They are undoubtedly to be considered as parts of agreat system of moral probation, in which they perform the functions of means toa great, wise and good end. From the fact that we are susceptibleto pleasure from these sources, we are not to infer that God's end in view was toharm us by these temptations. In creating the externaluniverse and in giving us outward senses that we may behold and enjoy it, He hadbut one great end in view, and that is our good. These temptations which environ us on every side in our present state are by no meansdesigned by God to do us harm, but altogether to do us good. A few words should be said next of the design of these temptations. The flesh with its appetites and passionsclamor for gratification and hence the flesh and the outward world become temptations.Satan also presents his temptations in every form which subtle malignity can devise.īut I need not enlarge on this point you are familiar with it in all its details. The Bible mentions three great sources of temptation-the world, the flesh and Satan.The outward world is so correlated to our susceptibilities as to excite them andthus beget a temptation to self-indulgence. Now sin consists in self-seeking, self-indulgence.Whatever, therefore, tends to selfishness, and draws the mind to self-seeking, istemptation, and is more or less strong according as this tendency is more or lessstrong towards self-indulgence. To tempt is to try to subject one to trial. The words tempt and temptation are synonymous with trial. Show that thus to endure temptation is one condition of being saved.

Inquire what it is to endure temptation in the sense of the text. This passage presents the subject of enduring temptation. Text.-James 1:12 : 'Blessed is the man that endureth temptation forwhen he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promisedto them that love Him.' A Voice from the Philadelphian Church Age

Temptation by Charlotte Lamb