Generally an incentive, enticement, or provocation to sin. But there are other things called temptations which are not so in their own nature, but only as they become, through the corruption of our hearts, the occasions of sin, viz., afflictions, and the self-denying duties of the Christian life.

WHY DOES GOD PERMIT TEMPTATION?

1. To prove and develop character.

2. To show His own power and wisdom in bringing good out of evil.

3. To strengthen the graces of sanctification in His people.

HOW DOES GOD LIMIT TEMPTATION?

1. By controlling the power and malice of the tempter.

2. By adopting, moderating, alleviating providential circumstances, so as to suit the measure of our strength.

3. By raising our own strength in proportion to the temptation. "As-thy day is, so shall thy strength be."

WHAT ARE OUR DUTIES IN REFERENCE TO TEMPTATION?

1. Beware of rushing headlong into danger. The Word of God gives no sanction to foolhardiness. Why should Peter, in the plenitude of his vainglorious zeal, thrust himself into the high priest's palace, and dare the jealous scrutiny of a thousand eyes, as though it were impossible for him to faint in the hour of trial?

2. Be armed against timidity and discouragement. If God allows you to fall into circumstances of temptation, be not dismayed. What servant of Christ was ever conducted to heaven without being often confronted by the enemy?

3. Resist to the uttermost.