We end our week together talking about trials and temptations.

It's a sobering topic, but one very relevant to each of us at some point, maybe to some

of you right now.

And we start with what we know for sure, God tests us.

He does.

That's clear in text like James 1 verses 3 to 4 and 1st Peter 1 7.

But then comes the question, does God ever tempt us?

James 1 13 says no, God never tempts us.

But what really is the difference between being tested and being tempted?

The sharp Bible question from listener named Mike Deer Pastor John in APJ 694, you said

that the word for temptation and the word for test are the same word in the Greek,

perosmos.

So how are we to understand the differences in meaning of the two words in passages

where it talks about God testing us, James 1 3 to 4 and 1st Peter 1 7.

And then in James 1 13, where it says that God does not tempt anyone.

So how do we put those texts together?

That is an utterly crucial question.

We so need to get that clear for God's honor, for our own peace of mind.

So let me set the stage as best I can so that everybody really can get on board with what

the problem really is as Mike has presented it here.

So in 1st Peter 1, verse 6, it says, now for a little while, if necessary, you have been

grieved by various trials.

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