Question 286: What is temptation?

Answer:

Temptation is the enticement to sin that arises from the world, the flesh, or the devil. It appeals to our desires and seeks to draw us away from trusting and obeying God. Though temptation itself is not sin, giving in to it leads to sin. God permits temptation for our testing, but He also gives strength to resist and promises a way of escape. (James 1:13–15, 1 Corinthians 10:13, Matthew 4:1–11, Hebrews 4:15, Galatians 5:16–17)

Full Scripture References

“When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desires. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” – James 1:13–15 (BSB)

“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it.” – 1 Corinthians 10:13 (BSB)

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

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin.” – Hebrews 4:15 (BSB)

“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh.” – Galatians 5:16–17 (BSB)

Expanded Explanation of Catechism Question

Temptation is the pull toward sin, often appealing to our desires, fears, or pride. It can arise from within (our flesh), around us (the world), or beneath us (the devil). Bishop Felix Orji (GAFCON, Anglican Diocese of the West) explains, “Temptation is not itself sin, but it is the battleground where the heart is tested. How we respond reveals whom we trust and what we love.” (Guarding the Heart in a Secular Age, 2021)

Even Jesus was tempted, yet without sin. This means that temptation is a common experience and not a mark of failure. Fr. James Kellett (Anglican Union, St. Michael’s Anglican, PA) notes, “To be tempted is to be human. But in Christ, temptation is not a trap—it’s an opportunity to prove that grace is stronger than sin.” (Catechesis on Spiritual Struggle, 2022)

The Christian’s response to temptation must be active, not passive. Bishop Silas Takyin (GAFCON, Church of Nigeria) writes, “Temptation must not be entertained. Like Joseph, we must flee; like Christ, we must fight with the Word.” (Pastoral Letter on Temptation and Resistance, 2020) God never leaves us helpless—He gives strength through the Holy Spirit and always provides a way to endure or escape.

Anglican tradition emphasizes vigilance, prayer, and spiritual discipline in resisting temptation. Canon George Grant (ACNA, Parish Presbyterian Church, TN) teaches, “Temptation thrives where prayer is weak and Scripture is forgotten. But the soul anchored in God’s Word will endure and grow stronger through the trial.” (Recovering Anglican Piety, 2019)

Fr. Gregory Miller (Anglican Orthodox Church, St. Athanasius Mission, SC) adds, “Temptation sharpens the soul. When we resist by grace, we are not only preserved—we are refined.” (The Armor of Light, 2021)

Early Church Fathers on Catechism Question

“Temptation reveals the strength of the soul. It shows what is hidden and trains us in holiness.” – John Chrysostom, Homily on Matthew, c. 390 AD

“To be tempted is not to fall. Christ was tempted, yet He triumphed. We, too, must fight and pray, trusting in His strength.” – Augustine of Hippo, On Grace and Free Will, c. 427 AD

“The devil tempts by suggestion, the flesh by desire, the world by illusion. But God gives wisdom to discern and power to resist.” – Gregory the Great, Pastoral Rule, c. 590 AD

“The Christian must be sober and watchful. Temptation comes when least expected. Let the soul be armed with Scripture and guarded by prayer.” – Cyprian of Carthage, On the Lord’s Prayer, c. 250 AD