Tag: Bible

James says God doesn’t tempt, but Matthew says the Spirit led Jesus to be tempted; what’s going on here?

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DAVID INGRAM, SR.

James 1:13 tells us that “God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone. But Matthew 4:1 says Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. Do these scriptures contradict?

The answer is no, though at first glance it might seem like they do. Let’s unpack them carefully in context.

James 1:13 (NASB) says: “No one is to say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone.”

This verse is speaking about the nature of God Himself — that He is perfectly holy, incapable of being enticed by evil, and that He does not actively tempt people to sin. The Greek word here can mean to test, to tempt, or to entice to sin, but context determines the nuance. In James, the emphasis is on temptation with an evil intent, to cause someone to stumble.

Matthew 4:1 (NASB) says: “Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.”

Here, it says Jesus was led by the Spirit into a situation where temptation would occur — but notice, it is the devil who tempts, not God. The Holy Spirit’s role was to bring Jesus into the wilderness for a period of testing as part of His messianic mission, but not to entice Him to sin. It was a proving ground, much like how God allowed Job to be tested by Satan in the Old Testament — not to cause sin, but to reveal character and fulfill a divine purpose.

And though Jesus is fully divine, He was also fully human. Hebrews 4:15 (NASB) — “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.”

Limitless blessings and God’s Generosity

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AMY TURNER

God has the power to give us far more than we can imagine. Ephesians 3:20 reminds us of this truth: “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.” Doesn’t this tell us that God’s ability goes beyond what we can request or even dream?

When the verse begins with “Now to Him,” it points directly to God—the One who is able. But what is He able to do? Everything we ask? Yes—but not just that. He can do even more. Even if we have many needs, or big requests, God is not limited. He offers more than just enough. He gives an overflowing, endless supply of blessings.

This is not just about what we say in prayer. It’s also about what we think—our hopes, our silent thoughts, even our deepest dreams. God can go beyond all of it.

This truth brings peace and encouragement. We serve a powerful God whose generosity has no limits. His power is already at work inside us, making this promise real each day.

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19

Embracing the New Self: Transformation Through Christ

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AMY TURNER

When someone believes in Jesus, God gives them a new life. Colossians 3:10 explains that this “new self” is being renewed with true knowledge, shaped by the image of God who created it. The Apostle Paul uses words that remind us of Genesis, showing that this new life doesn’t come from human effort or the image of Adam, but from Jesus Himself.

This transformation is God’s work. We do not create the new self—it is a gift. But we do have a role. Each day, we are called to “put on” this new self, like clothing. That means choosing to live in a way that reflects Jesus. Our words, actions, and attitudes should all show who Christ is.

As the Holy Spirit guides and strengthens us, we become more like Jesus. This allows others to see Him through us. This is the hope and power of the gospel—that God remakes us to reflect His Son.

“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17

God’s Word: A Guide for Every Part of Life

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Floyd Rogers

God most often speaks to us through the Bible. It is His way of showing us who He is and what He wants for our lives. Whenever I’ve faced trouble as a believer, I’ve always found that the answers I needed were in the Scriptures.

The Bible may not give us simple facts like a math book, but that’s not its purpose. God’s Word speaks to the deeper parts of life—our decisions, our struggles, our relationships, and our hopes. There is no part of life that God doesn’t address through His Word. It truly is a guidebook meant for His children.

Because of this, we should spend time with it every day. We should take in its truth like food for the soul, letting it shape our hearts and minds. Just like the Apostle Paul encouraged, we should be spiritually rich, full of God’s wisdom. For God’s Word to speak to us, it must live in us.

Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.

Psalm 119:105

Understanding the Source of Temptation

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AMY TURNER

Temptation is something everyone faces, but it is important to understand where it truly comes from. According to James 1:13, no one should claim that God is the source of their temptation. God is completely holy—He cannot be tempted by evil, and He does not tempt anyone to do wrong.

Many people try to explain their sinful actions by pointing to difficult situations, frustrating people, or even the influence of evil forces. While these things may be real, they are not the root cause. Sadly, some people go so far as to blame God, just as Adam and Eve once did in the garden. But the Bible clearly shows that this is not possible.

James makes it clear: sin comes from within us. It is our own wrong desires—our heart’s pull toward what is not right—that leads us to sin. God, who is pure light and the source of all life, never leads anyone to do evil.

“People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord.”

Proverbs 19:3