“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life” (James 1:12).
Temptation is an invitation to act contrary to God’s will. It often comes disguised as pleasure, opportunity, or comfort—but its purpose is destruction.
Temptation is not a sign of weakness—it is a test of strength. Every man and woman who has ever walked with God has faced moments where their faith, integrity, and obedience were tried.
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Temptation is not sin; it is the battlefield where the decision to sin or to stand is made. The difference between those who fall and those who overcome lies in how they stand when the moment of testing comes.
The Scriptures declare, “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life” (James 1:12). To stand firm in the hour of temptation is to prove your love for God above all else.
THE CONCEPT OF TEMPTATION: HISTORIC EXAMPLE
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Permit me to take you back to history to see what temptation means.
In the
early 1500s, the Christian Church in Europe was deeply corrupted by practices
like the sale of indulgences—where people could supposedly buy forgiveness for
their sins. A German monk named Martin Luther, after studying the
Scriptures, became convinced that salvation could not be purchased or earned by
good works, but came only by faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 1:17).
Luther’s
hour of temptation came when his discoveries threatened the authority of the
Roman Catholic Church. In 1517, he nailed his 95 Theses to the door of
the Wittenberg Church, challenging church leaders to reform. This act shook the
religious world.
When summoned to appear before Emperor Charles V at the Diet of Worms (1521), Luther was asked to recant—that is, to publicly withdraw his statements and deny what he had written. He stood before some of the most powerful men of his time—the Emperor, bishops, and nobles—who could easily imprison or execute him. The pressure was enormous. He could have saved his life, fame, and position by simply saying, “I take it all back.”
That was
his hour of temptation: to choose safety over truth, popularity
over conviction.
After a
night of prayer and inner struggle, Luther gave his immortal reply:
“My
conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and will not recant
anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand;
I can do no other. God help me. Amen.”
That statement shook Europe and changed history. He stood alone, but he stood with God.
Temptation often comes when truth is unpopular. Like Luther, we are tempted to adjust our convictions to please people, avoid conflict, or fit in. But standing firm means choosing truth over comfort.
Luther’s courage birthed the Protestant
Reformation, opening the door for millions to read the Bible for themselves
and rediscover grace. And today, we don't have to ignorantly buy forgiveness; we can ask God directly and receive it.
Standing firm may make you an enemy of men—but it makes you a friend of God.
Thank you for reading. If you have questions, kindly ask in the comment section, and let's chat. Stay connected.
Kind regards,
JOHN ARTHUR,
AUTHOR & SPEAKER.
Check the following links to buy copies of my books.
1. The Friendship Of Samson And Delilah: Why You Should Avoid Bad Friends
2. The Friendship Of David And Jonathan: Why You Should Have True Friends
3. BE YOUR OWN BEST FRIEND: How To Love Yourself And Fulfill Your Purpose
4. Dating And Friendship: A New Model For A Lasting Love Relationship
5. BECOMING TRUE FRIENDS IN A TURBULENT WORLD (Friendship Today - Vol. 1)
6. CHOOSE YOUR FRIENDS, DON'T LET YOUR FRIENDS CHOOSE YOU
