Blessed is anyone who endures temptation. Such a one has stood the test and will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.  No one, when tempted, should say, "I am being tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil and he himself tempts no one. 14 But one is tempted by one's own desire, being lured and enticed by it; then, when that desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and that sin, when it is fully grown, gives birth to death.  Do not be deceived, my beloved.

How unspeakably good God it is to allow us to try to prove our love for him on the battlefield of temptation!  If you are discouraged by the trials, tests and assaults from the enemy then think of a great and mighty king who subjects would do anything to defend his honor and realm.  And some he sends forth to battle but the weak he leaves behind.  Who does not strain to go forth to fight for him?  With what shame are those left behind considered to weak of character for the struggle?  In the same way we must rejoice in trial and temptation that God should discipline us and let us try to prove our love for him.

Temptations are two kinds: trials (such as ill health, difficult persons, etc.) and enticements to sin.  Trials are sent by God as tests of our loyalty and faith.  Enticements to sin come either from Satan or our own fallen nature.  "One is tempted by one's own desire."  "I see in my members another law at war with the law of my mind."  (Romans 7.23)

Temptations start as a desire by which one is lured and enticed.  This is a deception and the deception is that the act will be pleasurable.  The ultimate purpose of sin is to offend God and draw us into death.  The temptation begins as a thought in the mind but it is not sin until it is acted upon.  Of course this "acting upon" can occur in the mind as well, such as giving assent to hateful thoughts or lost.

There is no other way to prove we love the Lord than to endure trials and temptations.  There is no one more worthy to prove our love to.  But it is foolish pride to seek these things, in fact Jesus taught us to pray "lead us not into temptation."  Still, we must be ready for them every day.

A prayer: "Lord Jesus please keep me from trial and temptation this day.  But if they do come please grant that I may recognize them and never submit to them lest I offend you and enter into death."