Tests come from God, but temptation or the enticement to sin comes from what's inside of our hearts. Every trial is a test that can move you toward the crown of life, but it can also could push you toward death. To deal with temptation we must deal with our underlying desires and reorient them to a new love.

There are two spiritual tests highlighted in these passages: good times and bad times. These circumstances show our sin in general or our idols in particular. We can choose whether to deal with them or deny them, but we will not stay the same.