Understanding Temptation: Tests of Faith and Growth

 

Summary

In today's exploration of the Lord's Prayer, we delved into the phrase "Lead us not into temptation," examining its translation and deeper meaning across different languages and cultures. The focus was on understanding temptation not just as a lure to sin but as a test or trial that God allows in our lives to strengthen our faith. The original Greek word "pirasmon" encompasses both temptation and testing, highlighting the dual nature of challenges we face.

We reflected on the inevitability of temptation and trials in our lives, emphasizing that they are not a matter of "if" but "when." Just as students face tests in school, Christians should expect spiritual tests and prepare for them. These trials are opportunities for growth, much like a butterfly strengthening its wings by breaking free from its cocoon.

The sermon also addressed the common misconception that our problems are external, such as difficult people or unfavorable circumstances. Instead, the root issue is often sin within us. Historical examples, like the Puritans seeking a new life in America, illustrate that sin follows us wherever we go. The real battle is internal, and recognizing this helps us focus on overcoming our sinful desires rather than blaming external factors.

Furthermore, we discussed the importance of processing our tests through the love of the Father. God, as a loving parent, allows these tests not to make us fail but to help us emerge stronger. Temptation is not a punishment but a chance to grow in faith and reliance on God.

Finally, we were reminded that while temptation is powerful, it is not sin itself. We must humbly confess our weaknesses and seek God's guidance to avoid moral danger. The prayer "Do not lead us into temptation" is a plea for divine help, acknowledging our vulnerability and the need for God's strength to overcome.

Key Takeaways:

1. Temptation as a Test: Temptation is not merely a lure to sin but a test allowed by God to strengthen our faith. Like a student facing exams, we should expect and prepare for these spiritual tests, knowing they are opportunities for growth. [03:45]

2. Sin is the Real Problem: Often, we blame external circumstances or people for our struggles, but the root issue is sin within us. Recognizing this helps us focus on overcoming our sinful desires rather than blaming others. [10:54]

3. God's Love in Testing: God allows tests in our lives not to make us fail but to help us grow stronger. Viewing trials through the lens of God's love changes our perspective, seeing them as opportunities to deepen our faith. [15:47]

4. The Power of Temptation: While temptation is powerful, it is not sin itself. We must humbly confess our weaknesses and seek God's guidance to avoid moral danger, acknowledging our need for divine help. [19:03]

5. Avoiding Tempting Situations: It is hypocritical to pray for deliverance from temptation while willfully placing ourselves in tempting situations. We must be proactive in avoiding circumstances that lead us away from God's will. [21:51]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:49] - Language Variations in the Lord's Prayer
- [01:33] - Pope Francis and Translation Differences
- [02:13] - Reading from Matthew 6:9-15
- [03:00] - Understanding "Pirasmon"
- [03:45] - Temptation as a Test
- [05:05] - Expecting Life's Tests
- [06:36] - Tests in Everyday Life
- [07:19] - Growth Through Trials
- [08:38] - Peter's Perspective on Trials
- [10:06] - Sin vs. Circumstance
- [12:13] - Historical Attempts to Escape Sin
- [14:10] - Temptation is Everywhere
- [15:47] - Processing Tests Through God's Love
- [17:22] - God's Purpose in Testing

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Matthew 6:9-15
- 1 Peter 4:12-13
- James 1:14-15

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Observation Questions:

1. In Matthew 6:9-15, what specific request does Jesus teach us to make regarding temptation? How does this reflect our dependence on God? [02:13]

2. According to 1 Peter 4:12-13, how should believers respond to trials and why? What does this suggest about the nature of trials in the Christian life? [08:38]

3. In James 1:14-15, what is described as the source of temptation, and what is the progression that leads to sin? How does this passage challenge the idea that external circumstances are the primary cause of our struggles? [14:10]

4. How does the sermon describe the dual nature of the Greek word "pirasmon" and its implications for understanding temptation? [03:00]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the understanding of temptation as both a test and a trial change the way believers might approach challenges in their lives? [03:45]

2. What does the sermon suggest about the internal nature of sin and its impact on our perception of external circumstances? How might this understanding affect personal accountability? [10:54]

3. How does viewing trials through the lens of God's love, as discussed in the sermon, alter a believer's perspective on difficult situations? [15:47]

