13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. 15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.
James 1:13-16 (NAS)
God tests us us, but he does not tempt us, and He cannot be tempted. This means that when temptation comes, it is not from God.
We already know that Satan can tempt (Jesus in wilderness) and Satan can be tempted. Since God cannot tempt, it was Satan’s pride that did him in (Isaiah 14:13).
It therefore follows that if God does not tempt us, Satan must, or more likely his proxy, the world (flesh, eyes, pride).
God is everywhere, Satan is not. It is conceivable, I guess, for Satan to direct his sole attention to me (like he did with Eve and Jesus and Job and Peter) but more than likely sin is accomplished when I am carried away and enticed by my own lust.
Tests can become temptations. Blessed is the person who perseveres through trials (James 1:12).
Stand firm against the schemes of the devil (Ephesians 6:13).
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