The Truth About Temption v2

NTRODUCTION: 1 minutes

Last week we began our series on the Book of James — we looked at James 1:1-12

James, the brother of Jesus, and one of the leaders of the Church in Jerusalem — writes a letter to his Christian Jewish brothers who were dispersed all throughout the Roman Empire

He encourages them to rejoice — even though they were undergoing severe hardships and trials

He tells them that the testing of their faith serves a greater purpose — One of perseverance — until they reach a maturity in the faith that will render them complete and not lacking anything

So the main takeaway from James 1:1-12 is that the tests and trials that we face in this world as Christians — are not only good for us in the long run — but even necessary for our spiritual growth.

THE SOLUTION: Transition into objective of sermon 2 minute

Today we pick it up from where we left off last week in James chapter 1, and we’re going to read verses 13-18

Read James 1:13-18

James 1:13–18 NIV

13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. 16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

In verse 13 we see James make a transition from trials to temptation

What’s interesting is that in the Greek — the word for trials — is the same as the word for temptation — the word Peirasmos

Both are from the same root word — the word Peira — which has to do with testing or experimenting

Both trials and temptations can be viewed as a test — But here in verse 13, James wants to make it clear, that there is a stark difference in the type of testing he is now talking about

Transition to next point: Today we are going the expose temptation for what it is — As we learn The Truth about Temptation

1. The Cause 6 minutes

The First thing that James addresses about temptation is The Cause

James 1:13–14 NIV

13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.

A. Temptation is not from God2 min

Why would James find it necessary to clarify that temptation is not from God?

When we look at the Old Testament we find several instances where God tests his people to prove their faith

In Gen 22:1 we read that God tested Abraham with Isaac

In the Book Judges (2:22) God tested Israel with the surrounding nations to see if they would keep His ways

Even in the beginning of this chapter — James tells us we ought to "consider it joy” when we are tested — implying that God allows it for our own good — for our spiritual maturity

The various hardships and afflictions that we encounter in this world as Christians can produce spiritual perfection — and lead to God’s reward — If they are endured in faith to the end.

But to blame God for the enticement to sin that often accompanies trials — that would be a huge mistake

James does not want to us to think that just because God may have allowed the trial — that somehow the temptation we experience is also part of his plan

B. Don’t take the bait2 min

“but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.”

James says that our own desires drags us away — entices us — the imagery that he uses here is one of a fish on a hook

We are baited into sin by our own desires

Most of us have no problem admitting that we were baited into sinning — But to take accountability for also placing that bait on the hook ourself — Now that just sounds senseless

Nevertheless, that’s exactly what James says we are doing

John Calvin says it like this, “A “desire” is a self-centered longing of what we ourselves want rather than a concern for what God wants for us. As the inclination and excitement to sin are inward, in vain does the sinner seek an excuse from an external impulse

C. Temptation is internal2 min

Trials are external — they are intended to strengthen us

But temptation is internal — they originate from our own sinful desires

Jesus says in Mark 7:21–23 “21 For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, 22 adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. 23 All these evils come from inside and defile a person.””

James echoes this and reminds us that — when we are tempted — the first place we need to look is in the mirror

Note that James does not even mention the Devil — Yes, the Devil can and does tempt us — but James doesn’t talk about that in this passage

Instead he turns the focus back to us — leaving us no room for excuses — and no one else to blame

Insert illustration about being baited into sin

Transition to next point: The second thing James addresses about temptation are the checkpoints — and how it progresses

2. The Checkpoints 6 minutes

James 1:15 NIV

15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

A. Desire is conceived 2 min

Earlier in the chapter, James walked us through the progression of trials

The testing of our faith produces perseverance

Once perseverance finishes its work we become mature and complete in our faith

But now he walks us through a different kind of testing — the gradual progression of temptation

He gives us three checkpoints: Conception — Birth — Fully Grown

He began by telling us that temptation originates from our own desires — but the temptation or desire by itself is not the sin

He says, “Then after” — There is something that happens to that desire — making it a sin

There is a moment of conception — when our will and intentions merge with those sinful passions

The moment we yield to the sinful desire in our heart — it becomes sin

Jesus says in Matthew 5:27–28 “27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

This is the first checkpoint — the temptation has germinated / conceived — It’s our first opportunity to repent (warning signal - Red Flags)

