James One Message 8

James One Message 8

The Path of Temptation

James 1:13-16

Trial vs Temptation

Trials and temptations are not the same thing.

Trials and temptations are not the same thing.

Trials are the theme of V:2-12 and what they produce.

God’s ultimate goal is spiritual maturity

In James 1:13-16, James shifts to temptation and explains where it comes from and how it works.

You see trial can strengthen us.

Temptation seeks to destroy us.

We are going to learn…

The source of temptation

The process of temptation

The danger of temptation

What to learn something new? (Learning Greek)

What to learn how to grow in your godly walk?

Dealing with temptation will be key to that.

It’s Spiritual Warfare

But if you don’t have the right tools. The right armor

God Is Never the Source of Temptation

James 1:13, CEV

James 1:13 CEV

Don’t blame God when you are tempted! God cannot be tempted by evil, and he doesn’t use evil to tempt others.

“Don’t blame God when you are tempted! God cannot be tempted by evil, and he doesn’t use evil to tempt others.” (James 1:13, CEV)

The Blame Game.

The devil made me do it.

Go back to the Garden of Eden

““Who told you that you were naked?” the LordGod asked. “Have you eaten from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat?”” (Genesis 3:11, NLT)

Genesis 3:11 NLT

“Who told you that you were naked?” the Lord God asked. “Have you eaten from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat?”

“The man replied, “It was the woman you gave me who gave me the fruit, and I ate it.”” (Genesis 3:12, NLT)

Genesis 3:12 NLT

The man replied, “It was the woman you gave me who gave me the fruit, and I ate it.”

“Then the LORD God asked the woman, “What have you done?” “The serpent deceived me,” she replied. “That’s why I ate it.”” (Genesis 3:13, NLT)

Genesis 3:13 NLT

Then the Lord God asked the woman, “What have you done?” “The serpent deceived me,” she replied. “That’s why I ate it.”

We still blame others today.

We even blame God.

How we blame God.

I’m only human.

God made me this way.

God put me in this situation.

God knows my weaknesses.

God’s holy nature prevents Him from tempting anyone.

God is completely holy.

Evil has no attraction to Him.

Know why we sin?

Cause it makes us feel good.

It is a temporary pleasure.

God May Test Faith

but He never tempts to sin

Almost every biblical character that God used was tested in some way.

Even Jesus was led into the wildernesses and was tested.

He was also tempted.

The Purpose of God’s Testing is Growth.

The purpose of temptation is destruction.

A Key truth

You are the reason you sin.

The path to freedom and spiritual maturity is taking responsibility and humbling submitting ourselves before God.

Temptation Begins Within Us

James 1:14

“Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away.” (James 1:14, NLT)

James 1:14 NLT

Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away.

The real enemy is inside us 

Satan has his schemes and tricks.

This world has its influences.

But temptation gains its strength because of something of inside us.

Let’s go fishing.

Desires = lust, cravings; Entice us = to be baited; Drag us = lured, dray away, lead away.

The only way to catch that fish is for him to take the bait.

He has to want it.

Look at what temptation promises.

Pleasure, Acceptance, Influence, comfort, control, satisfaction.

It’s never enough

Mick Jagger said it best

“I Can’t No Satisfaction”.

I can't get no satisfaction I can't get no satisfaction Gonna try and I try and I try and I try I can't get no - I can't get no -

The fish sees the worm but not the hook.

A Key Truth

What’s the bait that is enticing you.

What desires make you vulnerable?

Where are you most likely to compromise?

Temptation Follows a Predictable Process

Verse 15

“These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.” (James 1:15, NLT)

James 1:15 NLT

These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.

James uses the imagery of conception, birth, and growth.

Desire Conceives

Temptation itself is not sin.

The danger begins when:

We entertain temptation.

We nurture the temptation.

We dwell on the temptation.

Desire gives birth to sin.

What begins in the mind eventually appears in behavior.

Anger becomes bitterness

Covetousness becomes greed

Lust becomes immorality

Pride becomes rebellion

Jealousy becomes Envy.

Envy is where you not only want what someone else has but you resent them for having it.

Sin matures into death

Sin never remains small.

It grows

Death can include:

Broken relationships

Destroyed testimonies

Spiritual dryness

Loss of joy

Loss of usefulness

Illustration: A spark may seem harmless, but left unattended it becomes a forest fire.

Do Not Be Deceived About Sin

Verse 16

“Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters.” (James 1:16, NIV)

James 1:16 NIV

Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters.

Simple verse but a powerful message.

“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” (Proverbs 4:23, NLT)

Proverbs 4:23 NIV

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

Don’t take the bait it’s a trap.