Temptation

Scripture Text

James 1:12-16

Intro: In these scriptures before us today we are given a better understanding of temptations and where temptation comes from, ways to resist temptation, and the reward for doing so.

I. Understand the source of temptation. James 1:13-14 (NKJV) ¹³ Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. ¹⁴ But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. To resist sin we must understand the source of temptation.

  1. First step in understand the source of temptation is to acknowledge it isn’t from God. We must have a correct view of God in order to persevere during times of trial. Specifically, we need to understand God’s view of our temptations. Trials and temptations always present us with choices. God wants us to make good choices, not evil ones. We give in to temptation. And when we fail, we often use all kinds of excuses and reasons for our actions. The most dangerous of these is to say, “God is tempting me.” It is crucial for us to remember that God tests people for good; he does not tempt people for evil.

  2. We are tempted when we are drawn away from God and His word by our own desires. Temptations come from within, from the lure of our own evil desires. James highlights individual responsibility for sin. These evil desires draw us away from God and His word. Desires can be either fed or starved. If the desire itself is evil, we must deny its wish. It is up to us, with God’s help by the power of His Holy Spirit. Does James take Satan off the hook by placing responsibility for temptation on our desires? No, he does not. We may be led by our desires, but it is the Devil behind the evil impulse prompting us to go in an evil direction. Temptation comes from evil desires within us, not from God.

II. Understand the steps in temptation. James 1:15 (NKJV) Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. There are three steps in temptation.

  1. Entertaining sin. James traces the result of temptation when a person yields to it. Note that the first two steps in the process (evil desires lead to evil actions) emphasize the internal nature of sin. Desire to Sin comes from our heart and soul. The kind of desire James is describing here is desire out of control. It is selfish and seductive.

 2. Yielding to sin. When we yield to sin and entertain it in our minds long enough, it becomes an action. Instead of just thinking about the sin we carry it out. Our thoughts soon become actions. The blame for sin is ours alone.

 3. Reaping the consequences of sin. [v:16] We are not to deceive ourselves. When we yield to temptation and sin, our sin sets deadly events into motion—evil actions lead to death. How strange that sin gives birth to death. Unchecked habitual sin will always lead to death. This means eternal death for an unbeliever and physical death for a Christian. Not only does it lead to physical death for a Christian, but those actions will be judged by Jesus Christ and you will suffer tremendous loss. 1 Corinthians 3:11-15 (NKJV) ¹¹ For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 

¹² Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, ¹³ each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is. ¹⁴ If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. ¹⁵ If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.

III. The reward of enduring trials and resisting temptation. James 1:12 (NKJV) Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 

 a. We must have the right attitude about our trials and temptations. We must see the advantage of enduring in trials and resisting temptations when they present themselves to us. James 1:2-4 (NKJV) ² My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, ³ knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. ⁴ But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 

But if it is difficult to see the advantages, you can ask for wisdom and, if you ask correctly, God will give you the wisdom you need to understand. James 1:5 (NKJV) If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 

You can rejoice in trials and be able to resist temptations that come your way. God blesses those who persevere under trial and temptations. He blesses a person with a crown of life. The Crown of Life is for those believers who persevere in their faith even under persecution. Church history abounds with the stories of believers remaining faithful in cases of severe persecution and trial, and the Bible promises them a special reward. God’s long-term goal for us is maturity and completeness, but his eternal goal for us is the crown of life, a rich expression of God’s love for His people. The believer who patiently endures and resists temptations by trusting God will have a life full of glory and honor, truly abundant, joyful, and victorious, now and forever more, throughout eternity.

      Conclusion: Standing the tests and temptations of life gives believers even now a taste of eternity. Looking  forward to this wonderful reward, and to the one who will present it to us, can be a source of strength and encouragement in times of trial.

      Invitation: It is impossible to endure trials and resist temptations unless you know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and Lord and there will be no Crown of Life for you. Has there been a time in your life where you confessed your sins to Christ and ask Him to forgive and save you from the penalty of those sins? If not now is the time and today is the day of salvation. If you need help with this or any other decision, come down the aisle after the prayer and I will be glad to help you.