B. Sin is birthed 2 min

Sometimes that moment of conception may be hard to pin-point — or better yet, hard to admit — that is why a wise believer should examine their heart daily — so that the sin doesn’t get past this first checkpoint

King David understood this as he writes in —Psalm 139:23–24 “23 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Unfortunately — often times we overlook this — and we allow sin to grow and spread in our heart like a malignant tumor

It spreads and takes over our thoughts — our emotions — and eventually our self-control

We may be able to restrain ourselves from acting out that sin for a while — maybe because we are afraid of being exposed

But once that sinful desire has conceived, it’s just a matter of time before it manifests physically — And with it the tremendous guilt and shame we have all experienced after having sinned

If we don’t address sin while it is still in our heart — then we will find ourself at this second checkpoint — where sin is birthed and demanding to be fed

We are no longer being lured and enticed — we are now on the hook — That once enticing bait is not bittersweet and painful

If we still don’t repent after performing sinful acts — Then we are definitely pushing it — (The fire alarm)

C. Full grown 2 min

At the last checkpoint, James tells us that that when sin is full grown, it gives birth to death

That temptation that started as a small desire has now become a habit — It is full grown — It doesn’t ask for permission anymore — It becomes second nature

Not only is it full grown — it gives birth to death — little by little we die inside — as we begin to adopt our sinful practice as part of our identity.

“I was born this way”

If we find ourselves at this final checkpoint — a warning or alarm may not suffice — we may very well need intervention

Transition to next point: Lastly James wraps up his thought by pointing out the contrast between our desires and God’s desire for us

3. The Contrast 6 minutes

James 1:16–18 NIV

16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

A. Don’t be deceived3 min

After identifying the cause of our temptations —as well as the consequences — James summarizes it all by saying, “Don’t be deceived.”

Simply put, temptation is rooted in deception

James is warning us to not be misled by temptations — don’t take the bait

But there are many other deceptions that arise from our sinful desires

1. I am the only one battling this — Isolation

2. I am never gonna get out of this — despair

3. This is just the way God wanted it — “Thorn in the flesh”

These lies will keep us bound and trapped in our sin longer than we ever need to be

In 1 Corinthians 10:13 Paul reminds us of this — “13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

Whatever you’re dealing with — whatever urges are warring against your soul — God has a way out for you — Repent!

The way you endure temptation is not by persevering under it — like you do with trials and hardships — No, you have to get out

Don’t be deceived — you have to know the difference between a trial and a temptation

The longer you remain under a trial — the stronger you become

But the longer you remain under a temptation — The weaker you get — Get out now!

One hurts at first but is good for you in the long run

The other feels good at first but hurts in the end

B. Good and Perfect Gift 3 min

All this talk about desires — surely some of you are wondering — are all my desires bad? Surely some of them are good

After all — doesn’t it say in Psalm 37:4 “4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” — it does!

But it also says in Isaiah 64:6 “All our righteous acts are like filthy rags”

And in Romans 7:18 “18 For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.”

The truth is — no matter how good we think our desires are — or how just

We cannot do any good on our own

Every good and perfect gift comes from God — If you have ever done anything that can truly be considered good — ever in your life — That was God, not you.

The sooner you realize that — and take delight in surrendering yourself to him — THEN he will give you the desires of your heart

C. Word of Truth 3 min

The one gift that God has given us — the true and perfect gift — is his Son Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is the Word of Truth that was sent to die for us — and resurrected — that we may be born again — so we no longer have to take on our sinful identity

He wants to make you whole again — make you white as snow — regardless of how far you have fallen into sin

Transition to end: Today’s message is not hard to grasp — but it is very important that we understand these truths about temptation

REVIEW: Objective and rationale 1 minute

God is not the reason why you are suffering from temptation — Proverbs 19:3 “3 A person’s own folly leads to their ruin, yet their heart rages against the Lord.”

Freedom from temptation begins with accepting responsibility

You are not to remain under the burden of temptation another minute — you need to get out immediately

1 John 1:9 “9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.”

APPLICATION: 1 minutes

A call to repentance

PRAYER:

Salvation call

Dear God,

I confess that I’m a sinner,

and I ask for your forgiveness.

I confess that Jesus Christ is Lord

I believe that You raised him from the dead

From this day forward,

I surrender my life,

I surrender my will

to Jesus Christ

I pray this in the name of Jesus.

Amen.

If you prayed that prayer for the first time: Text LIVING to 94000