Shalom to all those who love the Lord,
I am not writing this article (letter) because I understand what temptation is, but because God wants me to and because Hannah put Temptation as one of the Wanted Articles. Since I don’t really understand it myself, I’ve decided to use as many Bible verses as possible. Maybe in the end I’ll have a better understanding and hopefully you will too.

What is Temptation ?
James 1:14-15 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

Temptation is a tool of Satan, not of God.
In Matthew and 1Thessalonians, Satan is referred as ” the tempter”.
Matthew 4:3 “Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”
1 Thessalonians 3:5 For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor might be in vain.
James 1:13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.
James 1:16-17 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

We are in danger of temptation …

If we are like the seed that fell on rocky ground:
Luke 8:6 & 13 6?Some fell on rock; and as soon as it sprang up, it withered away because it lacked moisture. 13?But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away.

When we have desires that are selfish:
James 1:14-15 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

And then every day, because we all are sinful. And selfishness (our own evil desires) is a sin:
Romans 3:23 . . . for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
Galatians 5:19-21 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Do not be selfish…
Philippians 2:3-5 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,”

We must ask Him for strength to help us not to give in to temptations. But if we do give into temptation, we must ask for forgiveness and rely on God’s mercy through Yeshua (Jesus) .

1 John 1:8-9 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
2 Peter 2:9 … the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment, …
Yeshua was tempted in every way, He knows what we are going through.
Luke 4:13 Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time.
Hebrews 2:17-18 Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.
Hebrews 4:14-16 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Yeshua said to His disciples in the garden of Gethsemane… “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Mark 14:38

And the perfect prayer is the one He, Himself taught us. Matthew 6:9-13 “In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. 13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
James 1:12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

I pray that you all may be able to endure whatever temptations come your way, and may God (our Father in Heaven) bless you. Love in Yeshua ,