4. The sermon mentions the importance of confessing our weaknesses and seeking God's guidance. How does this practice help in overcoming temptation? [19:03]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a recent trial or temptation you faced. How did you respond, and how might viewing it as a test allowed by God for growth change your perspective? [03:45]

2. Identify a situation where you have blamed external circumstances for your struggles. How can you shift your focus to address the internal sin that may be contributing to the issue? [10:54]

3. Consider a current challenge in your life. How can you process this test through the love of the Father, and what practical steps can you take to rely more on God's strength? [15:47]

4. Think of a time when you placed yourself in a tempting situation. What proactive measures can you take to avoid similar situations in the future? [21:51]

5. How can you incorporate the prayer "Do not lead us into temptation" into your daily routine to remind yourself of your dependence on God's guidance? [19:03]

6. Reflect on a person or situation that tests your patience or faith. What specific prayer or action can you take to approach this test with a mindset of growth and reliance on God? [07:19]

7. How can you create a support system within your small group to help each other recognize and overcome temptations and trials? What role can accountability play in this process? [23:14]

Devotional

Day 1: Temptation as a Divine Test
Temptation is not merely a lure to sin but a test allowed by God to strengthen our faith. Just as students face exams, Christians should expect and prepare for these spiritual tests, knowing they are opportunities for growth. The original Greek word "pirasmon" encompasses both temptation and testing, highlighting the dual nature of challenges we face. These trials are inevitable, much like a butterfly strengthening its wings by breaking free from its cocoon. Embracing this perspective allows us to see temptations as opportunities to deepen our reliance on God and grow in spiritual maturity. [03:45]

James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

Reflection: What is a current challenge in your life that you can view as an opportunity for spiritual growth? How can you prepare yourself to face it with faith and perseverance?


Day 2: The Internal Battle with Sin
Often, we blame external circumstances or people for our struggles, but the root issue is sin within us. Recognizing this helps us focus on overcoming our sinful desires rather than blaming others. Historical examples, like the Puritans seeking a new life in America, illustrate that sin follows us wherever we go. The real battle is internal, and acknowledging this truth shifts our focus from external blame to internal transformation. By addressing the sin within, we can better align ourselves with God's will and experience true freedom. [10:54]

Jeremiah 17:9-10 (ESV): "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? 'I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.'"

Reflection: Identify a situation where you have blamed external factors for your struggles. How can you shift your focus to address the internal sin that may be contributing to the issue?


Day 3: Viewing Trials Through God's Love
God allows tests in our lives not to make us fail but to help us grow stronger. Viewing trials through the lens of God's love changes our perspective, seeing them as opportunities to deepen our faith. Just as a loving parent allows their child to face challenges to build resilience, God uses trials to refine us. By processing our tests through the love of the Father, we can trust that He is working for our good, even in difficult circumstances. This perspective encourages us to rely on His strength and wisdom as we navigate life's challenges. [15:47]

1 Peter 1:6-7 (ESV): "In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."

Reflection: How can you reframe a current trial in your life to see it as an expression of God's love and an opportunity for growth? What steps can you take to trust Him more deeply in this situation?


Day 4: The Power of Temptation and Our Need for Divine Help
While temptation is powerful, it is not sin itself. We must humbly confess our weaknesses and seek God's guidance to avoid moral danger, acknowledging our need for divine help. The prayer "Do not lead us into temptation" is a plea for divine assistance, recognizing our vulnerability and the necessity of God's strength to overcome. By admitting our weaknesses and seeking His guidance, we can navigate temptations with humility and reliance on His power. [19:03]

1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV): "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. 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."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel most vulnerable to temptation? How can you actively seek God's guidance and strength to overcome these challenges today?


Day 5: Proactively Avoiding Tempting Situations
It is hypocritical to pray for deliverance from temptation while willfully placing ourselves in tempting situations. We must be proactive in avoiding circumstances that lead us away from God's will. This requires intentionality and discernment, recognizing the environments and influences that may lead us astray. By taking practical steps to avoid these situations, we align our actions with our prayers, demonstrating a sincere desire to follow God's path. [21:51]

Proverbs 4:14-15 (ESV): "Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of the evil. Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on."

Reflection: Identify a situation or environment that often leads you into temptation. What practical steps can you take today to avoid these circumstances and align your actions with your prayers for deliverance?

