Temptations Can Be Opportunities
Temptations can be viewed as opportunities for growth, development, and refinement, leading to a stronger and more refined character.
Mary Wilder Tileston emphasizes the importance of viewing temptations as opportunities for growth and character development. Just as a soldier is stimulated by being called to the front, believers should be thrilled by the challenges that come their way, as they provide a chance to prove themselves worthy of great trust. Every trial and temptation, when faced in the path of duty, has the potential to refine one's character and fill their soul with the power of Heaven.
Text
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
JAMES 1:2,3
TEMPTATION is surely an assault to be withstood, but at the same time it is an opportunity to be seized. Viewed in this light, life becomes inspiring, not in spite but because of its struggles, and we are able to greet the unseen with a cheer, counting it unmixed joy when we fall into the many temptations which, varied in form, dog our steps from the cradle to the grave. The soldier who is called to the front is stimulated, not depressed; the officer who is bidden by his general to a post of great responsibility, and so of hardship and peril, is thrilled with the joy of his task. An opportunity has been given him to prove himself worthy of great trust, which can be done only at the cost of great trouble.
This is a true picture of temptation. And the result of it all is a nature invigorated and refined, a character made capable of close friendship with God, to say nothing of the unmeasured joy that is the attendant of nobility of soul and stalwart Christian manhood.
CHARLES H. BRENT
Every trial that we pass through is capable of being the seed of a noble character. Every temptation that we meet in the path of duty is another chance of filling our souls with the power of Heaven.
FREDERICK TEMPLE
Sermon Outline
- Temptations as Opportunities
- Viewing Temptation as an Opportunity
- The Result of Temptation
- A nature invigorated and refined
- A character made capable of close friendship with God
Key Quotes
“Temptation is surely an assault to be withstood, but at the same time it is an opportunity to be seized.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“Every trial that we pass through is capable of being the seed of a noble character.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“Every temptation that we meet in the path of duty is another chance of filling our souls with the power of Heaven.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
Application Points
- View temptations as opportunities for growth and development, rather than as obstacles to be overcome.
- Recognize that every trial is a chance to fill your soul with the power of Heaven and to develop a noble character.
- Count your temptations as unmixed joy, and view life as inspiring due to its struggles.