So far we’ve seen stability in trials and trust. Today we will look at stability during temptation. Everyone is tempted. Temptation is the common experience of every human being…non-Christian or Christian. One ancient writer said that even when we are saved, we must remember that our baptism did not drown our flesh. Temptation is common to every man…every man is tempted.
3. Faith That Works Produces Stability During Times of .
“Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” (James 1:13-15)
“Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.” (James 1:16-18)
- The About Temptation.
“Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.” (James 1:13)
a. God is holy and be .
Apo means remote, distant, an indirect relationship.
Hupo means near or direct agency, the one who actually is doing it.
Here James uses apo, remote. What is he saying? He is saying, not only is God not directly involved in any enticement to sin, but He is not even remotely involved with it!
“God is of such unmixed holiness that it is impossible for Him to be enticed by sin. He is of such unmixed goodness in His attitudes and actions that there is no room in motive, will, or deed for that which would bring disaster, great or small, on any of His children.” – J. A. Motyer
b. God desires his to be . God does not .
2. The of Temptation (14-16).
“But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers.” (James 1:14-16)
My Nature.
The problem is not the without; the problem is the within.
My Nature.
The Process of Temptation and Sin:
- – emotions.
- – mind.
- – will.
- – behavior.
- – result.
3. The From Temptation (17-18).
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.” (James 1:17-18)
“Thus says the Lord God of Israel, ‘It is I who anointed you king over Israel and it is I who delivered you from the hand of Saul. I also gave you your master’s house and your master’s wives into your care, and I gave you the house of Israel and Judah; and if that had been too little, I would have added to you many more things like these!’” (2 Samuel 12:7-8)
His goodness is .
His goodness is .
His goodness is .
A fat fish takes no bait.