Pastor Heath Lambert tackles a crucial theological question: Was Jesus tempted, and what does that mean? Discover the difference between external and internal temptation, and how understanding these distinctions helps us comprehend how Jesus could be "tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin."
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - Introduction: The Question About Jesus' Temptation
0:49 - What Is Temptation? The Basic Question
1:32 - Type 1: External Temptation (Tempting Situations)
1:40 - Example: Stack of $100 Bills in Empty Room
2:27 - Type 2: Internal Temptation (Spiritual Corruption)
2:42 - James 1:14: Lured and Enticed by Own Desire
3:45 - How External and Internal Temptations Connect
4:00 - Personal Examples: Tofu Salad vs. Blueberry Muffin
4:25 - The Key Difference: Situational vs. Spiritual
4:53 - Jesus Was Tempted: Matthew 4:1 Evidence
5:15 - Hebrews 4:15: Tempted in Every Way, Yet Without Sin
6:01 - James 1:13: God Cannot Be Tempted with Evil
6:19 - The Solution: Two Kinds of Temptation Applied to Jesus
7:00 - How Jesus Faced External Without Internal Corruption
MAIN POINTS
- Two Kinds of Temptation
External temptation consists of tempting situations or circumstances (like finding money when alone), while internal temptation involves corrupt cravings and sinister desires within the heart. External temptation becomes spiritually significant only when it meets internal corruption.
- External Temptation Is Situational, Not Necessarily Sinful
Being in a potentially tempting situation isn't inherently wrong. The sinfulness comes from the internal response - the corrupt desire that matches up with the external opportunity. Different people are tempted by different external circumstances based on their internal desires.
- Jesus Faced All External Temptations
Scripture clearly states that Jesus was "tempted in every way as we are" (Hebrews 4:15) and was "led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil" (Matthew 4:1). Every potentially tempting situation that exists confronted Jesus during His earthly ministry.
- Jesus Had No Internal Corruption
Though Jesus faced all external temptations, He had no internal corruption or sinful desires to match them. His heart was always trusting in the Lord and wanting to do righteousness. This is why He could be tempted externally yet remain "without sin" - there was no internal spiritual corruption to respond to the external circumstances.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
Primary Passages:
Matthew 4:1 - Jesus led into wilderness to be tempted
Hebrews 4:15 - Tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin
James 1:13-14 - God cannot be tempted; each person tempted by own desire
Supporting Context:
James 1:13 - Let no one say when tempted, "I am being tempted by God"
James 1:14 - Each person is lured and enticed by his own desire
1 John 2:16 - The desires of the flesh, eyes, and pride of life
1 Corinthians 10:13 - No temptation beyond what you can bear
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