No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.

James 1:13-14 (NIV)

If God is omnipotent and omniscient, then nothing happens without his permission. Indeed, we can say that nothing happens that God didn’t ordain to happen. Therefore, how do we explain 1 Corinthians 10:13 and James 1:13-14 that tell us God isn’t responsible for our temptations?

Something we must understand about 1 Corinthians 10:13 is that the Greek word (peirazó) used for “tempted” also means “tested” or “testing.” Therefore, reading 1 Corinthians 13:10, we can see that God will not allow us to be tested or tempted beyond what we can bear. When we are tested, God will provide a way out. In James 1:13-14, we see the same thing. The same Greek word is used there: “tempted” and “tested.”

God does send us trials to test us. To refine us and make us pure and to make us better. Job knew this.

But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.

Job 23:10 (NIV)

James knew this.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, a whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James 1:2-3 (NIV)

Indeed, as we read through James 1, we can see that James 1:13-14 is talking about trials and tests within the context.

We also know that we go through trials because of the devil.

The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.” Then Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.

Job 1:12 (NIV)

Yet, we know that God allowed Satan to afflict Job. The intent behind the trial was to demonstrate Job’s faithfulness and make him a better man. At any time while being tested, Job could have sinned against the Lord, but he did not.

In James 1:14, we see that temptation comes from within.

But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.

James 1:14 (NIV)

1 John 2:16 gives us insight into what we are tempted by.

For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.

1 John 2:16 (NIV)

God either sends trials to us or allows problems to come upon us to refine us and make us better. How we behave in tests is up to us. We can let ourselves be tempted and try to get out of them, or we can persevere until we are mature and complete in the Lord, lacking nothing.

Do you know God? God knows you, and he loves you. He sees you as significant because you are. No one is insignificant to Him. He’s with you today, and he wants you to know him. Jesus died for your sins and mine so we could be free of guilt, freed from death, and live eternally with him. Eternal salvation is just a prayer away.

Pray this prayer with me to accept the gift of salvation:

Lord Jesus, forgive me for all my sins. I repent from my ways. Wash me in your blood and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I believe you died on the cross and were buried, and God the Father raised you from the dead on the third day. Right now, Lord Jesus, I open the door to my heart and receive you into my heart as my Lord and personal Savior. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, then congratulations! You are on the first step of a brand new life. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to my family, the family of God. There are abundant resources available online for new Christians. You can visit here for more information on what to do next. You can also leave me a comment, and I’ll do my best to help you on the next step of this incredible journey.