by Starla Ross

Created on: February 21, 2011   Last Updated: February 22, 2011

The Bible has much to say on the subject of temptation - so much so that temptation is discussed more than one hundred times throughout its passages.

Temptation can mean a number of different things, but, in general, temptation means the desire to do something that a person knows or believes is wrong.  Falling into temptation can involve less benign choices such as overeating, overspending, or gambling.  However, temptation can also lead to more severe moral choices such as cheating on a spouse, sexual immorality, or drug abuse.

All Christians are tempted at times.  Even Jesus was tempted, as shown in Matthew 4:1-3 (NKJV) -  "Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.  After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, 'If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.'”

Because Jesus lived on Earth and lived in a physical body, the Bible says Jesus is able to understand the temptation Christians go through during their lives.  Hebrews 2:17-18 (NKJV) says, "For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.  Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted."

Some Christians believe temptation comes from God, but the Bible states that all temptation comes from evil, or the self's evil desires.  James 1:13-14 (NKJV) states, "When tempted, no one should say, 'God is tempting me.'  For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed."

The Bible tells Christians that, while they should indeed help others who have fallen into sin, they should be cautious not to fall into temptation with the person who has fallen.  "Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently.  But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.  Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.  If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves." (Galatians 6:1-3 NKJV)

To avoid and overcome temptation, Christians should constantly seek God and God's direction.  While seeking God at all times will not

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