XXVIII. Искушение

“Blessed is the man who endures temptation, for, having been tried, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:12). “Be sober and watchful, because your adversary the devil walks around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Pet. 5:8). Temptation to those who are vigilant is better and more beneficial than rest (Conversation 5 to the people of Antioch). It is not temptation, but the negligence of those who are tempted that causes destruction (Conversation 4 to the people of Antioch). There is no greater temptation than to fall into the hands of a treacherous person (Psalm 119). Temptation, even if it was long-term, is appropriate to endure (On Psalm 145). God sends temptation for the sake of testing (Conversation about Daniel, chapter 6). Those who are good in temptation are the best (Conversation on the words: “And seven women will lay hold of one man” - (Is. 4:1)). It is appropriate to patiently endure all temptations (Conversation 13 on the Evangelist Matthew, chapter 14). In temptations, we must keep the following in mind: when we suffer from the evil ones, we look to our Leader and Finisher of our faith (Conversation 17 on the Evangelist John, chapter 15). Adversity and temptation make us clean (Conversation 33 on the Acts of the Apostles, chapter 15). In temptations one must fast (Conversation 31 on the Acts of the Apostles, chapter 14). In temptations, a great weapon is prayer (Conversation 3 on the Acts of the Apostles, chapter 1). There is no need to be afraid of temptations because God stands for us (Conversation 15 on the Epistle to the Romans, chapter 8). Temptations bring great benefits (Conversation 54 on the Acts of the Apostles, chapter 28). First. The Holy Scripture testifies to how hostile our enemy Satan is: he tempts our faith, our love, and our hope. Tempts faith by introducing doubt, unbelief, all heresies, schisms, apostasy; tempts love, turning our will away from the creation of God’s commandments and all enmity between us; tempts hope, leading us to despair of eternal life and promised benefits. Second. Every temptation, although it comes from Satan, is not without God’s permission. Christ says: “Simon! Simon! Behold, Satan has asked that he might sift you like wheat” (Luke 22:31). The story of righteous Job shows the same thing. Third. Temptation leaves none of the faithful: if Christ the Son of God was tempted three times by Satan, as the Gospel testifies, how much more are His faithful tempted. Fourth. Temptations come to us by God's permission for a good end. 1. In temptation, God shows us to ourselves what we are and what we are inclined towards, for good or for evil; what we philosophize, carnal or spiritual; what lies in our hearts, the love of God or the love of this world. 2. In temptation, a person recognizes his weakness and damnation and thus humbles himself. “A thorn was given to me in the flesh,” says the Apostle Paul, “an angel of Satan, to buffet me, so that I would not become arrogant” (2 Cor. 12:7). 3. In temptation, if it is endured, the tempter is put to shame, like a weak man overcome by God’s grace, and the man is crowned. Fifth. Help against temptation indeed. 1. Turn the mind immediately to something else useful and to holy meditation. 2. You can say to the tempter what Archangel Michael said to the devil: “The Lord rebuke you” (Jude 1:9). 3. Protect yourself with the sign of the cross and arm yourself with the power of the crucified Christ. 4. Turn away from the tempter and spit on him. – Look also at the discussion about sin and temptations. Sixth. It is not a good sign if someone does not feel temptation, for the tempter does not touch the one whom he sees as submissive to his will, and therefore under his power. A warrior does not fight against someone who submits to him, but who stands and arms against him; and the robber does not attack the beggar, but the rich. Heed this, everyone, and do not rejoice because you do not feel temptation, but look around in what state you are. Seventh. It often happens that the tempter retreats for a while and leaves us alone, but then we are faced with greater temptation, for then he suddenly, unexpectedly attacks us, and not from the side from which we hope, so we must always expect it. Why does the Apostle Peter arm us: “Be sober, be vigilant,” and so on, and the Apostle Paul: “Take heed and tread carefully” (1 Pet. 5:8, Eph. 5:15). Eighth. After the temptation and the victory won, one must not attribute it to oneself, but to thank God and Him for not allowing the enemy to laugh, for it is also the devil’s wiles that after the victory won over him, he introduces arrogance and vanity. Ninth. If you happen to be tempted, you should not despair, but immediately rise up, repent, and correct yourself, and strive even more fervently, calling on God’s help. For our life is a battle, in which first one side, then the other, wounds, persecutes, and wins. You might be interested in: