Temptations by D. Robinson

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 21, 1873

Temptations.

By D. Robinson

As long as the children of God remain in this mortal state, their pathway will be beset with trials and temptations; and, since this is the case, we are often led to inquire, Why is this so? Why must we be subject to such fierce temptations? Why are they permitted to come upon us?

Those who will be among the finally saved, will not have received anything which they did not need to fit them up for the kingdom of God. If this is so, then temptations are necessary; and that this is true, is evident from the word of God, which says, “All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Rom. 8:28. If all things work together for our good, then temptations are certainly included.

Jesus, in his mission to earth, “took not on him the nature of angels,” but the nature of man. “Wherefore, in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered, being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted.” Heb. 2:17, 18.

Our great High Priest has left us an example, that we should follow in his steps. Peter, in pointing out the duty of servants, says, that “it is thankworthy if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.” 1 Pet. 2:19. Verse 20 says that suffering for right doing is “acceptable with God” if we “take it patiently.”

Yes, patiently! If we would have all the perplexities and trials we meet with work for our good, we must exercise patience. “Let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” James 1:4.

The individual who has a fixed purpose to serve God and do his will, will experience a rich blessing in every trial and temptation through which he is called to pass. The apostle James understood this when he exhorted his brethren, to “count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” James 1:2, 3. Do we not often find it easier, after we have passed through trials and temptations and found them to be for our good, to count them all joy than when we fell into them? When this is the case, is there not a lack of faith in us?

The question may arise, Why should we count it all joy when we fall into divers temptations? Suppose an individual should offer us a rich reward for performing a certain piece of work; would we not rejoice at every opportunity we had for doing it? Most certainly we would. Although the task might be very disagreeable, yet we would not shrink from doing it.

The Lord in infinite mercy has offered us the gift of eternal life on condition that we perform a work necessary for our final salvation. This work is one of great importance. It is a work of obtaining a fitness for the kingdom of God; and while engaged in this work we need to have it tested at every step. Trials and temptations will do this most successfully. Then are there not good reasons for us to rejoice when they come?

As the gold is separated from the dross by trial, so we, if we ever gain eternal life, must be subjected to trials and temptations; and if we endure these things, we have the promise of eternal life. “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” James 1:12. “All the temptations and trials we are called to pass through here are good, and like all the creatures and appointments of our Father, are designed in wisdom for some good use. Study them. Seek to learn why God has sent them, and to gather from them all the lessons of instruction he wishes them to teach.”

The great God has a design in whatever he does, or permits, and when we are surrounded with trials and temptations, let us accept them as a means for our spiritual advancement.

“Each fearful storm that o’er us rolls, Each path of peril trod, Is but a means whereby our souls Acquaint themselves with God.”

While the truth of God is our shield, and we keep the great object of life before us, we need not be discouraged when temptations come upon us; for “God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will

with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” 1 Cor. 10:13.

Let us exercise more faith in God, and in every hour of temptation seek that strength which he alone can give. By humbly walking in the light of truth, and by earnest, heartfelt prayer, we can obtain the strength we need. May the Lord help us to endure the test, stand firmly for his truth, so that when we are tried we may come forth as gold. Job 23:10.

D. ROBINSON.

Battle Creek, Mich.