JEFF TURNER

Some believers accept that God is in control of all things. But questions come up when talking about how His control relates to temptation and sin. One verse that raises this issue is 1 Corinthians 10:13, where Paul says God won’t let believers be tempted beyond what they can handle and will also provide a way out. This might sound like God is the one who sends temptation, but that isn’t what Paul means.

In fact, James 1:13 tells us God does not tempt anyone, nor can He be tempted by evil. What God does allow, however, are tests. I’m talking about situations that challenge a person’s faith and character. The Greek word for “temptation” can also mean a test or trial, and doesn’t always imply something sinful.

When a difficult situation arises, it can either strengthen a believer’s faith or expose weakness. If a person resists sin in that moment, the trial becomes a test they have overcome. But if they give in, it becomes temptation that led to sin. God permits trials in a fallen world, but He never entices anyone to do wrong.

For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things just as we are, yet without sin.

Hebrews 4:15