When Temptation Calls

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures.

What is Temptation/Trial

A trial is something that is given to a Christian so that he or she will fall and commit sin, or fail to fulfill his or her commitment to obey God’s word.

James’ Letter addresses the following

where do trials come from?

how do trials/temptations come?

what things should we keep in mind when trials come?

Consider God’s Judgment

Temptations do not come from God

James 1:13–14 NASB95

God cannot be tempted

God does not tempt anyone

Note: the same grk. word peirazo is used in Hebrews 11.17

Hebrews 11:17 NASB95

By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was offering up his only begotten son;

the word has 2 variation of meanings

to test - when the idea is to bring out the best in a person

to tempt - when the idea to entice a person to commit sin

Thus, God does test His people, but He does not tempt them

Temptations lead to death

We think of temptation as an object. In reality, temptation is that process that gives birth to sin and leads to judgment.

(1.) Desire arises

James 1:14 NASB95

But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust.

Lust - grk. epithymia, craving, intense desire for something

carried away and enticed - drawn by a strong force

Temptation takes shape when ‘lust’ is stirred by something that is not allowed in the will of God.

(2.) Desire conceives sin

James 1:15 NASB95

Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.

conceive - grk. syllambano, to become pregnant

Temptation is ‘conceived’, when desire meets the “object” of desire.

(3.) Sin is born

Temptation gives birth to sin.

(4.) Sin brings death

James 1:15 NASB95

Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.

accomplished - grk. apoteleo, to be executed

Romans 6:23 NASB95

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

death is God’s divine penalty for sin

death is separation from God

Consider God’s Goodness

James 1:17 NASB95

Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.

God gives only good and perfect gifts

God’s giving does not change

Romans 11:29 NASB95

for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.

James 1:5 NASB95

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

Matthew 5:45 NASB95

so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

How to face temptation with God’s goodness

wait on the Lord - don’t rush to satisfy your desires

Consider God’s Purpose

James 1:18 NASB95

In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures.

Our birth was His divine will

John 1:12–13 NASB95

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

Our birth is by the Word of truth

1 Peter 1:23 NASB95

for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God.

Our birth is for our exaltation in God.

firstfruits - the first and the best of the crop

God purpose is to produce in us the highest class of creation

Conclusion

What to do when temptation calls

Consider God’s judgment - sin will always have undesirable consequences

Consider God’s goodness - instead of giving way to lust, wait for the good and perfect gifts of God

Consider God’s purpose - that is the very reason Satan, the tempter, wants to destroy our image and likeness with God.

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