Yes, my struggle is real! Trials, Temptations, and Tests

I asked several friends what the difference was between trials, tests, and temptations. Some people called, others caught me walking in the hall at work, but my Sunday School teacher took the time to thoroughly explain. I hope this will help someone…

Temptation, Trials and Testing all go hand in hand. There can be no temptation without a test or a trial. Testing is for us and the proof of our knowledge of the word. What we have learned and how we apply it to our life. Temptation (a testing), generally understood as the enticement of a person to sin by offering some seeming advantage. The source of our temptation is Satan, the world, and the flesh. Read James 1:14-15

Trials are the testing of our character, it's also a temptation or an adversity, the enduring of which proves the merit of an individual's faith. Adversity puts a Christian's faith to the test, either true or false. Understand, a test of faith brings patience or stamina by suffering or temptation.

Temptation has two meanings: 1. solicitation (entice) to sin and 2. trials from providential (future) situations.

Also read: Matt. 6:13 (preventative request), the servant request for prayer in dealing with sin. As the servant grows in purity and obedience, they should rely less on prayer for forgiveness and pray more for protection. Lessons learned should help avoid the traps of temptations.



Mark 14:38 - the formula for conquering temptation is to stay alert and pray. No matter how willing we are to do the right thing our flesh is weak.


Luke 8:13 - pleasure seeking overcomes eternal pursuit. No time for God's word, they don't mature in God.