What does the Bible say about temptation?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that temptation is a real spiritual trial, but God is faithful to provide help, a way of endurance, and grace for those who trust and obey Him. Christians are called to watch and pray, resist the devil, and refuse to give sin an opportunity. James 1:12-16 distinguishes God’s testing from the sinful desires within us that entice and lead to death. Christ Himself faced temptation without sin, as Matthew 4:1-11 shows, and Hebrews 2:18 assures believers that He is able to help the tempted. Through God’s armor, His Word, prayer, and dependence on Christ, believers may stand firm, knowing that perseverance under trial is blessed.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- 1 Corinthians 10:13 13 votes
No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
- Matthew 26:41 9 votes
Watch and pray, that you don’t enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
- James 4:7 7 votes
Be subject therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
- James 1:12-16 6 votes
Blessed is a person who endures temptation, for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord promised to those who love him. Let no man say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God,” for God can’t be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own lust and enticed. Then the lust, when it has conceived, bears sin. The sin, when it is full grown, produces death. Don’t be deceived, my beloved brothers.
- Hebrews 2:18 5 votes
For in that he himself has suffered being tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.
- Ephesians 6:11 4 votes
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
- Matthew 4:1-11 3 votes
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. When he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was hungry afterward. The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of God’s mouth.’” Then the devil took him into the holy city. He set him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and, ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you don’t dash your foot against a stone.’” Jesus said to him, “Again, it is written, ‘You shall not test the Lord, your God.’” Again, the devil took him to an exceedingly high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. He said to him, “I will give you all of these things, if you will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Get behind me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and you shall serve him only.’” Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and served him.
- Mark 14:38 3 votes
Watch and pray, that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
- Ephesians 4:27 2 votes
and don’t give place to the devil.
- James 1:12 2 votes
Blessed is a person who endures temptation, for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord promised to those who love him.
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