The quick answer to this question is that God most certainly does not make us sin.
James 1:13 (KJV) says, “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man.” Now, God allows temptations to come our way, but He is not the one doing the tempting. We are told in 1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV) that “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” With every temptation that God allows to come, He provides a way out.
In Job we know that Satan had to come before God and request permission to do the things he did to Job. Despite God allowing infliction and pain to happen, God ultimately permitted evil to happen, in order to work out a greater good. Job received double for what he had lost because he remained faithful to God: “After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before” (Job 42:10 NIV).
When we are tempted to sin, it is usually a temptation that is rooted in our flesh, this world, or is demonic. Never, in the history of mankind, does God make us sin; for we know in Proverbs 6:16-19 (NIV) that “There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.”
God hates sin and it is an abomination in His sight. Glory be to Him, however, that through the blood and atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, He is able to forgive us of our sins. Not only that, but what the enemy and others meant for evil, God is able to use for good (Genesis 50:20).
God is the Ultimate King, Ruler and Authority. Praise be to Him for using the born-again believer's past as a testimony of His saving grace that continues to change us each day. Glory be to Him for His kindness and mercies, despite our failures and setbacks.
Lance VanTine