Are temptations a sin ...?

Question

... if one has not acted on them?

If this is untrue, if homosexuality remains in the thoughts of someone, but is not acted out, does that mean the person has not sinned? And does not need repentance for this?

How would God respond?

Disclaimer: I am 100% heterosexual woman. But I have a close relative who seeks resolution on this matter. We seek answers from the intelligent R&S community. Thanks all!

lol. thx drew. catholic nostalgia sure doesn't hurt. believe me, its harder to talk God to a relative than to a stranger. i'm still 100% heterosexual tho. my hubby can prove it =^D

Answer 1

Temptations are not sin. It's what we do with them that is sin. Homosexual feelings and desires are not sin. It is the behavior of acting on them that is sin. Wanting to sleep with someone before you're married is not sin. Acting on that desire is sin. Wanting to have an adulterous affair is not sin, but acting on that desire is.

One qualifier here is that Jesus warned against the thoughts we allow to roll around in our heads. He said that lusting after another man's wife is equal to the sin of adultery. Paul warns us to "take every thought captive." So whatever sinful desires we face, we are to denounce them, cut them off, and focus on those things that are "true, lovely" and honoring to God.

I have known Christian men who struggle with temptation towards homosexuality but choose to abstain as God calls them to do. We are all called to abstain from behaviors that are contrary to God's commands, but our society does not respect self-denial, especially in the area of sex, so abstaining requires determination, focus, and faith that God really knows what he is talking about.

I recently read an article in "Discipleship" magazine where a man talked about how he was using denying his homosexual desires as a catalyst for spiritual growth in his life. He used those desires to force himself into the presence of God every moment of every day, and because of that, he is becoming a competely transformed person from the inside out.

Blessings

Answer 2

Let us use the relationship between a man and woman for example. The Bible states that if a man looks upon a woman with lust, then he has committed adultery with her in his heart. This is a sin. So the same principle applies with homosexual thoughts.

The emphasis is on lusts. Not all temptations are sins however, it is how one thinks and reacts toward the temptation. If you are tempted to do something and not tempted by that temptation nor act upon it then, I don't think it is a sin.

The Bible clearly says that we will not be tempted beyond our capibilities. Yet there is a way to escape the temptation. Jesus was tempted by the devil. In some cases temptations aren't temptations as much as they are trials.

A good concordance will help you find the scriptures you need to completely answer this question.
Your close relative needs to repent of those thoughts. So I'd say that if they keep remaining in his/her thoughts is a sin.

Answer 3

Mark 14:38 and Luke 22:40 six Jesus instructed them to wish lest they fall into temptation. Luke 8:13 talks of temptation. a million Corinthians 10:13 tells us God provides a fashion out of temptation. different scripture on temptation: Galatians 4:14, 1Timothy 6:9, James a million:2, 2Peter 2:9. additionally Luke 11:4, Acts 20:19, and Revelation 3:10.

Answer 4

Temptation in of itself is not a sin. Even Jesus was tempted, but He never sinned.

But one can sin in their thoughts. So sinful thoughts should be repented for.

How would God respond? Well God would want one to first accept Him as their Lord and Savior, so that they may be completely forgiven and free from all condemnation. Then that person should focus on God Himself, not sin. As a person seeks God and gets to know Him as a person, God will change them and work on their sin issues. But God does say "Seek first the kingsom of God and then all of these things shall be added unto you." He wants a personal relationship with us. Not just a bunch of people running around crazy trying to follow rules.

The book of Romans is really good about spelling all of this out.

Good luck and many blessings.

Answer 5

g...

i thought you used to be catholic? you should understand the difference between actual sin, original sin, and temptation... booooo!!! lol

Jesus was tempted by the devil, yet he did not sin. a temptation is merely a sinful thought that passes through the mind. if it is rejected immediately, and not dwelled upon, there is no sin, and thus, no need to repent (although i repent anyway, just to stay safe. lol).

if you dwell on this sinful thought, it becomes an original sin (''if any man looks upon a woman to lust after her, he has comitted adultery in his heart.''), and that sin must be dealt with accordingly.

if you act upon that sinful thought, the original sin becomes an actual sin. it's said that a sin is comitted twice: once in thought, and again in word or deed.

and no, i'm not catholic, i'm lutheran... that's basically like being diet-catholic, so that's why i know a lot of catholic terminology. i hope this helps.

nice disclaimer, by the way. lol

peace

Answer 6

No temptation is not a sin. Jesus was tempted but he never sinned.

