Devo: "Trials or Temptations"

Trials or Temptations

“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2–4)

     The second type of adversity that we will encounter from living in this world are temptations/trials. Every one of us encounter temptations on a regular basis.

The Greek word for trials and temptations are from the same Greek word:

   *Trial/temptation is Pierosmos (noun); Tempted or tried is Pierodzo (verb); “To pass through, experience or choose.”: James 1:2 (pierosmos); James 1:13 (pierodzo)

    *The word picture for trial or temptation is a “doorway” or some type of passageway. We are tempted when we are drawn through or into type of event or place.

   *When the English words trial or temptation are used, it is a noun; When the English words tempted or tried are used, it is a verb.

Types of trials/temptations: The devil tempts us to sin (James 1:13-15) vs. God puts before us doorways of faith and faith/blessings (Hebrews 10:17).

     *The temptations/trials of Satan: James 1:13-15; Revelation 2:10

         *Pass through into sin; Satan seeks to draw us into sin; pushing us to choose/experience/enter into sin.

        *Satan is the tempter: Matthew 4:1-4: Satan puts before us doorways or passageways of sin and compromise.

        *God always make sure there is another alternative or ability to endure: 1 Corinthians 10:13

            *Sometimes God gives the alternative in the form of a warning: 1 Tim. 6:9; 1 Cor. 7:5

   *Temptation/Trial from God: Hebrews 11:17 cf. Genesis 22

        *Pass through faith; Opportunity to choose/experience faith.

        *God never tempts us to sin: James 1:13-15

Joyous Truth about trials/temptations

   *When we face and overcome the trials/temptations of this world, it is the validation of our faith in the courtroom of Heaven: 1 Peter 1:6-7

    *When we face and overcome trials/temptations, it enables us to become perfect, complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4

     *When we face and overcome trials/temptations we receive life: James 1:12