Christianity: What is Temptation?

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Temptations are one of life’s most riveting tests or enticements that we face diurnal. Moreover, it causes us to yearn for something that we do not necessarily need or it causes us to sin. Furthermore, if we give into temptation, we may be blissful, but it will only be ephemeral. It is because of “The Fall of Man” that sin is second nature for us, which in turn makes it facile to give into temptation. In other words, as the verbal expression goes “we were born in sin and live therein.” As a result, our temptations can either make us or break us. The Bible states in Romans 7:19 that “For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do” (King James Version). Strictly speaking, albeit we aspire to do good, because of our sinful nature, it becomes a struggle. However, it is for this reason, our nefarious nature that God sent down his son from Heaven, to give us hope. My definition of hope is “a positive anticipation of God’s promise.” It is this hope that gives us a reason to live, a reason to go on and vigor to surmount these temptations. Moreover, it is his death, burial and resurrection that gives us the hope of his saving grace. Nevertheless, despite the fact that hope is inexhaustible, temptation is inevitable, therefore, the Gospel according to Matthew 26:41 states” Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak (King James Version).
What is Temptation?
Temptation is a vigorous compulsion or longing to do something. It is a form of inducement, most often leading to unscrupulous or nefarious behavior. According to (“Bible Teachings about Man,” n.d., para 1) temptation is defined as “a state experienced when a person thinks thoughts, consider...

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...ess. The hope of a better life and eternal happiness gives us the reason to go on. Nevertheless, despite the fact that hope is inexhaustible, temptation is inevitable, therefore, the Gospel according to Matthew 26:41 states” Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak (King James Version).

References:
Towns, E. (2007). Core Christianity: What Christianity Is All About? Tennessee: AMG Publishers
Etzel, G. & Gutierrez, B. (2012). Praxis: Beyond Theory. Virginia: Academx Publishing Service, Inc.
Bible Teachings about Man. (n.d.). - In Bible Education: (Searching for The Truth). Retrieved from: http://www.bibleed.com/bibleteachings/aboutman/temptation.asp
Towns, Elmer. Theology for Today. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Group, 2002.
Keathley, J., III. (2005). Hope: Retrieved from: https://bible.org/article/hope

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