TUESDAY June 30, 2026
Understanding Temptation
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. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.
James 1:13-15
Underline these important verses in your Bible. Understand, God does not tempt you to sin in any way––not ever. God is holy. He does not tempt us with evil. He is a good God. However, those who have fallen into sin should examine the reasons why it happened. Did they choose to go to a place where they knew they would be tempted? God did not lead them there; they chose to go there by themselves.
People often ask, “Why does God allow temptation in my life?” God allows situations in our lives to build Christian character. He develops our integrity. In perfecting our character, trials and temptations purify us and break us of our self-will. We learn to deny our flesh––our carnal traits. When we fail in times of temptation and testing, we become broken.
Remember the patriarch Jacob? He was known for scheming and manipulating situations in his life. He followed his mother, Rebekah’s plan to take Esau’s birthright away from him so that he could receive it (Genesis 27). Later, Jacob wrestled with God and was left crippled as the Lord touched the muscle in his hip. Jacob’s name was changed to Israel. In the Hebrew language, the name Israel means “governed by God” (Genesis 32:24-28). This encounter marked a spiritual change in his life.
Christians may try to wrestle with God, but they will fail. Like Jacob, we need to be broken. How else can we have a change of heart? Our lives must be governed by God to be useful in serving Him. Never forget those times of brokenness because they have caused a spiritual change in your life.
It is not a sin to be tempted; the sin is to fall into temptation.
~D.L Moody~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
