, “When God would save men, He did it by way of a Man.” It was through the Man’s suffering that he was able to identify with mankind. The Greek idea of god is detachment; the Christian idea is identity. It is through this identity the Jesus can empathize with man.
I’m particularly moved by Kenneth Wuest’s translation of Hebrews 2:17-18 on this matter:
“For in that He suffered, having himself been tempted and put to the test, He is able to run to the cry of those who are being tempted and put to the test, and bring them aid.”
How precious it is to know that our God is not far off, unable to identify with His children.
How precious it is to know that He is ready—and furthermore, willing—to run to us and bring us aid.
All thanks be to Jesus, through whom we can truly say: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1)!
