8/18/2019
James 1:13-18
Temptation
James 1:13-15 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
Temptation—a pressure on us to exceed the limitations God has placed upon us
Who is tempted? All Of Us!
- Matthew 4
- Mark 1
- Luke 4
Temptation is not a sin
Temptation is not from God
- 1 John 1:5 “God is Light, and in Him is no darkness at all”
- Habakkuk 1:13a Your eyes are too pure to approve evil, and You cannot look on wickedness with favor”
Why are we tempted?
Where does temptation come from?
James 1:14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.
Temptation comes from within
- Not a “test” (see James 1:3)
- Romans 7:18
- Romans 7:25
The first step is always to arouse desire, to create a hunger, a lure or enticement.
Course
James 1:15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin;
Sin: Outside of or contrary to God’s will
Sin is fun!
Sin is a choice!
…and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
Death: separation from God
- Romans 6:23
- Galatians 6:7-8
Sin’s pleasure is temporary
- Hebrews 11:25
- Proverbs 20:17
Avoiding temptation
- 1 Corinthians 10:13
- 1 Peter 5:8-9
- 2 Timothy 2:22
- James 4:7
Recovering from sin – confess and repent
Confess
- James 5:16
- 1 John 1:9
- Psalm 51:1-4
Repent
- “a change of purpose, an inward turning away from sin”
Final Word
James 1:16-18