James: The Source of Temptation
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9 Let the brother of humble circumstances boast in his exaltation, 10 but let the rich boast in his humiliation because he will pass away like a flower of the field. 11 For the sun rises and, together with the scorching wind, dries up the grass; its flower falls off, and its beautiful appearance perishes. In the same way, the rich person will wither away while pursuing his activities. 12 Blessed is the one who endures trials, because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. 13 No one undergoing a trial should say, “I am being tempted by God,” since God is not tempted by evil, and he himself doesn’t tempt anyone. 14 But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desire. 15 Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death.
Welcome:
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Men’s Retreat: June 23-24
The relevance of the topic temptations
What Is Temptation? Where does it come from?
How do we overcome it?
V. 9-11
James draws a clear distinction and connection between trials and temptations.
V. 12
To James, trials for the believer are not optional.
Trials are the christians pathway to eternal life.
10 But you have followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, and endurance, 11 along with the persecutions and sufferings that came to me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. What persecutions I endured—and yet the Lord rescued me from them all. 12 In fact, all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.
33 I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.”
10 Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. Look, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will experience affliction for ten days. Be faithful to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.
13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
Every trial is a test of our love for God. Do we really love Him more than anything else? Do we love Him, even when we have nothing? (Job)
V.13
Although trials and temptations are not the same, they are connected, and it is of great importance for us to understand this connection if we are to get the “full benefit” of our trials.
Temptations are not trials.
Trials have a way of bringing to the surface that which lies hidden during more comfortable times. Especially those things within us which have yet to be transformed by God’s grace.
The problem is not the trial, the trial simply brought out what was already there.
Illustration: Surgery
God is always willing to cause His children pain, if it will bring them to Life.
Christ is not willing to leave us in the state that He finds us.
V. 14
Temptation is the enticement of our own evil desire, which when given into, produces sin.
The source of temptation is desire.
Personal Illustration: addiction
It is a humbling thing to realize that “I” am the problem.
V.15
3 Stages of Temptation
The best way to overcome temptation is to catch it while its young.
Illustration: Weeds in a Garden
When faced with temptation there is a time to flee and a time to fight.
2 Timothy 2:22, Ephesians 6:11
The only way to overcome evil desire, is with a greater love.
If ever we will grow to hate our sin, we must love Him more!