Is Temptation a Sin ?

[BobTriez]

Fellow believers in Christ,

I originally posted this elsewhere, but it was suggested to me that perhaps a thread on temptations would be in order.....kind of spinning off from the "Sinless" thread here, there have been many ideas, thoughts, and some cross words spoken, but most of all, some misconceptions and misunderstandings.

First and foremost - please...please, let's get off the "can you live sinless" thought here and stick to what's at hand, and what I believe to be at the heart of the whole controversy that topic started.

Temptation - is it a sin ? If not, when does it become a sin ?

I have heard both yes and no to this, but let's first look at our Lord Jesus. He was tempted and yet remained sinless.

Hebrews 4:15

15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are

[cymba22]

Good post...Just one point i'm surprised you haven't added...if temptation was a sin....Jesus' death would have been for nothing..

[BobTriez]

Good post...Just one point i'm surprised you haven't added...if temptation was a sin....Jesus' death would have been for nothing..

Well, I did want to start discussion so I can't cover everything Gotta get folks thinkin' ya know...good point though.

In His service,

Bob

[eric]

Nowhere in the bible can I find temptation being regarded as sin, so I say if it's not in the bible it's a non issue and is irrelevant. There's nothing to think about really. According to Paul, iCor 10:13, temptation is common to all men, so it does't matter because all men are sinners,so Paul said in Romans 3:23.

cheers,

eric

[tsth]

The Process of Sin and Temptation

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.

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. 14 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. 16 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. 18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.

1. drawn away by desiring self more than God and others then enticed

2. the consent and surrender to that desire

3. the sin is committed

4. sin begins to take hold and grow

5. sin unrepented, full-grown, brings death

The remedy

1. The Good and Perfect Gift from Above

2. The Light of Jesus Christ, Who's Name is THE WORD (OF TRUTH)

3. Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus,* who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.

10 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. 12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors--not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

James 1:21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

In His Love,

Suzanne

[kittyjo]

So, let me see if I got this straight. The nitty-gritty, condensed reader's digest version would be....

-- Temptation is not sin.

-- Sin occurs when we entertain or 'give in' to temptation/our own will... Not just in

the physical but in thought as well.

-- Temptation exisits to test/ to provide spiritual growth.

-- In Christ we find the strength to overcome temptation when we choose to live

for God's will.

-- When tempted.... Pray!

Overcoming Temptation

http://cbn.org/spirituallife/cbnteachingsh..._Temptation.asp

[rockswillcryout]

What I do when tempted...when a sinful thought enters my mind - whether it's because of something I saw or read or whatever, I say "I take captive that thought and make it obedient to Christ." And you know how God's word doesn't return void? It never does. That thought goes away before it can become a sin.

Be careful your thoughts....they become your words.

Be careful your words...they become your actions.

Be careful your actions...they become your character.

Be careful your character...it becomes your destiny.

Great topic Bob!

[Guest Called]

-- Temptation is not sin.

-- Sin occurs when we entertain or 'give in' to temptation/our own will... Not just in

the physical but in thought as well.

-- Temptation exisits to test/ to provide spiritual growth.

-- In Christ we find the strength to overcome temptation when we choose to live

for God's will.

-- When tempted.... Pray!

Right on!

BTW, Welcome!

[keslc]

So, let me see if I got this straight. The nitty-gritty, condensed reader's digest version would be....

-- Temptation is not sin.

-- Sin occurs when we entertain or 'give in' to temptation/our own will... Not just in

the physical but in thought as well.

-- Temptation exisits to test/ to provide spiritual growth.

-- In Christ we find the strength to overcome temptation when we choose to live

for God's will.

-- When tempted.... Pray!

Overcoming Temptation

http://cbn.org/spirituallife/cbnteachingsh..._Temptation.asp

I agree with this as well! Nice to "meet" you, Kittyjo!

[Guest Integrity23]

Seems to me that you can't really help but be tempted. Since it is out of your control I don't see how it could be a sin. Also Jesus was tempted. Since he had no sin then I would say temptation itself cannot be a sin.