James 1:13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

I’ve wanted to do a devotional about temptation for some weeks now. As I study it, I discover in context to biblical applications, I was not clear as to its meaning and character.

The International Standards Bible Encyclopedia makes this comment, “all temptation is equally innocent and virtuous.” This is the premise that Jesus was tempted in all ways yet remained without sin. To be tempted is not a sin.

Can you tempt yourself?

This is the difficulty I must confess. God does not tempt, so therefore we should not tempt anyone. It is not temptation to place a stumbling block in your brother’s way. Your sin behavior in the sight of your brother is not temptation. Yet I wonder if perhaps by seeing my brothers sinning, I might not tempt myself to “get away with it” also.

So often we look to blame others for temptations. Those things they place on television these days are so unhealthy spiritually. Really? Isn’t that only a temptation if you tune in to watch? Is the thought to tune in a temptation because it only exists in your mind?

Ah there’s the rub!

2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

I’ve been at this for decades and I am not a good at this as I would like to think I am. I am however much better about it than when I first began.

Philippians 3:16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.

So having come this far, I have been on the right path. All I have to do is stay in the Way. We’ll get there.