The Cycle of Temptation is - Temptation, Deliverance, then finally Victory.
This is Part 1 of a 3 part post.
Mat 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
NOTE: We need to pray that we are not led into temptation but that God will deliver us from evil [Also Luke 11.4].
Mat 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
NOTE: Here we are told to watch and pray so we don't enter into temptation for the flesh is weak [Also Mark 14.38, Luke 22.40].
Greek meaning of the word temptation [Strong's Greek - peirasmos - pi-ras-mos']
From G3985; a putting to proof (by experiment [of good], experience [of evil], solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication adversity: - temptation, X try.
Luke 8:13 They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.
NOTE: From the parable of the sower, Jesus speaks of a "time of temptation". He said that some would have "no root" [depth?] and would believe for a while then fall away in a time of temptation.
GOD'S PROMISES:
1Cor. 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
The God's Word version of the bible renders the above verse as:
1Co 10:13 There isn't any temptation that you have experienced which is unusual for humans. God, who faithfully keeps his promises, will not allow you to be tempted beyond your power to resist. But when you are tempted, he will also give you the ability to endure the temptation as your way of escape.
NOTE: We sometimes feel as if we are going through things on our own but others have faced similar trials and there is nothing "unusual". God has helped others through it and he is no respecter of persons. He will help anyone who sincerely wants victory.
James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
NOTE: It would help us tremendously if during the temptation we would remember that we are "supremely blest" [Strong's Greek - makarios - mak-ar'-ee-os] when we are going through the trial. God has here promised that he will reward those who love Him and endure the temptation with a Crown of Life!
James 1:2-8 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; (3) Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. (4) But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. (5) If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. (6) But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. (7) For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. (8) A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
NOTE: We are to "count it all joy" or be very happy "knowing" that the testing of our faith produces "patience" [Endurance]. When the testing is over and we have endured it, we shall be more mature spiritually and complete "wanting nothing" [won't need anything]. However, if we lack wisdom to go through the trial we should ask God for it in faith and not waver for He will give it "liberally" [generously] and He will "unbaideth not" [doesn't find fault with] those who ask. We are then warned not to waver when we ask or we won't receive. Those who waver in faith will not "receive any thing of the Lord."
LINK TO PART II OF THE CYCLE OF TEMPTATION
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