What causes us to think that God leads us into temptation? Sometimes God sees fit that we should be tempted objectively through His divine providence or provision, which though good in themselves, offer occasions within us to be tempted to sin. If and when these occasions arise, we ask that we may not yield to them, or if we yield, that we may not be absolutely overcome by them. The things that make us vulnerable to these occasions are self-righteousness, self-reliance, self-confidence, and complacency.

Luke 22:31-32 And the Lord said, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”

This example illustrates that God sometimes permits Satan to tempt us. God does this not only to show us what is within us, but also to show Satan that the perfect work of grace is able to withstand all that he can throw at us. When God does not restrain Satan (and He is under no obligation to do so), we are sometimes seen as wheat on the threshing floor. (Job 1:8; 2:3)

1 Corinthians 5:4-5 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

Sometimes God allows Satan to chasten us in order to change our course or direction. This is shown by having the devil rule and reign over the unrepentant sinner or backslider in heart, allowing the devil to lead the sinner into further sin because of his stubbornness and rebellion. God allows this to happen in order to drive us back to Him or to Him for the first time, to humble us, and to glorify Himself by manifesting more fully to us His ability to preserve us by His power, mercy, and grace. (2 Timothy 2:25-26; Jude 22-23; 2 Peter 2:12-13)

Now the obvious question arises—why are we tested?

First, He tries us or tests us in order to reveal to us our weakness and our deep need of His grace. 2 Chronicles 32:31, “However, regarding the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, whom they sent to him to inquire about the wonder that was done in the land, God withdrew from him, in order to test him, that He might know all that was in his heart.”

Second, He allows the testing because of our need to recognize our need of Him. Psalms 119:117, “Hold me up, and I shall be safe, and I shall observe Your statutes continually.”

Third, God allows us to be tested in order to teach us our need to be watchful and prayerful. Luke 21:34-36, “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”  Luke 22:40, “When He came to the place, He said to them, ‘Pray that you may not enter into temptation.’”

Fourth, God allows us to be tested in order to cure laziness. We, because of God’s goodness, sometimes fall prey to complacency or take for granted His wonderful provision. We then, as the scriptures state, fall asleep in the light. Ephesians 5:14, “Therefore He says: ‘Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.’”

Last, God allows us to be tested to show us the importance of the armor of God, that our enemies are never flesh and blood but instead are the rulers of this world. Remember that this world is under the dominion of the devil. Ephesians 6:11-18, “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints…”