Temptation

worlddic.com

Luke 4:2-4

Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungry.…

There is no sin in being tempted: for the perfect Jesus "was in all points tempted like as we are." Temptation does not necessitate sinning: for of Jesus, when tempted, we read "yet without sin." Not even the worst forms of it involve sin: for Jesus endured without sin the subtlest of temptations, from the evil one himself.

1. It may be needful for us to be tempted —

(1)  For test. Sincerity, faith, love, patience, are thus put to proof.

(2)  For growth. Temptation develops and increases our graces.

(3)  For usefulness. We become able to comfort and warn others.

(4)  For victory. How glorious to overcome the arch-enemy.

(5)  For God's glory. He vanquishes Satan by feeble men.

2. Solitude will not prevent temptation.

(1)  It may even aid it. Jesus was tempted in the wilderness.

(2)  Nor will fasting and prayer always keep off the tempter; for these had been fully used by our Lord.

worlddic.com