God causes the temptations of the godly to work for their good. By Thomas Watson

Romans chapter 8 verse 28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose.

Among the many trials the Lord appoints for his people, few are as relentless and distressing as temptation. The Christian is not merely opposed by the world and the flesh, but by a personal, malicious enemy. Satan is rightly called the tempter. He is restless, strategic, and cruel, ever-watching, ever-waiting, ever-laying snares for the saints. Yet even here, Scripture speaks with settled certainty. Temptation itself is sovereignly overruled by God for the good of those who love Him.

The devil's methods are both violent and subtle. As a dragon, he assaults the soul with fiery darts, blasphemous thoughts, doubts of God's goodness, and suggestions that strike at the very foundations of faith. Like the old serpent, he is cunning beyond measure. He studies temperament, times his attacks, disguises sin in religious language, and sometimes delivers poison in a golden cup. Yet for all his craft, Satan remains a creature under restraint. He can propose objects, stir the imagination, and excite remaining corruption. But he cannot force the will, nor can he move one inch beyond the limits God has set.

Here the comfort of Romans 8 verse 28 shines with peculiar brightness. Temptation does not escape God's providence. The same Lord who permits the assault also governs its outcome. Like a tree shaken by fierce winds, the believer becomes more deeply rooted. What Satan intends for ruin, God intends for refinement.

First, temptation drives the soul to prayer. When the enemy presses hard, the saint flees faster to the throne of grace. For this, I implored the Lord three times, Paul says of Satan's buffeting. Temptation exposes our weakness, strips away self-confidence, and teaches us to cry. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. That which sends us to prayer cannot ultimately harm us.

Second, temptation strengthens resistance to sin. The more fiercely the devil urges, the more clearly the believer learns to hate the evil set before him. Joseph's refusal was sharpened, not softened, by the persistence of temptation. God turns Satan's spur into a bridle, making the soul recoil from the very sins it is urged to commit.

Third, temptation humbles pride. Paul's thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, was given so that he would not exalt himself. Far better to be humbled by temptation than proud of success. God will sooner allow a saint to feel their frailty than to trust their own strength.

Fourth, temptation tests and proves grace. The devil tempts to destroy, but God permits temptation to reveal sincerity. Faith is shown not in the absence of battle, but in steadfast resistance. Courage shines brightest when the conflict is fiercest.

Fifth, temptation equips believers to comfort others. Those who have wrestled with the enemy are best suited to warn, guide, and encourage fellow pilgrims. We are not ignorant of his schemes. The scars of battle become instruments of mercy.

Sixth, temptation draws forth the tender compassion of Jesus. He himself was tempted in that which he has suffered. He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted. When the soul is bruised, Christ intercedes. When the battle rages, grace is supplied.

Seventh, temptation loosens our attachment to this world and makes us long for heaven. Here on earth, the fight never ends. There, the enemy is forever silenced. The weary soldier looks for the crown.

Even when a believer is temporarily overcome, it works for his spiritual good. Peter's fall shattered his pride and produced deeper humility, greater watchfulness, and truer dependence on Jesus. Thus the old serpent is continually outwitted by divine wisdom. Temptation becomes a crosswind that carries the saints toward glory. The enemy rages, but Jesus reigns. And the God who permits the battle ensures the victory.

Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.