Ask Your Preacher - Archives
“Genetic Temptation”
Categories: GOD, RELATIONSHIPS, SELFWhat does the Bible say about genetic predispositions to sin? Isn't it true that we are all tempted equally but in different ways? Isn't this a slippery slope? Wouldn't a child molester be able to use this thin defense?
Sincerely, Victim Mentality
Dear Victim Mentality,
People have predispositions toward different types of sin. It takes only a short observation of people’s personalities to see that everyone is different. We all have unique struggles and temptations. Peter struggled to confess Christ (Matt 26:75). David struggled with lust (2 Sam 11:2). Paul struggled with being stubborn (Acts 26:14). Thomas struggled with doubt (Jhn 20:24-25). One brother might struggle with keeping his temper, while another never has that problem.
These predispositions don’t remove responsibility. Peter was condemned for denying Christ, and then Peter grew to have the courage to preach Christ (Acts 2:14). Judas had the same problem of denying Christ, and he never repented (Acts 1:25). Everyone has a choice. We are not all tempted equally. I have no doubt that Jesus had much stronger temptation in His life than we ever will. We are, however, never tempted beyond what we can bear, and God always provides a way of escape from sin (1 Cor 10:13). There is no excuse for living a sinful life (Rom 2:1-2).
