Temptation

Temptation (Hebrew nisah, "to test"; Greek peirasmos, "trial, temptation") in Scripture encompasses both divine testing — designed to prove and develop faith — and satanic or fleshly enticement toward sin. God tested Abraham by commanding the sacrifice of Isaac (Gen. 22:1), a trial that demonstrated faith rather than induced sin. Israel was tested in the wilderness (Deut. 8:2–3). Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness with three specific enticements after forty days of fasting (Matt. 4:1–11; Luke 4:1–13), each countered by Jesus with Deuteronomy. Jesus taught his disciples to pray for deliverance from temptation (Matt. 6:13; Luke 11:4). James draws the crucial distinction: God does not tempt anyone to sin; each person is tempted by his own desire (Jas. 1:13–14). God promises that believers will not be tempted beyond their ability and will always be provided a way of escape (1 Cor. 10:13); and Christ, having been tempted in all respects as we are yet without sin, is able to sympathize and help (Heb. 4:15).