Temptation definition

Temptation means to "put to the proof" -- for good or for malicious purpose.
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Temptation is the Greek peirasmos and means "testing." It refers not so much to solicitation to evil as to trials that test the character. God does not test (peirasmos) anyone (James 1:13-14). Why then do we need to pray that He will not lead us into testing? Even though God is not the instrumental cause of our testing He does permit us to experience temptation from the world, the flesh, and the devil (cf. Matthew 4:1; Genesis 22:1; Deuteronomy 8:2). Therefore this petition is a request that He minimize the occasions of our testing that may result in our sinning. It articulates the repentant disciple's felt weakness to stand up under severe trials in view of our sinfulness (cf. Proverbs 30:7-9). [Note: Rick W. Byargeon, "Echoes of Wisdom in the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13)," Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 41:3 (September 1998):353-65.]
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Examples of Temptation in a sentence

  • Jewish Citizenship in France: The Temptation of Being among One's Own.

  • These features of ▇▇▇▇▇▇’s thought are taken up and expanded by ▇▇▇▇▇▇ in her introduction to The Temptation to Exist.

  • From Neutrality to Non-Belligerence: the Temptation to Enter the War.

  • It is in this sense of being hostage that he says “[t]he I before the other is infinitely responsible.”132 The human other, whose face “signifies” or opens to us this indeclinable order, provokes an ethical movement in consciousness which involves an 129 Emmanuel Levinas, “The Temptation of Temptation” (1971), in Nine Talmudic Readings, translated by Annette Aronowicz (Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1990), 42.

  • Any such termination shall become effective 30 days after such Notice of Temptation is given, unless within such 30-day period the physician referred to above certifies in writing that Executive is no longer impaired and is capable of discharging the essential functions of his job.