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temptation

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church | 2000 | | Copyright

temptation. The etymology of the word suggests a neutral meaning of ‘trying’ or ‘proving’. This primary sense is retained in the idea of God's tempting Abraham (Gen. 22: 1). It may also be the meaning of the word in the traditional version of the Lord's Prayer. In most passages of the NT and in present-day usage, however, it has the implication of incitement to sin. In this sense temptation seems to be part of man's experience, even before the Fall. The inclination to wrongful action is not sinful before consent. According to Jas., temptation is inherent in free will, but God does not permit it beyond what the soul can bear. The traditional sources of temptation are the world, the flesh, and the devil.

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E. A. LIVINGSTONE. "temptation." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church. 2000. Encyclopedia.com. 30 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

E. A. LIVINGSTONE. "temptation." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church. 2000. Encyclopedia.com. (May 30, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O95-temptation.html

E. A. LIVINGSTONE. "temptation." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church. 2000. Retrieved May 30, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O95-temptation.html

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Temptation

Allusions--Cultural, Literary, Biblical, and Historical: A Thematic Dictionary | 1986 | Copyright

635. Temptation

apple as fruit of the tree of knowledge in Eden, has come to epitomize temptation. [O.T.: Genesis 3:1–7; Br. Lit.: Paradise Lost ]
forbidden fruit God prohibits eating from Tree of Knowledge. [O.T.: Genesis 2:16–17]
Potiphar’s wife tried to induce Joseph to lie with her. [O.T.: Gen. 39]
quince symbol of temptation [Flower Symbolism: Flora Symbolica, 176]
Satan offers world to Jesus in exchange for His obeisance. [N.T.: Matthew 4:8–11]
serpent coaxes Eve to eat forbidden fruit. [O.T.: Genesis 3:1–5]
Zuleika name given in Arabian legend to Potiphar’s wife, who vainly tempted Joseph. [Arab. Legend: Benét, 1117]

Terror (See HORROR .)

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"Temptation." Allusions--Cultural, Literary, Biblical, and Historical: A Thematic Dictionary. 1986. Encyclopedia.com. 30 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"Temptation." Allusions--Cultural, Literary, Biblical, and Historical: A Thematic Dictionary. 1986. Encyclopedia.com. (May 30, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-2505500644.html

"Temptation." Allusions--Cultural, Literary, Biblical, and Historical: A Thematic Dictionary. 1986. Retrieved May 30, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-2505500644.html

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temptation

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English | 2009 | Copyright

temp·ta·tion / tem(p)ˈtāshən/ • n. a desire to do something, esp. something wrong or unwise: he resisted the temptation to call Celia at the office | we almost gave in to temptation. ∎ a thing or course of action that attracts or tempts someone: the temptations of life in New York. ∎ (the Temptation) the tempting of Jesus by the Devil (see Matt. 4).

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"temptation." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. 30 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"temptation." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. (May 30, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-temptation.html

"temptation." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Retrieved May 30, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-temptation.html

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Free newspaper and magazine articles

	Broccoli, chocolate and temptation. Magazine article from: Presbyterian Record; 3/1/1998
	God knows all temptations and helps people overcome.(Culture, Et Cetera)(The... Newspaper article from: The Washington Times (Washington, DC); 3/17/1997
	TEMPTATION; Tantalising ways to free yourself from its curse . . . Newspaper article from: Daily Mail (London); 12/1/1997