Temptations vs Trials

Two words that pop up frequently, throughout scripture, are trials and temptations.   The Greek word for trials, “peirasmos”, which means that which breaks the pattern of tranquility or happiness, and occurs frequently in biblical Greek, has been  incorrectly  translated in the King James Version, as temptations.  Although they may seem similar, a temptation is far different from a trial.  Temptation is actually a “solicitation to do evil“, while trial refers to the difficulties God allows in our lives for the proving and strengthening of our faith.

 We know that God would never tempt us, “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.” James 1:13. Temptation comes only from our adversary, the devil, as he beckons us, in delightful ways, to partake in some earthly pleasure.  His plan is to avert our spiritual eyes from that which pleases God, in hopes that we will become ensnared in his web of evil.  Don’t think you are immune to temptation, whether you are a Christian or not, this solicitation, like the old Publisher’s Clearing House letter, will arrive at your door, sooner or later.  Jesus knew that and addressed it in the Lord’s Prayer, “Lead me not into temptation”.  God would never lead us into sin, but he also doesn’t want us to be duped into believing the enemy’s alluring lie.

Trials are for the testing of faith and can come in the form of disappointments, frustrations, misunderstandings, unfulfilled dreams, unmet expectations, great loss, loneliness, fear, criticism, persecution, and conflict. If you consistently persevere through trials and never abandon your trust in God, then you prove to have genuine faith. Do we have to like trials? Of course not, they are sort of like exercise, we’re glad when it’s over, but feel stronger, even victorious because of the exertion expended.  When a false or weak Christian goes through a test, it will inevitably reveal his true colors. When a true believer goes through a test, he will be driven to prayer, leaning on the strength of God rather than his own weakness. Trials burn up imitation faith but strengthen true faith. They may cause pain in confronting us with our weaknesses, but they have the good result of causing us to turn from ourselves to the infinite strength of God.

Two things are true about temptations and trials. 1.” 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.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 and 2. “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4. So, to sum this up, don’t ever say God is tempting you, that is not possible, but He will send trials.  The way we respond to both is what matures us, or destroys as believers. Be prepared and equipped, both are coming your way.