A. INTRODUCTION JAMES 1:12-15
“Blessed is the man that endureth temptations: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death” (James 1:12-15).
B. THINGS I KNOW ABOUT TEMPTATION
1. God does not tempt any one. “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God…for neither tempted he any man” (1:13).
2. God allows us to be tempted. God allowed Job to be tempted by Satan. “The Lord said to Satan, Behold, all that he (Job) hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand” (Job 1:12).
3. Temptation presents a choice, we do not have to give in to it. “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation” (1:12).
4. God will help us concerning the right choice. “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (I Corinthians 10:13).
5. Temptation is a choice that brings out what we are in our hearts. “Every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed” (1:14).
6. We will never get beyond temptation in this life. “Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall” (I Corinthians 10:12).
C. FIVE STEPS DOWN (1:13-15)
1. Drawn away by your lust (inward desire) v.14.
2. Enticed (outward) v. 14.
3. Lust conceived (desire grows) v.15.
4. Brings forth sin (action) v.15.
5. Brings forth death (consequences) v.15.
The consequences of sin are both immediate and postponed till after death.
Immediate_______________ Postponed_______________
D. HOW TO FACE AND OVERCOME TEMPTATION.
1. Realize God is there for you. “God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able” (I Corinthians 10:13).
2. Realize God has wisdom about your temptation. “The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation” (II Peter 2:9).
3. Realize God has a way of escape. “God is faithful will also make a way of escape” (I Corinthians 10:13).
4. Realize God knows your weakness. “God will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able” (I Corinthians 10:13).
5. Realize our example Christ overcame temptation, “We have a great high priest Jesus, the Son of God who was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15).
6. Realize Christ prays for us to overcome temptation. “He (Christ) is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25).
7. Realize Christ wants us to overcome temptation. “Let therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).
8. Realize the biblical principle that a temptation violates.
9. Realize that temptations can get you discouraged, so that you give up and sin. “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, through now for a season ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations” (I Peter 1:6).
a. Temptation is not sin, but will get you thinking negatively.
b. Negative thoughts (discourgments) will cause you to give up.
10. Pray for help in temptation. “Let us come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).
11. Recognize you belong to God. “Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:11).
12. Yield yourself to God. “Neither yield ye your members as instruments…to sin, but yield yourselves unto God” (Romans 6:13).
a. Just say no. “Let not sin reign in your mortal body” (Romans 6:12).
b. Just say yes. “Ye have obeyed from the heart” (Romans 6:17).
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God. Please contact me at jonathan@trbc.org and tell us about your salvation experience so that we can rejoice with you.
