by Henry Knapp
As we begin our study on the nature, process, and struggle against temptation together, I mentioned that we will be drawing from our experience, our natural insight, and especially, upon the Word of God. The presence and influence of temptations in the Christian life is frequently mentioned in the Bible, and it is for our benefit that the Spirit has given these to us. Below is a short collection of some of the more influential texts dealing with temptation and our responsibility as believers to struggle against it. There are, of course, other scriptures as well that speak on this important issue, so as you read these, be conscious of the Spirit’s drawing you to other passages as well.
1 Corinthians 10:13 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.
Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
James 1:13-16 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
Hebrews 2:18 For because Jesus himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
1 John 2:15-17 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
Matthew 4:1-11 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil...
Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
1 John 4:4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
Matthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Galatians 5:17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.
2 Corinthians 2:11 So that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.
1 Timothy 6:9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.
Genesis 3:1-13 Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman,...
Galatians 6:1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.
1 Peter 5:8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
Proverbs 6:28 Can one walk on hot coals and his feet not be scorched?