Quotes



In the original Greek, this is what it says, pirasmon. Can everybody say that? Piras or pirasmon. Even if you don't get anything from the message today, you learn some Greek and you can go home today and say, "I learned Greek at church." Awesome. What this word is interesting because in the original Greek it means two things. It means temptation, but it also means test it or exam. Do not, and this word means when we are saying temptation, we could also be saying, "God, I am being tested." [00:03:15]

Now, Jesus is instructing his disciples to pray, and he's saying, "Listen, there is a temptation in your life. It will come. It's not if, but when. And when it comes, you ought to know how to respond and how to prepare for it." So, three points that I want to bring forth this morning, and then a couple of five more points that I want to explain later on as application. But when we are tempted, what we ought to do is first and foremost expect the tests of life. [00:05:00]

The Christian walk is not a walk that you say, "You know what? I'm saved, and now everything's going to go well. Everybody's going to like me. Everybody's going to love me. I will not have problems with my boss, with my neighbor. I will not have sickness. I'm going to be well all the time." That's not what the Bible says. So, when you know and you expect to be tested, how do you react? You're already prepared. Now, I got to be careful what I say here. [00:06:03]

Temptations in life of faith are not accidents. Each temptation is a part of a plan, a step in the progress of faith. So, not only do we see these temptations, these tests in our life, but know this: when you are being tested, when you are being tempted, what happens? You are what? Growing in your faith. Here's a question for you to take home today: How do you expect to grow in your faith when you don't have any resistance? [00:07:19]

The problem is sin and not circumstance. This point took me many, many years to figure out, and I hope it will take you about five minutes to come over that, figure this one out. So many times we think that the problem is that person, right? If that person was not here, my life would be so much better. The problem is the government that we have now, right? If that government wasn't there, our life would be so much better. [00:10:20]

Know this: sin will follow you wherever you are because it's inside, not around, not based on circumstances. I like what this German Dutch priest said in the 1400s: "No one is so good that he is immune from temptation. We will never be entirely free from it. There is no order so holy, no place so secret where there will be no temptation." I wish the guys that hopped on a boat and crossed the ocean read this before they did that. [00:12:38]

God loves us too much to leave us to do our own thing. God loves us too much that when we are being tested, when these tests are put in place, if we see these as an act of a loving, caring Father who's looking out for us, who's looking for us, above us, with us, who wants our every—he wants the best for us. When we know that, we can say, "You know what? I don't want that temptation." [00:15:23]

Temptation is not meant to make us fail. It is meant to confront us with a situation out of which we emerge stronger than we were. Temptation is not the penalty of manhood; it is the glory of manhood. So know this: every time you are tempted, when you overcome it, it's to God's glory and God's honor. And when you fail, as many of us do, you say, "You know what? God still loves me. I failed, but I will grow with that." [00:16:26]

Temptation is not sin, but we are right to fear its power. Growing up in church, I cannot tell you how many times did I see people come behind the pulpit and say, "I have not sinned this week. I did this and I did that, and oh, I'm the best person there is in this church," only for them to fall the next week, the next month, or the next year. We should not be boasting because the temptation is out there, and it is powerful. [00:18:19]

The petition is a humble confession of our weakness. We ask God to guide our steps away from moral danger. "Do not lead us into temptation," or if you want to use the other version, "Do not let us fall into temptation." We are like sheep, smartest animal there is, right? If you're not saying right, it's because you've never been around a sheep. Those things are dumb. I talk to any sheep farmer, he will tell you those things are just way too dumb. [00:19:50]

It is hypocritical to pray this prayer while willfully placing ourselves in tempting situations. "I will not gamble, but I'm just going to install this gaming app on my cell phone. I'm not going to gamble, but I'm just going to walk in front of the casino all the time." I remember the first lunch I had with Bill Brown. His office is across the casino. The very first time we went out for lunch, he's like, "Yeah, let's have lunch at the casino." [00:21:26]

Ultimately, the prayer reveals a heart that knows how easily we fall without divine help. When Jesus mentioned this in the Lord's Prayer, there was a reason for it. If it was easy, it probably wouldn't be in there. But when Jesus says, "Okay, disciples, this is how you ought to pray," and this prayer has been said for over 2,000 years, "Do not lead us into temptation. Do not let us fall into temptation." Jesus knew that without divine help, we could easily and we would easily fall. [00:22:44]

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Transcript
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