Temptation: A Study on the Book of James

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The following are my notes based on my pastor's sermon titled "Temptation:  A Study on the Book of James."

Walk in the fear of the Lord. Be afraid of sin. Sin is destructive. Don’t get hooked on sin. It is not a sin to be tempted, but temptation is sin presented.

Today’s Bible study lesson on the book of James is taken from James 1:13-18.

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. – James 1:13-18

 The Facts About Temptation (verses 13-16)

Facts are our friends. Truth is beneficial. Temptation is a lie. Facts are truth. Accept personal responsible for temptation and sin.

Temptation is always present. (verse 13)

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. – James 1:13

We blame God when we are tempted, but God does not tempt anyone. We blame God. We blame others. We blame everyone but ourselves. We fail to take personal responsibility for temptation. In the Garden of Eden, Adam blamed Eve.

The man said, “The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me from the tree, and I ate.” – Genesis 3:12

 Temptation is a process.  (verses 14-15)

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. – James 1:14-15

The Bible teaches us that God does not tempt anyone, but rather we are tempted when we get carried away and enticed by our own lust.

Lust means “desire.”

Temptation is an “inside job.”

For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man.” – Mark 7:21-23

Temptation comes from within.

Temptation doesn't tell the truth. (Verse 16) Temptation and sin over-promise, but under-delivers.

Don’t be deceived. Don’t be a spiritual moron.

Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. – James 1:16

 The Focus Needed to Overcome Temptation (Verses 17-18) 

Stop resisting sin. Instead, overcome it. When you’ve learned to overcome sin, you won’t have to resist it.

No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. – 1 Corinthians 10:13

God pours out good. Why would we want to continually subject ourselves to Satan’s lies?

Focus on the goodness of God. (Verse 17)

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. – James 1:17

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God never changes. Trust Him. What He gives is good. With temptation, we never get enough. What God gives is sufficient. What God gives is more than enough.

For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord gives grace and glory;
No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly. – Psalm 84:11  

Feed on the Word of Truth. (Verse 18)

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. – James 1:18

Recognize lies and reject them. To keep from being hooked, feed on the Book (The Bible).

Starve the flesh, but feed the spirit.
Fellowship with other believers. (2 Timothy 2:22)

Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. – 2 Timothy 2:22 

Sin thrives in secrecy. We don’t overcome temptation alone. Confide in another believer.
Flee temptation every time it pursues you. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. – 1 Corinthians 10:13

The more we say “yes” to God, the easier it is to say “no” to temptation.

Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. – James 4:7

The next time sin rings your doorbell, send Jesus to the door.

You'll find all my posts on this study of the book of James here.