Endure temptation—it’s God’s training for you; Church Fathers: Day 304

Last updated on: June 3, 2018 at 5:32 am by Pete Socks

Endure temptation—it’s God’s training for you; Church Fathers: Day 304 2018-06-03T05:32:35-05:00 Pete Socks

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

The devil makes use of temptation—the word means “testing”—to lure us to hell. But God tests us, says Dionysius, to train us for heaven.

In general it seems true that it’s not possible for anyone to keep from experiencing evil completely. As someone says, “the whole world is in the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19), and again, “their span is but toil and trouble” (Psalm 90:10).

But, you might ask, what’s the difference between being tempted and falling or entering into temptation?

Well, if you’re overcome by evil—and you will be overcome unless you struggle against it yourself, and unless God protects you with his shield—then you have entered into temptation. You’re in it; you’re under its power like a prisoner. But if you hold up and endure, then you certainly are tempted, but you haven’t entered into temptation, or fallen into it.

Thus Jesus was led by the Spirit, certainly not to enter into temptation, but to be tempted by the devil. And again, Abraham did not enter into temptation, nor did God lead him into temptation, but he did tempt (that is, test) him; yet he did not drive him into temptation. Moreover, the Lord himself tempted—that is, tested—the disciples.

This the evil one, when he tempts us, pulls us into the temptations, because he deals himself with the temptations of evil. But God, when he tests us, brings temptations or trials as one who is not tempted by evil. For God, as it says, “cannot be tempted with evil” (James 1:13). So the devil drives us on by force, pulling us toward destruction; but God leads us by the hand, training us for our salvation.

–St. Dionysius of Alexandria, Gospel According to Luke (fragment), 22:45-46

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .

What temptations will I probably face in the rest of the day?

How can I use those opportunities to get in shape for heaven?

CLOSING PRAYER

God who made the universe and everything in it, have mercy on me and wash away my sins, and save me in the time of trial.

Remember to subscribe to my feed so you will not miss a day! This recurring feature at The Catholic Blogger is possible through the cooperation of author Mike Aquilina and publisher Saint Benedict Press. To get your own copy of this book, click below. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

A Year with the Church Fathers

Previous Post

June 2, 2018

Know how Satan works; Church Fathers: Day 303

Next Post

June 4, 2018 Starve Satan; Church Fathers: Day 305

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category A Year with Mary A Year with the Angels A Year with the Church Fathers Book News Children's Review Featured CD Giveaway Guest Post Interview Linked Review Media review Movie Review New Releases Off the Shelf Review speakers Teen Review The Clergy Speaks The Laity Speaks The Open Book Podcast Uncategorized

Select a Month October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz