Trials And Temptations

Opening illustration: Illustrate the difference between Temptation and Trial.

Introduction: In the New Testament, the same Greek word (peirazo) is used for trial, test, and temptation. The basic meaning of peirazo is to test something to determine its response, value, or character. When peirazo is used to describe external hardships allowed by God, we use the word “test” or “trial,” but when peirazo is used to describe inner struggles with sin, we use the word “temptation.”

God tested the Israelites in the desert to know what was in their hearts, and tested Abraham’s faith by asking him to sacrifice Isaac. God allows external hardships or difficult situations produce good qualities in us. When we face hardship, we learn to rely on God and to have faith in Him. God wants to strengthen our faith through tests and trials.

1. What are TRIALS?

It is the act of trying, testing, or putting to the proof.

Any trial that God sends—death of a loved one or friend, financial reverse, loss, illness, misunderstanding, losing your keys, failure, disappointment, betrayal, abuse, unemployment, depression, accident, loneliness, missing a train or plane, rejection, not getting that important invitation, or any physical pain—should be seen as having our Lord's handprints all over them.

2. What are TEMPTATIONS?

It is the act of attraction; enticement or allurement; seduction or inducement.

But the Christian life is all about fighting, battling, and overcoming our temptations, whatever our trials might be – and the Bible and the history of the church give us example after example after example of our brothers and sisters who have done just that.

3. Are TRIALS and TEMPTATIONS the same thing? If not, how do they differ?

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. (James 1:13-15).

Notice that the subject has shifted from TRIALS to TEMPTATIONS. But there is not really that much of a shift. The Greek word for “trial” in verse 12 and the Greek word for “tempt” here in verse 13 come from the same root. Trials often involve a corresponding temptation.

What is the difference then between a trial versus a temptation?

Trials Temptations

A trial comes from the outside in A temptation comes from the inside out

Trials bring life Temptations bring death

Trials lead to maturity Temptations lead to a maturing of sin

God brings into your life the outward trials. He does not bring the inner temptations. Those come from within you.

(i) In their ultimate origin. Temptations come from the flesh; trials are sent from God. He allowed Satan to test Job (Job 1:6-12). Therefore, when we speak of "trial" we see God's fingerprints; when we see temptation, we see our own—or the devil's.

(ii) In their immediate origin. Temptation comes from within; trials usually come from outside us. Job suffered physically, but inwardly—at least at first—there was no apparent struggle.

(iii) In their moral relevance. Temptation, when it is sexual in nature, has considerable moral relevance, but a trial may be what I would want to call morally neutral, such as illness or losing one's keys.

(iv) With reference to what is tested. Temptation will usually attack a weak spot; trials test our strength as well as exposing a weakness we may have been unaware of—as with Job, who turned out to be so self-righteous.

4. Are TRIALS good? What is the purpose of TRIALS in our life? (James 1:1-12)

Trials develop godly character, and that enables us to "rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us” (Romans 5:3-5). Jesus Christ set the perfect example. "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). These verses reveal aspects of His divine purpose for both Jesus Christ's trials and tribulations and ours. Persevering proves our faith. "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13).

• Trials Happen in our Lives to Produce Real Christian Joy. (v. 2)

• Trials Happen in our Life to Produce in You an Enduring Faith. (v. 3)

• Trials Happen in our Life to Mature You as A Christian. (v. 4)

• Trials Happen in our Life to Drive Us to Prayer (vs. 5-8)

• Trials Happen to Bring Equality Among the Brethren (vs. 9-11)

• Trials Happen to Bring Us Reward in Heaven (v. 12)