Introductory Thoughts
The average believer would never consider the word joy to be an appropriate descriptive term for temptations. There is a great explanation for this as the average believer experiences little to no victory when tempted. Temptations put a man’s faith on trial. When his faith stands the test, he learns patience. Therefore, he sees temptation as a means by which he can grow in the Lord and add virtues such as patience. It is not that he finds joy in the temptation itself, but that God can and will use that temptation to make him "perfect and entire, wanting nothing" (James 1:4). Believers who fight through and obtain victory find joy in knowing that their faith pleases God (Hebrews 11:6).
Devotional Thoughts
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(For smaller children) When we think of Romans 8:28, we can have joy in hard times. The Lord found joy in His temptations (Hebrews 12:2). Paul had many temptations (2 Corinthians 11:23b-28). Consider his attitude (Acts 20:24; 2 Timothy 4:7).
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Have you ever found joy in the midst of temptations? What moved you to joy? How has God used your temptations to draw you closer to Himself?
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How is the joy of temptation (James 1:2) different from the "pleasures of sin" (Hebrews 11:25)? Which one is enduring and righteous? Which one is most often sought by men?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask God to help you rejoice in the victories over temptation.
- Thank the Lord for helping you in difficult times.
Song
Yield Not to Temptation
