Introduction:
A. In the sermon today, we are returning to our sermon series on James called “A Faith That Works.”
1. In our last sermon we learned about turning our trials into triumphs.
2. We talked about the fact that life is difficult, but that in spite of our difficulties our toughest times can be marked by joy.
3. We learned that perseverance produces maturity, and that God promises the wisdom we need.
4. We learned that faith is critical for developing perseverance and receiving wisdom.
5. And finally, we learned that there are promised blessings for those who remain faithful through the tests and trials that come.
6. James 1:12, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the victor’s crown, the life God promised to those who love him.”
B. One interesting thing about James’ discussion here in chapter one is that he used a Greek word that has two different meanings, and he used the word in both ways in this chapter.
1. The word translated “trials” in the first 12 verses, is the same word that is translated “temptations” in verses 13-18.
2. The word can refer to external stresses that press us, or it can refer to internal attractions that tempt us.
3. It is the context that determines the proper translation and application.
4. Although there is not always a connection between trials and temptations, many times the trials on the outside can become temptations on the inside.
5. In the midst of adversity we may be tempted to think or act in a sinful manner.
6. We may find ourselves complaining against God, we may find ourselves questioning his love, or resisting his will.
7. At this point, Satan may provide us with an opportunity to escape the difficulty in a sinful manner, and we might be tempted to take the bait.
8. Regardless, whether it is trials or temptations, we must be prepared to stand up under it or against it.
9. Let’s spend the rest of our time discussing four facts about temptation that we must understand if we are going to be able to handle temptation.
I. We must realize that Temptation is INEVITABLE.
A. When James writes about temptation he’s dealing with real stuff.
1. These are not wistful thoughts from a preacher’s study, but these are the painful, difficult realities of life.
2. Temptation strikes us all.
3. It affects us in the workplace and in the home.
4. It affects parents as well as children, teachers as well as students, leaders as well as followers.
B. James leaves no question that temptation’s assault will come.
1. Notice that James says, “When tempted…” not “If tempted.”
2. Just like death and taxes, trials and temptations are inevitable in this life.
3. We will never be without temptation. Never.
4. We are certainly in for a big surprise if we think that when we become a Christian all our old struggles and temptations will be automatically and instantly be left behind.
5. The Christian life is a life of conflict. We are in a spiritual battle.
6. There are opposing forces constantly trying to draw us away from God.
7. Even though people around us may not appear to be doing so, everyone is wrestling with temptation just like you and me. Temptation plays no favorites.
C. Here’s an important thing to keep in mind - Temptation itself is not a sin.
1. Hebrews 4:15 tells us that Jesus himself was “tempted in every way, just as we are – yet was without sin.”
2. Temptation is simply the invitation to sin. We sin when we decide to accept the invitation.
3. Jesus was invited to sin, just as we are, but Jesus always refused the invitation.
4. So, first of all we need to realize that Temptation is INEVITABLE.
II. We must realize that giving in to Temptation is INEXCUSABLE.
A. In verses 13-14, James says that “When tempted no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.”
1. What James is doing here is calling us to assume personal responsibility for handling temptation.
2. We must not blame anyone else, nor shift our responsibility to anyone else.
3. Temptation does not come from God, and it is not God’s fault when we give into it.
4. Proverbs 19:3 warns: “A man’s own folly ruins his life, yet his heart rages against the Lord.”
5. God does send us tests and trials for our own good, but God is never involved in tempting anyone to do evil.
B. It seems that we humans have a tendency to want to blame someone else when we fall into temptation.
1. The late comedian, Flip Wilson, made himself famous with the motto, “The Devil made me do it.”
2. It is certainly true that Satan is an active agent in temptation, but he’s often given far more credit than he deserves.
3. When Adam and Eve gave into temptation in the Garden of Eden, and God confronted them, and asked “What have you done?”, do you remember what they said?
4. Adam said, “The woman you put here with me…she made me do it.” (Gen. 3:12)
5. Eve then said, “The serpent deceived me…he made me do it.” (Gen. 3:13)
6. We may try to come up with excuses or try to shift the blame, but if we give into temptation it is nobody’s fault but our own.
7. The statements, “I couldn’t help it…the devil made me do it…it’s my parent’s fault, it’s my mate’s fault, or my kid’s fault, or my boss’s fault” just are not true.
8. If and when we give into temptation it is never God’s fault, but it is always our own fault.
9. God always provides a way of escape, but many times we simply do not choose that way.
10. Well have more to say about that in a minute.
III. Temptation is PREDICTABLE.
A. Understanding this is invaluable in claiming a victory over temptation.
1. Temptation is more than just an event, it is a process.
2. The process of temptation, sin and death follows a very consistent pattern.
3. James writes in verses 14-15, “But each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”
4. Here is Peterson’s paraphrase, “The temptation to give in to evil comes from us and only us. We have no one to blame but the leering, seducing flare-up of our own lust. Lust gets pregnant, and has a baby: sin! Sin grows up to adulthood, and becomes a real killer.”
