After a month since posting the last article I am back at the reigns to help you continue your spiritual walk and understand the character of God.
I was asked a question a couple of weeks ago that seemed quite simple to me until I began to reply. Thankfully the question was via email so I had a bit more liberty to stall and research before reply. The question was this: "How do you know the difference between God's testing and Satan's tempting? Are they the same? Do you treat them the same?"
Some of you just thought, "That isn't that hard, we all know that God doesn't tempt he tests, and Satan tempts. Come on Pastor, don't you know that if we 'resist the devil he will flee from [us]?'" Well, for those of you who just said that... keep reading and realize that in the Bible is actually says that God “tempts” people (Genesis 22.1).
Now that you know this there are some things to consider; What is the difference between God's temptation and Satan's temptation? Here is the difference: Intent. Testing is using a circumstance or situation to prove or improve someone. Tempting is using a circumstance of situation to get someone to fall. The same circumstance or situation could be used to either test or tempt someone so you must determine the intent. Once you have determined the intent you can see who it is coming from; God or Satan. God wants to prove us to Him and ourselves while also improving us. Satan wants us to give in and fail.
So, to put it in few words. Testing and tempting can look identical. The easiest way to know is to look at the intent and outcome. God leads us into his likeness, and Satan leads us to destruction.
Next question. Does it matter which?
Answer: No. Any temptation of Satan can be overcome. Or, we can fail any test given by God. The important thing is that we stay true to God in either situation and overcome. I Corinthians 10.13 says that “there is no temptation given to us but that which is common to others. God is faithful and will take the temptation and make a way of escape.” (Barton translation from memory). Essentially, when we are tempted, it can be overcome and God can help you get through it. Notice in the verse it says that the very temptation turns out to be the way of escape. The when we pass the test/temptation we are stronger in the end.
Answer: No. Any temptation of Satan can be overcome. Or, we can fail any test given by God. The important thing is that we stay true to God in either situation and overcome. I Corinthians 10.13 says that “there is no temptation given to us but that which is common to others. God is faithful and will take the temptation and make a way of escape.” (Barton translation from memory). Essentially, when we are tempted, it can be overcome and God can help you get through it. Notice in the verse it says that the very temptation turns out to be the way of escape. The when we pass the test/temptation we are stronger in the end.
Next question. Do you handle the issue the same?
Answer: Yes. All testing and temptations should be executed using the actions, thoughts, and heart of God. Essentially, WWJD. Very important is to know your Bible. When Jesus was tempted by Satan himself he used scripture to overcome Satan’s temptation. I know that at times we feel we don’t know enough scripture to save our life let alone our soul, but that is where we have to turn to God for help and through the Holy Spirit that help is provided. John 14.26 says “…the Holy Ghost…shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance…” A lot of prayer and Biblical counsel and church support can go a long way in overcoming a test/temptation.
Answer: Yes. All testing and temptations should be executed using the actions, thoughts, and heart of God. Essentially, WWJD. Very important is to know your Bible. When Jesus was tempted by Satan himself he used scripture to overcome Satan’s temptation. I know that at times we feel we don’t know enough scripture to save our life let alone our soul, but that is where we have to turn to God for help and through the Holy Spirit that help is provided. John 14.26 says “…the Holy Ghost…shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance…” A lot of prayer and Biblical counsel and church support can go a long way in overcoming a test/temptation.
Whether you are under Satan's attack or being tested by God, you can be an overcomer and rise higher than you have ever been for Christ. You can become one in the great cloud of witness mentioned in Hebrews 12.1 for someone around you. You are an ambassador for Christ. You represent Christ. We must represent that Christ is all we need to overcome life.
