Temptation

Introduction:

· How can trials be a refining fire instead of a bonfire?

WE NEED TO SEE WHAT NOT TO DO, WE NEED TO UNDERSTAND THE NATURE OF TEMPTATION, AND WE NEED TO SEE THE HOPE FOR OVERCOMING TEMPTATION.

I) Temptation does not originate with God

A. Our Temptation in the Face of Temptation: Assign Blame

i. Sometimes adversity is the result of:

1. Choices: A workaholic àpoor relationship with your kids

2. Circumstances:Chronic illness àresult of living in a fallen world

ii. Sometimes adversity makes us vulnerable temptation to…: (vs. 13)

1. Sin:Like Winter of Our Discontent (loss of reputation à reports boss…)

2. Blame God: “I don’t deserve this” (blaming God of mismanagement)

B. But God is not to blame for our temptation (vs. 13a)

i. “But doesn’t God test people?”

1. God does allow us “testing” for our growth: Abraham, , Israel…

2. God WILL send us to the desert but will NEVER offer sin (only Himself!)

3. EXAMPLE: Tough marriage (tempted); money tight (pad expense report)

ii. God is not a “gotcha God”

1. God’s character: it is foreign to God’s character to mislead us (vs. 13b)

2. God’s actions: God will never entice you to do what is wrong (vs. 13c)

SO, IF TEMPTATION DOESN’T ORIGINATE FROM GOD, WHERE does IT COME FROM?

II) Temptation Grows out of Distorted Desires

A. Our Sin is Rooted in Desire (vs. 14)

i. Sin is a result of “EPITHUMIA”: disordered desires

1. James uses a word for intensified longing or desire

2. We think sin = Wanting bad things; in fact: desiring good things too much

3. EXAMPLE: A desire for approval à hyper-desire àpleaser (Colson).

ii. Sin can be understood by analyzing the desire beneath the desire

1. This is useful because it helps us to analyze and then fight temptation

2. APPLICATION: Identify your temptation & peel the onion:

3. EXAMPLE: Overbearing in relationships àCompanionship

4. You’ve made it into a God: Having & keeping, or fearing & losing

B. Two Pictures of unchecked Desire

i. Desire is like a fishing lure (vs. 14b)

1. EXAPMLE: A fishing lure is attractive…until it isn’t!

2. You tell yourself that this is harmless, you maximize the benefits

ii. Desire is like giving birth (vs. 15)

1. Sinful desire raises death as its child

2. EXAMPLE: no one wakes up and decides to be a gambling addict, but we’re lured by it à death à DEATH

SO THE QUESTION THEN BECOMES – WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT IT?

III) Temptation is Overcome By New Birth From God

A. God is the Source of Good Gifts

i. “Don’t be deceived!” Seeing Straight: (vv.16-17)

1. Remember God’s Character: not a malicious deity but a benevolent Father

2. Temptations (critical? Judgy? Covet?) invite us to trust God’s provision

ii. God stands ready to help us in our moment of temptation

1. If God doesn’t cause temptation he is “for us”

2. APPLICATION: Seek God’s help in temptation…His mercy when fail

B. God is the Source of the Greatest Gift

i. Dealing with the Desire: How to fight temptation

1. We can’t just tamp down or uproot desire we must replace it (Chalmers)

2. Sin grows out of disordered desire; freedom from reordered desire

ii. God gives us new life (vs. 18)

1. Sinful desire leads to death BUT: God gives new birth in God’s Word

2. The new birth that we experience enables us to desire & love God

Transition:

Conclusion

Why spend your money on what is not bread?