"THE TESTING OF FAITH"
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JAMES 1:1-18 (Chapter One - The Examination of Faith)
ETS: James affirms the fact that Christian faith is tested to verify its validity.
ESS: Our faith will be tested to verify its validity.
We have looked at the test of: Time, Trials and now the test of Temptation
4 things that are brought to mind concerning the test of temptation we see (an):
I. AFFIRMATION (1;13) What is affirmed? several facts:
A. It is wrong to blame God for temptation "Let no man say"
B. Temptation can’t be avoided in this life "when"
C. God is not the source of temptation.
II. ANALYSIS (1:14-15) Temptation is analyzed by showing the development (process) it begins with:
A. Desire (guard at the level of the emotions) I Jn. 2:16 (Sales - car running 150) (a hunting term - to be led to a baited trap, drawn away)
lust: 1939 - to set the heart upon and long for that which is forbidden (the condition of the heart). Judas - money, Diotrophes - pre- eminence
B. Deception (mind) (fishing term - a baited hook)
"enticed" Rom. 7:15, 24 & f.f. (unprotected, uncontrolled, unyielded mind). This is when you believe it will be what you want fulfilling, satisfying and you convince yourself you have a right to it.
C. Decision (will) [Split Second] you make the move in your mind.
D. Disobedience (behavior - the actual act)
E. Death (child birthing terminology) this is what is produced. Sin is a killer.
III. APPEAL (1:16)
A. Stop! "Do not"
B. Wake up "err"
C. Consider the consequences "err"
D. You are a Christian (like Christ) "brethren"
IV. ASSURANCE (1:17-18) 1 Corinthians 10:13; 2 Peter 2:9 (of God’s goodness and providence)
We can be assured because God’s gifts are:
A. Sufficient "every good and perfect gift"
B. Substantiated "creator of all good"
"Father of Lights" the Milky Way Galaxy, in which our planet orbits, contains a million suns brighter than earth’s sun. At the speed of light (186,000 miles per second) it would take about 100,000 years just to cross the Milky Way and it is only one galaxy among millions.
C. Sure (dependable) "no variableness"
Heb. 13:8 "Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and today, and forever." God’s gifts are always better than Satan’s bargains. Satan never gives gifts, you end up paying dearly for them. See Psalm 37:4-5, Matt. 7:7-11
Why go after baited hook and traps to be satisfied when God produces nothing but good for you?
