The Christian and Temptation

Temptation is not new. It started in the Garden of Eden when Satan tempted Eve. The outcome was disastrous for Adam and Eve, and the whole of mankind ever since. Temptation in itself is not sin; it is yielding to the temptation that brings sin. We see in this booklet how a Christian must always be on their guard, as Satan uses all means to cause us to fail. One lesson we learn from Eve is that it is dangerous to rely on what we think God's word states. We must know what God's word is. Jesus, when tempted in the wilderness, in contrast to Eve quotes and applies the word of God accurately and powerfully to defeat the temptation. Satan wanted Jesus to fail and then there would have been no possibility of Salvation for mankind. This booklet provides guidance in very simple terms on how to avoid, resist or move away from temptation. The old saying, "If you don't want the devil to tempt you with forbidden fruit, you had better keep out of his orchard." is very sound advice. The Bible instructs that there are times when we resist (1 Peter 5) and times when we run away (1 Timothy 6).
Temptation in the Christian pathway is balance by the Bible verse in 1 Corinthians 10, "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." Finally, being victorious in temptation situations is spiritual character-forming and provides sound experience which can be of benefit to others.