Relativism Series

Series: Jesus’ Half Brother- James [#2]

RELATIVISM

James 1:13-17

Introduction:

Who defines moral truth? Well, according to a recent survey, 58% of American adults say you get to decide what’s right and wrong for yourself; and it’s not just those outside of the Church who think this way. 46% of people who attend Evangelical Churches reject the idea of absolute moral truth. Relativism is the belief that there's no absolute truth, only the truths that a particular individual or culture happen to believe. If you believe in relativism, then you think different people can have different views about what's moral and immoral.

Our culture today is one of relativism. Morality seems to be a forgotten word. Few people speak about temptation. Because a growing number of people believe there are no moral absolutes, they have little or no restraints. That is what makes this text applicable for us.

James 1:13-14

Temptation’s…

1. Cause.

What is the cause and source of temptation? Most of us would quickly say it comes from the outside; but James says that it comes from within. “Each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.” Your evil desires within, is what entices you to sin. The word "enticed" means "being baited”. It carries with it the picture of being "hooked", like when fishing. When the fish is lured in by the bait and swallows the bait, then it is hooked and dragged away. Many are hooked by the world's bait in the same way; and dragged away. God is not tempted by evil, and He does not tempt us; but God does allow us to be tempted.

James 1:15

Temptation’s…

2. Destination.

It is important for us to understand more than just the cause of temptation; but also where it leads us. James tells us to look down the road to see where sin ends- It ends in defeat and in death. Temptation is like a weed that grows unchecked and destroys.

A weed has 3 parts:

* A root.

The root of temptation is a selfish desire.

* A shoot.

The shoot of temptation is a sinful decision.

* A fruit.

The fruit of temptation is sure defeat. “Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”

James 1:16-17

Temptation’s…

3. Caution.

James concludes his words about temptation with a caution- "Don't be deceived." James cautions us to not be deceived about sin. He cautions us to not be deceived about the Savior. Finally, James cautions us not to be deceived about salvation. This gift of salvation comes "from above". It is supernatural. Jesus called it the new birth.

Conclusion:

As believers we can overcome temptation with God's help.

1 Corinthians 10:13