Temptations

These, in Christ’s case, were always from without; in the believer’s they are from without and within. Temptations, properly so called, are distinct from trials, the latter being for our own good, and often sent by God, the former, being evil, never are (James 1:1313Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: (James 1:13)). Temptations are resisted and overcome by the word of God. We can never be exposed to them beyond our power to resist (1 Cor. 10:1313There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)). The histories of Eve, of Joseph, of Balaam, Achan, David, Jeroboam, Peter, all afford illustrations of true temptations.