Temptation, sources of

Temptation comes from a number of sources but not from God.

Temptation arising from sinful human nature

Ephesians 2:1–3; James 1:14 See also Matthew 5:29–30 parallel Mark 9:43–47; Matthew 6:23; Romans 7:18–23

And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you used to walk when you conformed to the ways of this world and of the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit who is now at work in the sons of disobedience. All of us also lived among them at one time, fulfilling the cravings of our flesh and indulging its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature children of wrath.

But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed.

Temptation from other people

2 Peter 2:18 See also Genesis 3:6; Proverbs 5:3–6

With lofty but empty words, they appeal to the sensual passions of the flesh and entice those who are just escaping from others who live in error.

Temptation from Satan

Genesis 3:1 See also 1 Chronicles 21:1; Matthew 4:1 parallels Mark 1:13, Luke 4:2; Mark 4:15 parallel Luke 8:12; 1 Corinthians 7:5; 1 Thessalonians 3:5

Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field that the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?’”

Temptation from the world

1 John 2:16 See also Matthew 13:22 parallels Mark 4:19, Luke 8:14

For all that is in the world — the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life — is not from the Father but from the world.

Attractions which lead to temptation

Money

1 Timothy 6:9–10

Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

Power

See also Deuteronomy 8:17–18; 2 Chronicles 26:16

Lust

Proverbs 6:25, Proverbs 7:21

Pride

Proverbs 11:2

Temptation does not come from God

James 1:13 See also Matthew 6:13 parallel Luke 11:4

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone.