Gen Z vs. Temptation: PART I

Darkness comes. In the middle of it, the future looks blank. The temptation to quit is huge. Don't. You are in good company... You will argue with yourself that there is no way forward. But with God, nothing is impossible. He has more ropes and ladders and tunnels out of pits than you can conceive. Wait. Pray without ceasing. Hope. - John Piper

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Temptation Defined

First, we must understand the difference between a “test” and “temptation”:

1. In the Bible, a "test" is a situation God allows or sends to reveal the true nature of someone's character and faith.

   1. Often, it is to strengthen our dependence on GOD and our spiritual majority.

2. Alternatively, a "temptation" is an enticement to sin.

   1. The majority of our temptations come from satan/the devil.

   2. Temptations are designed to lead someone to disobey GOD and His will for them, AND weaken their faith

Essentially, GOD "tests" to strengthen & refine, while Satan "tempts" to destroy.

3. Key points to remember about the differences between tests and temptations:

   1. The Source:

      1. GOD is the source of tests

      2. Satan is the source of temptations.

   2. The Intent:

      1. GOD's intention in a test is to reveal and strengthen character

      2. Satan's intent in a temptation is to lead to sin and weakness.

   3. The Outcome:

      1. Successfully overcoming a test leads to spiritual growth and dependence on GOD.

      2. Succumbing to temptation leads to spiritual decline.

4. Biblical Example: Tests vs. Temptation

   1. Test: Genesis 22:1-18: The story of Abraham being asked to sacrifice Isaac was a test, as GOD was evaluating Abraham's faith and obedience.

   2. Temptation: Matthew 4:1-11: When JESUS was tempted by satan in the wilderness, the temptations were designed to lead Him to sin.

IMPORTANT: Temptation is NOT Sin.

Genesis 3:1-19: “The Temptation AND the Fall”: The temptation to sin has been universal throughout human history; no one has ever been exempt from it or from the consequences of yielding to it.

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Gen Z’s Greatest Temptations

Root of Teen’s Temptations Today:

Different from adults and children, the greatest and fiercest temptations that come up against teens today center around the following:

• Personal Beliefs & Interests

• Relationships

• Navigating the balance between “fitting in” and staying true to themselves.

“But know this: Hard times will come in the last days. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, proud, demeaning, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, without love for what is good, traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to the form of godliness but denying its power. Avoid these people.” - 2 Timothy 3:1-5 (CSB)

Top Temptations for Today’s Youth/Gen Z:

1. Narcissism

   1. “Lovers of self”... aka “selfish”: seeing everything from a “how does this affect me?” perspective. Putting the interests of self before anyone and anything else.

   2. “Lovers of money”... aka “greedy, materialistic, etc.”

   3. “Lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of GOD” =

      1. “Reckless”

      2. “Without self-control”

      3. “Without love for what is good”

   4. “Demeaning (hurtful towards others): Disobedient to parents; Unloving; Irreconcilable (unforgiving/incompatible); Slanderers; Brutal; Traitors.”

      1. This includes “exploitation”: using others as stepping stones or tools for one's gain, and “manipulation” = “They will go on pretending to be devoted to God, but they will refuse to let that “devotion” change the way they live. (ERV)”

   5. “Proud; Boastful”... aka “arrogance”: the belief that one is smarter, more loved, more spiritual, or better than others, & “entitlement”: the belief that one deserves certain things and that others should do things for them.

   6. “Ungrateful”... aka envious of what others have; never satisfied.

Social media platforms can encourage self-centered behaviors, like posting endless pictures of yourself and seeking constant validation through likes and comments.

2. Peer Pressure, Need for Approval, & Fear of Rejection

   1. The fear of being judged or rejected by your peers can be a powerful temptation, influencing decisions to conform or hide your true self.

   2. Caring more about the opinion of sinful man (peers/coaches/parents/strangers) than the opinion of GOD.

   3. The temptation to prioritize external validation over your authentic self-worth (who GOD says you are!)

3. Pornography & Sexuality

   1. With the prevalence of sexual content in media and conversations with friends, you may feel the temptation to engage in sexual activities, even if you are not emotionally or mentally prepared.

   2. Pressured by political and social culture to challenge your sexuality, be it sexual orientation or sexual “fluidity”.

   3. Pornography has been determined to be as addictive as opioids, but it is rarely talked about. Instead, it is a “best-kept secret” of Gen Z.

4. Idolatry & Blasphemy

   1. Idolatry of Celebrities, Influencers, and others’ lives: With social media especially, it is easy to become fixated on the lives of influencers and celebrities ( ie: Taylor Swift). You might be tempted to imitate their lifestyles or feel envious of their seemingly perfect lives.

   2. Idolatry of Social Media (and other platforms such as podcasts): Prioritizing/ devoting more time to them than to and with GOD.

   3. Idolatry of relationships (especially romantic): Prioritizing that person and relationship over your own relationship with GOD.

   4. Blasphemy: In conversations with friends or online, you might feel the temptation to use disrespectful language such as using the LORD’s name in vain and/ or mocking religious beliefs and other Christians for voicing their beliefs.

5. Intolerance (one-way thinking), Judgementalness, & Bullying

6. Substance Abuse & Addiction

[CONTINUE TO PART II: Fighting Temptations...and winning!]