Helping Students Think About Temptation
Temptation is enticing. Why else would restaurant menus use descriptions like, “A tempting combination of rich chocolate and smooth caramel.” Afterall, if sin was never tempting, we’d never do it. But those false promises grab us and pull us in.
In the last post we explored How to Help Students Think About Sin. If you haven’t read it, it will help you understand and apply this article in your ministry. Helping students understand temptation will strengthen them to cling to the gospel before, during, and after they have faced it.
Too often, conversations with students about temptation conclude with a “try harder” message. Or we give them the impression that spending time in Scripture will act like sin-repellent that protects them from temptation for a few hours after Bible time. Taking a short tour through the first sin (Genesis 3:1-7) reveals a pattern we can all identify to find gospel-bought endurance.
Step 1: Temptation
Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” (v.1)
The serpent (satan) tempted Eve with fruit from the forbidden tree. Temptation itself is not sinful, but failure to resist and flee will lead to sin. When we entertain sin, we shouldn’t be surprised when it becomes so enticing we can’t resist.
This is the point at which we must fight and run.
Step 2: Forgetting God’s Word
And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” (vv.2-3)
Eve’s answer made God’s Word more restrictive than what God commanded. She said they were not allowed to even touch the tree. It’s fair to ask why they would want to touch it, unless they’re entertaining temptation, but God did not say that.
If we have not yet resisted temptation and run from its whispers, this is where we must respond to temptation with the power of the Word of God. If we do not know what God has actually commanded, we will fall prey to doubt, and then to sin.
Step 3: Believing Sin & Forgetting God’s Promise
But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” (vv.4-5)
Eve was captivated by the serpent’s promise and overlooked God’s promise. Satan promised she would “become like God.” But God had already created Adam and Eve “in the image of God.”
Eve forgot God’s promise, and believed Satan’s instead. This is where temptation started to take root in her heart.
Step 4: Temptation Leads to Sin
So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths. (vv.6-7)
Finally, once Eve believed the promise of sin over the promise of God, she was enticed and curious. God’s promise seemed dull, while the serpents shone with captivating allure. When the fires of temptation are fueled, the fire spreads quickly. Notice what happens next – she gives the fruit to her husband. Sin always multiplies.
Keys to Fighting Temptation
Be Prepared to Battle Temptation. We will all be wise to heed the warning God offered to Cain before he killed his brother, Abel. “Sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.” (Genesis 4:7)
Be Captivated by God. The promises of the gospel are glorious: you are a child of God. Not only is your sin forgiven, you are adopted by God. You are his now, and made an heir of creation for all eternity. What can sin possibly offer you that’s greater than the promises of God?
Don’t Fight Alone. Notice Eve gave the fruit to her husband “who was with her.” Adam was the worst accountability partner ever. Healthy youth ministries seek to provide mentors for students to come alongside parents to speak truth and grace.
Cling to Faith in Christ’s Victory. Praise God there is hope for sinners like you and me through the gospel of Jesus Christ! As Paul wrote in Romans 6:6, “We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.” So whether we are victorious over temptation or if we fall to it, the Christians response is to celebrate the gospel. Our guilt and shame have been atoned for, and we are strengthened to endure by the indwelling Holy Spirit.
Do Something Else! This isn’t too theological… just do something else because you recognize temptation is lurking around the corner. Leave that conversation. Turn off the computer. Go to the gym. Call a friend. Read a book. Don’t stay where you’re being tempted.
Don’t Give Up. Sometimes, Christians battle certain temptations for their entire lives. Fighting those temptations is actually an act of faith, because it shows your heart hasn’t been hardened against sin’s ugliness and you are still pursuing holiness… even if you’re stumbling your way forward. Treasure the promise of the gospel, seek the help of others who will help you walk in repentance without shaming you, and keep fighting sin.
As you talk with students about the realities of sin and temptation, remember the gospel’s promise: God saves sinners through Jesus. This is good news of great joy for all people.
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
(Romans 8:1)
