James (W. 2) - James 1:12-18

Triumphing over Temptation

Good morning, Upstate Church Mauldin. im so grateful to be here with you today.

You guys are so fortunate to be led by Ashley and Thomas.

This morning we will be in week 2 of our study through the book of James James, is The half brother of Jesus, and knowing this gives us a perspective in maybe why James was so concerned that the readers of this letter had genuine, visible faith… why?

we know that early in Jesus’ Ministry, he and his other half brothers didn’t believe he was who he said he was.

it wasn’t until after Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection that James believed.

you see, after Jesus came back to life, the Bible says

Because James is interested in you asa believer living out a visible faith, he deals with two main factors that can potentially crush your faith.

James wanted these believers to not only have a heart gripped by Jesus, but their habits formed by Jesus, too.

James 1:12 ESV

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

Crown of life.

threatened by

the first was, as we studied last week, trials.

trials are based on circumstance.

temptations are based on our choices.

Both of these can discouraged believers. One is by happenings, others by choice.

JAMES is interested in us as believers not only knowing what we believe, but truly LIVING it out

If we could sum up this letter, you could say this is all about AUTHENTIC FAITH

Faith in Jesus Christ leads to faithfulness to Jesus Christ… even faithfulness in the face of temptation. here’s good motivation

James 1:12 ESV

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

Bottom line: Every person must determine the path they will walk.

1. The Path of Death

Understanding this path.

Why would I resist temptation tomorrow that I can eliminate today? - Craig Groeschel

James 1:12–15 ESV

12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 13 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. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

Have you ever wondered “how did I get caught up here??”

A) Identify the source of temptation//

It ain’t God

James 1:13 ESV

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.

God is not responsible for any temptation we face.

john piper quote

B) Explanation of the process

James 1:14 ESV

But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.

James 1:15 ESV

Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

James is saying that sin starts long before the action.

by his own desire.

This is such a clear explanation

lure : bring out of hiding

entice: juicy worm on a hook

evil desire is bait which hooks the fish

the language of being lured away is so much like a fisherman placing bait on a hook. Whether he’s on a lake, out at sea, the fisherman’s goal is to make that bait as enticing as possible.

he takes the lure out of his tackle box, strings the hook on, places the bait on the hook, and throws it out.

our enemy is fishing.

he’s got a tackle box of temptations

1 John 2:15–17 ESV

15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

He makes that bait look so attractive. So pretty. He knows some fish like eating deep below the surface where no other person can see.

he knows others don’t mind, and, in their pride, jump above the water in order to eat.

but here’s the issue, not matter how attractive that bait is, you know the kind of fish that takes the bait?

the one that’s hungry.

What are you hungering after?

approval?

love?

rest?

heard?

understood?

safety?

included?

C) Breeds Death

James 1:13–16 (HNTC Heb/Jas): Practically speaking, sin occurs whenever a person’s mind approves the performance of a sinful act. Whenever the person repeatedly approves the same sin, the result is death.

desire lays with temptation and have sin babies

Lustful/licencious Desires

thoughts

Brain

Actions

Death

What types of death?

eternal

physical

relational

What is sin? It is the glory of God not honored. The holiness of God not reverenced. The greatness of God not admired. The power of God not praised. The truth of God not sought. The wisdom of God not esteemed. The beauty of God not treasured. The goodness of God not savored. The faithfulness of God not trusted. The commandments of God not obeyed. The justice of God not respected. The wrath of God not feared. The grace of God not cherished. The presence of God not prized. The person of God not loved. That is sin.” ― John Piper

I don’t want to be on this path! What do I need to do?

expose - expel - replace

The hinge of this is in verse 16 - DONT BE DECEIVED.

The Garden

Cain and Abel

James 1:16 ESV

Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers.

Don’t be deceived.

i trusted my feelings in the truck.

Why should we choose to avoid this path and choose a path of life?

2. The Path of Life

Why choose the path of life?

James 1:17–18 ESV

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.

God is not responsible for human sin, we now see that God is the source of all good!

James 1:17–18 (HNTC Heb/Jas): God shows his goodness in that he does not change (v. 17) and by giving the good gift of new life to believers (v. 18).

Every kind of good has its ultimate source in God

A) this is the past where God’s goodness is on display

Father of lights

James 1:17–18 (HNTC Heb/Jas): First, as the Father of the heavenly lights God is the Creator of the stars and other heavenly bodies. Second, God does not change. This term from astronomy frequently refers to the change in light intensity from sun and moon. The sun gives full light at midday, dim light at dusk, and no light at all in the night. In stark contrast to the sun, God’s character does not change. The light of his truth and holiness remains constant.

Third, God does not undergo any “shadow of turning.” This term also comes from astronomy, describing moving heavenly bodies that produce constantly changing shadows on the earth. God’s purposes do not have such a variation or shifting. The movements of the sun, moon, and clouds regularly cause changes in light and shadows throughout the day. God’s character is always constant, true, unchanging, reliable, good, and faithful. What a God we have! As the hymn writer has said: “Change and decay in all around I see. O Thou who changest not, abide with me.”

B) This is the path of Good Gifts

James 1:17 ESV

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.

James 1:18 (ESV)

Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

Everything you’re looking for is complete in Jesus.

The desire you have for rest is complete from the giver of gifts from above. Don’t be deceived to think that alcohol, prescription pills, or food will be the ultimate source of

5 crowns:

1. crown of righteousness given righteousness when we believe in Jesus but will also receive this crown when we get to heaven.

2. imperishable crown (1 Corinthians 9) he tries keeping himself in self control. This goes to people who practice self control for their life. God

3. Crown of life (James 1 and revelation 2) this is historically known as the martyrs crown. (1 in 8 believers live in martyr threatened area 4. Crown of rejoicing this goes to people who are instrumental in leading people to Christ

5. Crown of glory. Given to faithful ministers