When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone…
Let us be clear on this point: Tempting and testing are two different things.
Testing is a processed used to measure or strengthen. (e.g. – I took a test to see if I qualified for a job I wanted. See James 1: 12)
Tempting is an attempt to entice a person to do what they know is wrong. (e.g. – A coworker tried to tell me it is okay to steal supplies from work.)
God is okay with testing people. Testing has a wide range of uses in the Bible. God is not okay with people doing what they know is wrong.
James is clear on this point and we need to be, too.
Application: Understand that God is always true to His nature. He is ultimately good and only He is good. (Mark 10:18)
Food for Thought: Why do people sometimes think that God is tempting them?
I think as limited and sinful humans we can get confused by who is doing the tempting. It can be our own sinful desires. It can be our spiritual enemy. But it will never be God. He is our helper in this battle. If we turn to Him, He will provide a way out (1 Corinthians 10: 13). If we fall to temptation, He provides yet again (1 John 1: 9 – 2:2).
Thank you, Rich! Excellent clarity of God’s view of this in your Bible references. Much appreciated!