Committed to Endurance

James 1:12-17

INTRO: The 1st Sunday of Lent draws our attention to the 40 days that Jesus spent in the wilderness, fasting/praying, preparing for His earthly ministry. The culmination of that time in the wilderness is one of the most powerful lessons in Scripture: the temptation of Jesus. Three times Satan tempted. Three times Jesus resisted. Three times Jesus overcame the enemy’s attack. Jesus: prayed up, called on the Word of God for strength, and came through victorious. The powerful lesson is that—like Jesus—we will be tempted, and when we are, there is a path to victory. That’s a promise.

All’s well that ends well.

We get confused about temptation.

We mistake it for sin…or punishment.

It is an attack that should not surprise us.

Here is a wonderful promise: Crown.

It will be worth it all.

Don’t blame God for temptation.

We often complain, “God why are you doing this to me?” Oh no!

Flip Wilson was right: The DEVIL made me do it. Enticing (bait a hook.) These terms are hunting/fishing terms that illustrate the allure of temptation, while hiding the danger. Would a fish bite an empty hook? No way.

Jesus’ response? “It is written...”

God might TEST you, not TEMPT.

God does not tempt anyone! Plain as day

God gives deliverance.

Quite the contrary. He provides escape.

V. 17 God is always good. Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not.

Misunderstood scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:13. Great is Thy Faithfulness!

Let us be committed to endurance! Crown!