MEMORY VERSE: ‘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.
LESSON AIM: To show that a temptation is not a sin.
‘Temptation is not sin. Jesus was holy and pure; yet He was tempted in all points as we are, but with a strength and power that man will never be called upon to endure. In His successful resistance, He has left us a bright example that we should follow His steps. If we are self-confident or self-righteous, we shall be left to fall under the power of temptation; but if we look to Jesus and trust in Him, we call to our aid a power that has conquered the foe on the field of battle, and with every temptation He will make a way of escape. When Satan comes in like a flood, we must meet his temptations with the sword of the Spirit, and Jesus will be our helper and will lift up for us a standard against him. The father of lies quakes and trembles when the truth of God, in burning power, is thrown in his face.’ Testimonies, volume 5, page 425.
COMPILERS NOTE: We should be aware that there are different aspects to the word ‘temptation’ in the Bible. These should not become confused in our understanding.
(i) Tempt - To put to the test. ‘God did tempt Abraham.’ Genesis 22:1.
(ii) Tempt – To provoke, to be trying. God says to us, ‘Ye shall not tempt the Lord your God.’ Deuteronomy 6:16. ‘Neither let us tempt Christ as some of them tempted God.’ 1 Corinthians 10:9.
(iii) Tempt - To test something challengingly, as one would test a metal. ‘Your words have been stout against me.’ Malachi 3:13-15. How far would the Children of Israel push God by their words and actions?
(iv) Tempt – to incite someone to disobey God. See Ephesians 6:11. This is why the devil tempts us.
1. What happens to our mind when we are tempted? James 1:14.
NOTE: ‘When impure thoughts are cherished, they need not be expressed by word or act to consummate the sin and bring the soul into condemnation. Its purity is defiled, and the tempter has triumphed. Every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lusts and enticed. He is turned away from the course of virtue and real good by following his own inclinations… It is Satan’s act to tempt you, but your own act to yield. It is not in the power of all the host of Satan to force the tempted to transgress. There is no excuse for sin.’ Messages to Young People, page 430.
2. What is the next stage after giving in to temptation? James 2:15.
NOTE: ‘The law given to man in Eden is recorded, together with the penalty accruing in case of its disobedience. Then follows the story of the temptation and fall, and the
punishment inflicted upon our erring parents. Their example is given us as a warning against disobedience, that we may be sure that the wages of sin is death, that God’s retributive justice never fails, and that He exacts from His creatures a strict regard for His commandments. When the law was proclaimed at Sinai, how definite was the penalty annexed, how sure was punishment to follow the transgression of that law, and how plain are the cases recorded in evidence of that fact! The pen of inspiration, true to its task, tells us of the sins that overcame Noah, Lot, Moses, Abraham, David, and Solomon, and that even Elijah’s strong spirit sank under temptation during his fearful trial. Jonah’s disobedience and Israel’s idolatry are faithfully recorded. Peter’s denial of Christ, the sharp contention of Paul and Barnabas, the failings and infirmities of the prophets and apostles, are all laid bare by the Holy Ghost, who lifts the veil from the human heart. There before us lie the lives of the believers, with all their faults and follies, which are intended as a lesson to all the generations following them.’ Testimony Treasures, volume 1, page 437.