Mark 1:13 " And he ( Jesus) was there in the wilderness forty days, TEMPTED of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.

Hebrews 4:15 " For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; BUT was in all points TEMPTED like as we are, yet without sin."

To be tempted is not a sin. It is when you give into that temptation and carry it out that is when it becomes a sin.

James 1:14 " But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. ( This is temptation)

James 1:15 " THEN when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." ( This is falling into temptation and giving in now it is sin.)

God Bless You

Answer 7

Dr. G:

Many have touched on temptation, like Jesus was tempted in all ways, in their responses, but few have provided the remedy.

When we offer the Lord's prayer, we say "Lead us not into temptation." And God does not do this, but Satan and our own inclinations do.

Would a reformed drunk associate with drunkares and remain free for long? How about a womanizer like Swaggard, he delved into pornography until it captivated him again and again.

Someone who has been an drug addict needs to flee like Joseph did from temptations we have fallen to before.

Remember, what we were is in a lesser degree what we still are subconsciously--and those skeletons will continue to rap on the closet door until we are changed to holy flesh in the resurrection.

God wishes us to have the mastery over ourselves. But He cannot help us without our consent and co-operation. The divine Spirit works through the powers and faculties given to man. Of ourselves, we are not able to bring the purposes and desires and inclinations into harmony with the will of God; but if we are "willing to be made willing," the Saviour will accomplish this for us, "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." 2 Corinthians 10:5.

And, read about the Bible code as it unfolds the only part of the Bible that says you can not understand it "until the end of the days." Select http://abiblecode.tripod.com

Blessings and AGAPE, Balaam

Answer 8

Being tempted is NOT a sin. FALLING as a result of being tempted IS a sin.

Jesus was tempted BY THE DEVIL to turn stones into bread, to bow down to receive the world's riches, but he OVERCAME the devil with it is written---the WORD OF GOD.

The Bible tells us also that Christ was tempted while He hung on Calvaries cross. The religious leaders tempted Him by demanding Him to come down from the cross.

Imagine if Jesus FELL to those temptations, there would be no hope for mankind. And He overcame as the SECOND ADAM according to 1 Corinthians. If He overcame while living as a man, it is an example that the sons and daughters of Adam and Eve can overcome as well.

Many homosexuals have given their lives to Christ----- and given up the sin of homosexuality. It is a sin like every other and can be dealt with when someone comes in contact with Christ, or else there is no power in the blood.

If there is an exception for homosexuals, than there is exception for every Christian in their sins. But Jesus came to take away sin.

Many churches are afraid to deal with the matter. They are afraid of hurting feelings so they may allow homosexuals to become members and become very active within. But in church who is true to Christ and His word the BIble----will NOT allow any homosexuals to become members of their church, but visitors only; they also will NOT allow them be active. It seem like a cruel thing to do, but if you take the time to read the new testament to see how the apostolic church delt with sin in the church, we would understand. It is for their good and the good of the church for Christ's sake and the gospel sake. In other words everything IS AT STAKE when the people of God DO NOT DO WHAT IS RIGHT ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE.

God LOVES the sinner, but HATES the sin. ------Isaiah 59:1,2

Answer 9

Temptation is not a sin, it is how you respond that can potentially be the sin. If you are having thoughts of sinning, then you need to seek God's help. Really, really pray and do everything in your power to keep from falling into this sinful pattern. If you do this, you are not sinning. God knows your heart.

Answer 10

Temptation itself is not a sin. Jesus was tempted in every way, but did not sin.

It is when we act on these thoughts, or even entertain them. If we are being tempted we must ask for a way out for deliverance from the temptation. Pray, read the scriptures, think on things that draw you to God, not away from Him.