The Spirit led Jesus into the desert, where he was tempted by Satan. His temptation was not internal nor from the Holy Spirit. Jesus’s temptation was real, from a real created being. His temptation was not self-sought. Temptation is not sin. Sin only is begotten if there is a will to sin. Jesus overcame temptation because he did not have the will to sin.
As long as we are in the flesh, we will be tempted in every way, just as Adam and Eve and every generation after them are tempted. We are not led into temptation to fail. We are led into temptation to overcome and master the power of sin.
Temptation and tests are often interchangeable. The difference between them is the intent behind them. Tests are not given to lower our esteem. Tests are given as a measure that reveals to the willing heart where to improve and what is accomplished. Tests are a tool of wise education. Temptation is to be exposed to and be solicited by evil. We possess the ability to overcome temptation if we are willing to overcome.
Hebrews 4:14-16 states, “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are–yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
