What Is the Difference Between Trials and Temptations?

“Have we trials and temptations, is there trouble everywhere?”

These lines from this famous hymn “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” written by Joseph M. Scriven lay out the human condition well. At every turn it seems there is a sudden problem, or bad habits creep in, and it feels like our walks are set back. Sometimes a tragedy strikes so great our faith shakes. Though they may feel the same, there is a distinct difference between a trial and a temptation. Discerning between moments of trials versus moments of temptation is an important element of the Christian life, and can guide believers in their quest to follow God’s will.   

What Is a Trial vs. a Temptation?

While many know the Book of James for its discussion of good works, it provides one of the most concise definitions of a trial. In James 1:2-3, the Bible says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,  for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” So a trial is a testing of our faith. It is a moment used by God for our growth, and to draw us closer to Him. Trials come in many forms, but they typically come in the form of an outside force beyond the individual’s control. Illness, fire, accidents, and job loss are easily recognizable as bad moments in life, but God is sovereign over those times. 

Temptation by comparison, is internal. Individuals can only be tempted with that which is individually tempting to that person. Some struggle with stealing, some with lust, others with lying. Once again the book of James clarifies in chapter 1 verse 14, “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.” While one person may be able to walk by an expensive bracelet with no compulsion to slip it into their pocket, another may wrestle with an impulse to shoplift. Temptation strikes where someone is weakest. God never tempts us: “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one” (James 1:13).

Biblical Illustrations of Testing vs. Temptation

The Book of Job illustrates both the external nature of trials, as well as God’s sovereignty over them. Job, a devout man, lived with his large family, blessed by God with a comfortable life. Satan came before God, challenging Job’s devotion, and thereby challenging God. This is recorded in Job 1:9-11: “Then Satan answered the Lord and said, ‘Does Job fear God for no reason? Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.’” God allows Satan to take away Job’s children and wealth, and even to inflict boils and sores on him. By the end of the book, Job has gained a greater understanding of who God is, and the Lord carries Him through the trial, blessing Him even more than before.

By contrast, one of the great examples of temptation came from the man after God’s own heart - King David. Despite being married, being king, and having children, David succumbed to lust when he saw the beautiful Bathsheba bathing. She had not been bathing to gain his attention and they were both married. It was the internal desire to have Bathsheba for himself that drove David. Caving to temptation, however, led to further temptation. When Bathsheba became pregnant, David tried to cover up his sin by giving her husband Uriah time away from the battlefield, hoping he would go to his wife, and thus think the child was his own. Uriah, however, “slept at the entrance to the palace with all his master’s servants, and did not go down to his house” (2 Samuel 11:9). Fear compelled David to send Uriah to the front lines of battle, effectively murdering him. David’s temptation led from sin to sin, and further away from God.

How Christians Are to Respond

Trials are a time for us to draw closer to God, to lean on Him, and to seek His will. James 1:12 states, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:4 reinforces this thought: “And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” Christians are being refined by God in their trials. It is easy to become fearful, doubt-filled, and anxious, as we wait for a doctor’s report, a job, a prodigal to return to the fold. However, just as James reminded the Jewish Christians who were fleeing persecution, we are reminded to count it all joy! Trials are opportunities to glorify God.

By contrast, the Bible uses one word over and over again when telling believers how to respond to temptation. Flee. “So flee youthful passions” (2 Timothy 2:22); “flee from sexual immorality” (1 Corinthians 6:18); “flee from idolatry” (1 Corinthians 10:14); and the list could continue. It does not mean that temptation will not be a struggle, that it is not going to be difficult. It will be, but when the Christian sees temptation at the door, he or she should fight to avoid the snare. There is also a blessed reminder in 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Christ died and we are forgiven if we will come to Him in repentance.

Understanding all of this, it can still be difficult to discern when we are being tempted, and when we are being tried. Sometimes the temptation comes in the trial, wanting to respond in anger, rather than in a Christ-like fashion. Ultimately, the best way to discern between the trials and temptations is to take the advice of Joseph M. Scriven, the great hymn writer, and “take it to the Lord in prayer.” Go to God with your trials and temptations, and He will guide you best.

Sources

Background for the Hymn: Guillet, Edwin C., "Community Life: Religion", The Valley of the Trent, Chapter IX, page 301. The Champlain Society, 1957.

Background on the Book of James: John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck, The Bible Knowledge Commentary. USA Victor Books, 1987.

Photo credit: Getty Images/Milkos

Bethany Verrett is a free-lance writer. She graduated from Christopher Newport University with a Bachelor of Arts in English and from Tiffin University with a Masters of Humanities.