James 1:9-18 9 Believers who are poor have something to boast about, for God has honored them. 10 And those who are rich should boast that God has humbled them. They will fade away like a little flower in the field. 11 The hot sun rises and the grass withers; the little flower droops and falls, and its beauty fades away. In the same way, the rich will fade away with all of their achievements. 12 God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. 13 And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and He never tempts anyone else. 14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. 16 So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. 18 He chose to give birth to us by giving us His true word. And we, out of all creation, became His prized possession.
Intro: Temptation and Trials are closely related.
I. What Temptation Produces. (1:12; 1:2+3)
A. We are blessed for overcoming. (12)
1. God encourages us for overcoming
2. Others encourage us for overcoming
B. We are rewarded for overcoming. (12)
1. God promises us a “Crown of Life”
2. Standing firm against temptation is evidence of your salvation
II. How Temptation Seduces. (1:13-15)
A. You are NOT seduced by God (13)
1. It is not God’s fault
2. It is not “how you were created”
B. You are NOT seduced by Satan (13)
1. Satan is an instrument of temptation
2. Satan is not responsible for our sin
C. You are seduce by Your Desires (15)
1. Satan does not have power over a believer
1 John 4:4 But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.
James 4:7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Rom. 12:21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.
2. Satan can only tempt you with what you want.
III. How Temptation should be Avoided.
A. We need to avoid the Place of Temptation.
B. We need to avoid the People of Temptation.
C. Focus on Glorifying God not on overcoming temptation.
James 4:7-10 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. 9 Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.
Application:
1. Do you want to be free from temptation?
2. Are you content with where you are in Christ?
3. Have you turned away from sin and to Christ?
