God Cannot be Tempted by Evil

“[13] When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;” — James 1:13 NIV

If I tell you that I can’t do something for you, it means that I’m restricted from doing it, even if I have the requisite skills and knowledge. Right? James 1:13 says, “… God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone.” That means God is so good that He has a hundred percent restriction against evil.

Never think that God is responsible for the evil things happening in your life. It’s not Him and has never been His doing. He cannot be tempted by evil.

Seeing how Apostle James puts this truth in James 1:13, the focus is on us, not really on God.

The Apostle started the verse by saying that when you’re tempted, don’t conclude in your mind that God is tempting you. Then he adds, “…For God cannot be tempted by evil… ”. I thought the central theme of the scripture was about us believers being tempted. But the Apostle shifted his next statement to compare temptation to God. Why? Because God lives in us by His Spirit (see 1 John 4:4). So even though temptations come to us, the God in us isn’t responsible for it.

With this understanding of God, never imagine that the sinful thoughts that drop in your mind are from your spirit (which has become one with the Lord – 1 Corinthians 6:17). It’s from the manipulative area of your soul capitalised by the devil to make you live wayward.

Instead of giving in to these evil thoughts, confess them unto the Lord and cast them down (see 2 Corinthians 10:5). In that way, you’ll live a victorious life in Christ above sin, always alway.

You’re a blessing.

Prayer:

Father, help me to discern between godly thoughts and that of the evil one so that I’ll obey You and resist all forms of ungodliness by the work of Your grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Devotional Code: KGD – 2024 – 017