Genesis 22:1

NASB	NLT	VOICE
1 Now it came about after these things, that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.”	1 Some time later, God tested Abraham’s faith. “Abraham!” God called. “Yes,” he replied. “Here I am.”	1 After a periodof time, God decided to put Abraham to the test. Eternal One: “Abraham!” Abraham: “I am right here.”

James 1:13

NASB	NLT	VOICE
13 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 doesn’t tempt anyone.	13 And remember, when you are tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else.	13 No one who is tempted should ever be confused and say that God is testing him. The One who created us is free from evil and can’t be tempted, so He doesn’t tempt anyone.

To Test or not To Tempt

What’s the contradiction. The author of Genesis, believed to be Moses, claims that God tested Abraham. The author of Hebrews states that God doesn’t test anyone. There could be a case of a translation error from the original Hebrew to the Greek, but it’s hard to say. All three translations in Genesis 22:1 use the term “test” while the translations of James 1:13 use the word “tempt.” If they are the same meaning, then we might have a contradiction. I believe that we’re seeing a translation difference, but maybe I’m wrong. Let’s talk about this!

REFLECTION CHECKPOINT: What do you think, does God test/tempt us or not?

Abraham’s Test

Testing is often shown in the Bible to show refinement and to prove the faith of God’s people. It’s not something that God does to check off, but it’s for one’s growth and demonstration of faith. It was a way to see if Abraham as grown from the Genesis 12 promise and to see if his faith had strengthened. For us, we can read this is a preview of the ultimate test of faith and obedience in the life of Jesus. God calls out to Abraham directly, showing how important this test will be and how relational God is to us. Abraham’s response is to listen and obey to whatever God says. Abraham is showing his trust to God for whatever task came next. The ask: God told Abraham to sacrifice his son Isac.

REFLECTION CHECKPOINT: Abraham having to sacrifice Isaac is an intense sacrifice, but Abraham was willing. What is a major sacrifice you would do if God commanded you?

Temptations for Christians

The Greek word for “tempted” can also mean “tested.” It shows the trials and temptations that sin has. A temptation is a common experience for all Christians, it shows a universal struggle against sin. A temptation refers to a test of faith, and helps us see opportunities for spiritual growth. God is holy and is not a source of evil, so we cannot say that God is the source of our temptation. When we look at the Old Testament, the Israelites often blamed God for their trials in the wilderness, which is a false understanding. God is not corrupted by evil influences, and by believing this, we acknowledge God’s unchanging nature and perfect goodness. God is present to guide and support us. God doesn’t lead us into sinful behavior. God wants His people to look to righteousness and holiness, through providing a way out of temptation.

REFLECTION CHECKPOINT: Temptations refer to our struggle against sin. What struggles have you faced and how have you overcome them through God?

When Tested or Tempted, Try Faith

A test is a process to prove your faith. A temptation is a wrestling we have with sin to stick through our faith. A test is something that’s intimate and close, something that God will call out to you directly and privately. A temptation can happen publicly and is focused on a decision: will you crumble under the temptation or will you stay strong and resist through God’s strength. Overall, this is focused on the same formula, but there are different ways to reach the answer. We need to rely on our faith to overcome all adversities that we see face. The more we see our faith tested and used, the stronger it will prevail, and the stronger our relationship with Christ will be. Resistance to temptations helps us build our testimonies, helping us to beat addictions, overcome toxic thinking, and reconcile relationships. The tests are the physical signs of our walk with Christ, showing it through our walk and our talk.

REFLECTION CHECKPOINT: Would you rather be tested or tempted? Why?

Next series: The Birth of Christ – Luke’s Edition || Curious About Christmas || Part 1

Next part: Faith vs. Works || Contradicting the Word || Part 3