Saturday, December 8, 2007
Psalm 80; Matthew 4:1-11Last Tuesday evening we discussed the Temptation and we were talking about the difference between testing and tempting - specifically in reference to the verse that says the Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. I shared that I think the same event can be God testing (in order to raise us up) and Satan tempting (in order to bring us down). For example, in the account in Genesis 22 that says God tested Abraham when he told him to sacrifice his son, his only son, Isaac, whom he loved, the word for "test" is related to the word "banner" (hence, to raise or lift up).
God is sovereign, and despite his evil rebellion Satan is ultimately his servant as well (at least as we read in the opening chapters of Job). I find the tempt / test terminology helpful, especially as we compare a verse like the Spirit leading Jesus into temptation with a verse like James 1:13 -
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."
Another question would be, why do we pray "Lead us not into temptation" when indeed that's what the Spirit did to Jesus? In fact, in Mark's account it says the Spirit drove him to it. Perhaps we'll address that later when we get to the Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6.
The word "tempt" here (peirazo in Greek) is translated as "test" or "trial" in several other places Matthew and in the New Testament, but usually not in a positive sense. It's used in Matthew 16:1, 19:3, 22:18, 35, of religious leaders testing Jesus, trying to trap him. This, of course, is not what I was referring to by the two understandings of "tempt" and "test."
There are however a few verses that use it in a more positive perspective:
(2Cor. 13:5) Put yourselves to the test to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize regarding yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you—unless, indeed, you fail the test!
(Heb. 11:17) By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac. He had received the promises, yet he was ready to offer up his only son.
(Rev. 2:2) ‘I know your works as well as your labor and steadfast endurance, and that you cannot tolerate evil. You have even put to the test those who refer to themselves as apostles (but are not), and have discovered that they are false.
The noun version (peirasmos) occurs in a positive sense several times, at least in the sense that God will use the temptation to purify and strengthen, like refining gold:
(James 1:2) My brothers and sisters, consider it nothing but joy when you fall into all sorts of trials,
(James 1:12) Happy is the one who endures testing, because when he has proven to be genuine, he will receive the crown of life that God promised to those who love him.
(1Pet. 1:6-7 ) This brings you great joy, although you may have to suffer for a short time in various trials. Such trials show the proven character of your faith, which is much more valuable than gold—gold that is tested (different word) by fire, even though it is passing away–and will bring praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
(1Pet. 4:12) Dear friends, do not be astonished that a trial by fire is occurring among you, as though something strange were happening to you.
For me probably the most helpful verse in it all is 1 Corinthians 10:13:
No trial (temptation/test) has overtaken you that is not faced by others. And God is faithful: He will not let you be tried (tempted/test) beyond what you are able to bear, but with the trial (temptation/test) will also provide a way out so that you may be able to endure it.
Also check out 1 Peter 5:8-11 which is clearly about Satan not only tempting but seeking to devour, but includes a promise that as we resist him, firm in our faith, God himself will "restore, confirm, strengthen and establish you."
Lastly, if you want to keep digging in this (like a disciple learning and turning and examining and questioning the Word), look at Deuteronomy 8:2-5 and look for these words or verses:
- led
- forty
- wilderness
- hunger
- a Scripture Jesus quotes
- son
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