God’s test

Lead us not into temptation. NOTHING to do with a tempting brand of chocolates!

The word for ‘tempt’ throughout the Bible is used in two ways. ‘Tempt’ can either refer to ‘trials/testing’ but also to being ‘enticed into doing something that is wrong’. The KJV translation in Genesis 22:1 reads: ‘God tempted Abraham’ when he told him to sacrifice his son Isaac. We recoil in horror at such words. Modern translations more appropriately read: ‘God tested Abraham’.

However, both meanings imply a personal struggle. Trials, though sent for our good can be extremely painful. Likewise, temptation involves an inner conflict. We could put it like this: God tests us to draw us upwards towards himself, whereas Satan tempts us to drag us downwards away from the Lord’s presence.

Consider the apostle’s words: ‘No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to us all. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.’ (1 Cor 10:13) First, Paul implies that behind the temptation someone is pursuing us for he says the temptation ‘overtakes’ us. In other words, circumstances can unexpectedly confront us with some choice between good or wrong. On the other hand, temptation might be like some plant in a garden with delicious looking fruit; we know it can be harmful, but it seems so sweet hanging in the sun that we think there’ll be no harm in tasting it. However, it’s toxic and could prove to be lethal.

Second, temptation is ‘common to us all’. Every single living person is tempted in one way or another. No one has a ‘get out of jail free’ card; no one is exempted.

“Every single living person is tempted in one way or another.

Third, before we say Paul has a morbid view of human nature, see what he says next: ‘God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability.’ The implication is that God knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows our weaknesses, strengths and yearnings. He knows when we are near breakingpoint, and he will not let the tempter push his attack on us too far. The apostle implies that it is God who is in control. The point at which the temptation which was for our hurt is unmasked, instead of remaining a temptation, mutates into being a trial intended by God for our good.

Fourth, because God is always faithful, he ‘will also provide a way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.’ It is not that God lays on some trick for us. Rather he uses natural means. He will prompt us to stop, to think and to turn our thoughts to Jesus Christ and ask ourselves what he would have us say or do if. It is only when we obey the Holy Spirit’s prompting that we will find ‘the way of escape’. So pray often, ‘Lead us not into temptation.’ ¤