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Temptations

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Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 9, 1875

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 46, No. 10.

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Temptations.

By Henry Young

“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation.” James 1:12. This is a subject of great importance to all, as all are liable to temptations. But for our encouragement, that we may endure unto the end, we are told in the inspired word that when we are tried we shall receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to them that love him.
Temptations have ever been the common lot of all men, but all do not profit by them, and become purified and fitted for the kingdom of Heaven. On the contrary, in times of temptation and severe trial, we are apt to harden our hearts. So apt are people to harden the heart under trials that the psalmist is led to exclaim: “Harden not your heart as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness.” Our Lord has given us a safeguard against the wiles of the enemy in the injunction: “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.” Matt. 26:41.
Temptations are suffered to come upon us for our good, that by enduring trial we may prove our loyalty to God. We may profit by what the apostle said to an ancient church: “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able to bear; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” 1 Cor. 10:13. The apostle here refers the Christian to the great Source of strength; and we know that God is as willing to deliver his people from the power of temptation now as he was in the days of Paul. What a strong tower has the Christian in the day of trouble, into which he may run and be safe!
Jesus was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Since He who knew no sin has undergone such temptations in our behalf, that we may be able to overcome, we surely ought to be willing to endure for his sake. Then, too, the reward “to him that overcometh” is no less than the high honor of being permitted to sit down with our King on his throne, even as he also overcame and is set down with his Father in his throne. Is not this a reward worth striving for? Let us stand firm upon the truth, and overcome all the trials and difficulties of this life, that we may at last be permitted to “enter into the joy of our Lord.” HENRY YOUNG.