Understanding Temptation

One of the characteristics of sin is the propensity to pass the blame.

What are some of the creative excuses people often give for doing something that is clearly wrong? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What is is that makes doing wrong hard to own up to for you (individually)? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

It is human nature to deflect responsibility. We have seen it since the very beginning of creation.

Lets read , and see how the human tendency to deflect responsibility happens. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Discussion Question: Is God ultimately responsible for our temptation and sin?

James provides four strong proof that God is not responsible for our temptation nor for our weakness in succumbing to sin. James explains the nature of evil, the nature of man, the nature of lust, and the nature of God.

Read Together:

Unlocking the Text

There are a few words and phrases that we need to look at and understand:

Sin- a departure from either human or divine standards of uprightness; a state of being sinful; deviation from the expressed (known) will of God.

Temptation (Trial)- Trying, testing, assaying, or proving; to make an effort to discover the nature or character of something; in the negative, to put n hostile test, solicitation of negative or evil outcome.

Arndt, W., Danker, F. W., Bauer, W., & Gingrich, F. W. (2000). A Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature (3rd ed., p. 50). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

His own desires (v. 14)- refers to lust, the strong desire of a human soul to enjoy something that fulfills the flesh. Self satisfaction.

Has conceived …gives birth… brings forth (v. 15)- is not a spontaneous act, the result of a process. While sin doesn’t produce spiritual death for believers, it can lead to physical death.

From what we read in v. 13 & 17, what do we learn about God’s nature? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Describe the progression from temptation to sin according to v.15. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Going Deeper

Read

What are the main points Paul makes about the internal struggle among all believers? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Today’s Truth

When a person becomes a Christian, God gives him/her a completely new spiritual and moral capability that a mind apart from Christ could never achieve.

The new birth results from God’s sovereignty coming down to a sinner and by His grace cleansing him/her, planting His Spirit within him/her and giving him/her completely new spiritual nature.

He then has “put on the new man, which was created according to God, in righteousness and holiness” ().