Lecture 1

Temptation


INTRO

The First Principle

Nature Of Temptation

Matt.   26

Genesis 39

Scheme of Temptation

Excuses for Sin

Strength of Temptation

Character of Potiphar's Wife

Review Directives



part 2
The Nature of Temptation

Temptation has various strategies and approaches which assists in the destruction of a soul.  Sometimes it shows itself subtle rather than overt.   Its nature seems to be gentle.  Some temptations come upon a soul gently, as to snare it with guile rather than as a strong men raging.  Other times temptation shows itself strong and violent.  It arises quickly without warning and brings a man’s soul into a fierce fight against all manner of lusts.  Always, temptation is persistent and works by degrees.

Consider the example and case study of both the persistent subtlety and forcefulness of temptation

Genesis. 39.10

"And it came to pass as Potiphar's wife continued day by day to assault Joseph that he harkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her".

Herein we find a constant persistence to defile Joseph. Day by day. Herein is the strategy of temptation.  We may also see another possible implication in the text as well.  The implication suggests that perhaps Potiphar's wife implies, "Joseph if you would not be with me in the act of sin then just lie by me for a moment. I.e. Let us curl up together for a moment".  This would show temptation to be also most subtle.  As the serpent tempted Eve with subtlety, so too doth the harlot tempt Joseph.

Temptation is subtle, working by degrees to cause a soul’s destruction
.   Furthermore, Potiphar’s wife did not so much wish to seduce Joseph, but rather she wanted to corrupt Joseph.

Therefore, all temptation is a effort to corrupt through seduction unto destruction.

"Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin; and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death."
                                                                James 1.15

 

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