THE BELIEVER AND TEMPTATION TO SIN

If we assume that being born again removes any propensity to sin, then any temptation that is experienced will naturally create suspicions about the truth of our condition before God. Temptation to sin is not sin. Eve was tempted by Satan before she had any nature to sin. She was tempted to ignore God and follow the counsel of another. She chose to ignore God, and therein she sinned, the evidence being her act of disobedience. 

Jesus was tempted, and yet His temptation was without sin (Heb. 4:15). Like the first Adam, Jesus was challenged to ignore His Father and to choose that which would have been surrender to another counselor. His relationship with His Father was unique from the first Adam, and yet the temptation was similar enough for Jesus to be called the second Adam. Jesus withstood the temptation which the first Adam failed. Jesus remained submissive to His Father and continued to enjoy oneness with Him that He had enjoyed in eternity. He was without sin in every way that expression can be considered. Tempted, and yet no desire to transgress the will of His Father and thus no action that betrayed such sinful desire.

James teaches us the progression of sin begins with desire and lust controlling, conceiving and then bringing forth (1:14,15). If you feel tempted to make a decision, speak a word or respond with an attitude that you know does not match the revealed will of God, you have not sinned. That you could sin is a real possibility. At the point of desire you must consider God’s glory and not allow lust to control, take root, and bring forth. You must refuse the temptation to follow the counsel of a competing Master. All counsel against God’s Word is counsel of the ungodly.

What should you conclude if lust in you conceives and brings forth sin? You should conclude that you need to confess that sin to the One who said He is faithful and just to forgive your sin and cleanse you from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). You should not be drug down by the possibility that you are not truly saved if your belief that you have an advocate before the Father, Jesus Christ, leads you to confess and forsake the sin.

If you have no desire to resist temptation and are indifferent to following the will of God, then you should fear the consequences of your sinful condition. Your assurance of salvation should be shaken. You should not presume you have an advocate pleading your case before God. 

Avoid two extremes: presumption that you are born of God if you can continue in your sin with no spirit of repentance over your sin; and distrust of God’s promise to forgive you when you turn from your sin and trust the blood and righteousness of His only Son Who pleads for you.