When we act it is followed by a result. The result can be good or bad dependent upon how we act.
Tempt is defined in Webster’s dictionary as follows: “To entice (someone) to commit an unwise or immoral act. Also: “To provoke or risk provoking a fate. All of us are tempted at times and all of us at times yield to temptation and when we do, according to the Bible it provokes God.
There are always consequences when someone is tempted to unwise or immoral acts and yields to it. Sometimes it is serious. For example, if you commit adultery, you could lose your spouse, your family, or your life. At the very least you will be tormented with a guilty conscience and will not find peace. Likewise, if you are tempted to go to a bar and get “loaded”, and then drive home, even though you know that you’ve had too much to drink, you are “provoking” fate. Perhaps you will pile up your car and kill yourself, a loved one, or someone else, or perhaps you will get arrested for DUI and lose your license.
Acts of righteousness that are wise and moral come from God. When you act upon following the advice of God via His Bible you are blessed and prosper. In essence, we can suffer, or we can prosper. Which do you prefer?
Duhhh . . .
The next time you are tempted to do something wrong, think about it in that context. The Bible teaches that “fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Fear of provoking God just might prevent you from making the biggest mistake of your life and receiving your just punishment for it.
Incidentally, the Bible teaches that temptation comes from Satan, not from God. God allows it, but not beyond your capacity to overcome it.
James 1:13 . . .
Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full grown brings forth death…
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.