B. The predictable pattern goes like this DESIRE coupled with DECEPTION leads to DISOBEDIENCE, which ultimately leads to DEATH.
1. First of all, it begins with DESIRE.
a. The normal desires of life were given to us by God and, in and of themselves, are not sinful.
b. Without these desires, we could not function. Many of these desires keep us alive, and healthy.
c. It is when we are tempted to satisfy these desires in ways outside of God’s will that we get into trouble.
d. Eating can become gluttony. Sleep can become laziness. Sexual fulfillment in marriage is good, seeking sexual fulfillment any other way is sinful.
e. Desire for any of these good things, can become obsessions that control and destroy.
f. But temptation begins with desire.
2. Desire is then coupled with Deception.
a. No temptation appears as a temptation; it always seems more alluring than it really is.
b. James used two illustrations from the world of sports to prove his point.
c. The word translated “dragged away” carried with it the idea of baiting a trap.
d. The word translated “enticed” literally meant to “bait a hook.”
e. The hunter and the fisherman have to use bait to attract and catch their prey.
f. No animal is deliberately going to step into a trap and no fish will knowingly bite a naked hook. The idea is to hide the trap and the hook.
g. Temptation always carries with it some bait that appeals to our natural desires.
h. The bait not only attracts us, but it also hides the fact that yielding to the desire will eventually bring sorrow and punishment.
i. The consequences of sin are real, but the strength of our desire blinds us to it.
j. Sin might promise pleasure, but in the end it only delivers pain.
3. Desire coupled with Deception, leads to Disobedience.
a. Disobedience is the act of sin. “After desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin.”
b. What starts with our initial thoughts and feelings, if allowed to germinate, leads to definite action. An act of disobedience to God.
c. Here James works with the analogy of reproduction.
d. Desire leads to conception, which eventually leads to birth.
4. Finally, when the Disobedience continues, and matures, it ends in Death.
a. There is no future in sin. Sin’s course is inevitably downward.
b. Uncontrolled desire becomes and evil deed, which if not followed by repentance but by repetition, becomes an evil state which brings eternal spiritual death.
c. What an awful state, and a terrible price to pay for sin.
d. Although there is nothing funny about being caught in sin, I came across this picture that so vividly captures how the bait can quickly turn the tables on us.
e. (Show Picture.)
f. That which looks innocent and so easily in our grasp, and imprison us in an instant.
5. This pattern is so predictable that James declares in verse 16, “Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers.” Don’t be taken in. Don’t let sin and Satan pull one over on you!
6. So far we have seen that temptation is INEVITABLE, INEXCUSABLE, and PREDICTABLE.
IV. Temptation is CONQUERABLE.
A. James concludes this section with an affirmation of God’s character.
1. We can win the battle against temptation and sin, not because of us, but because of God.
2. James reminds us that every good and perfect gift is from our God above.
3. He reminds us that God does not change like shifting shadows.
4. He reminds us that God has given us birth through the word of truth.
B. In 2 Peter 1:3, Peter declared, “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who call us by his own glory and goodness.”
1. In 1 Corinthians 10:13, Paul gives us this promise, “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”
2. Truth is – Everything we need to resist temptation is available to us in Christ.
3. Through God’s power everything we need for godliness is available.
4. God restricts the power of temptation, so that it cannot overpower us.
5. God promises to provide a way out, so that we can stand up under temptation.
6. So, the battle is certainly winnable.
7. Temptation is conquerable.
C. What are some things that can aid us as we try to conquer temptation?
1. In a survey from Discipleship Journal (Discipleship Journal, November / December, 1992), respondents noted that temptations were more potent when they had neglected their time with God (81%) and when they were physically tired (57%).
2. They also said that the greatest assets in resisting temptation were: prayer (84%), avoiding compromising situations (76%), Bible study (66%), and being accountable to someone else (52%). I can say that all those things have been helpful for me over the years.
D. So, let me suggest that the following should be part of our game plan:
1. Trust in the Lord – He is there for us - He is faithfully providing a way out.
2. Fight temptation with prayer and the Word. That was Jesus’ method.
3. Rely on the encouragement of brothers and sisters in Christ (Heb. 3:13)
4. Stay out of or run from tempting situations. Like the old doctor said to the patient who said his arm was broken in two places…“I would suggest that you stay out of those places!”
Conclusion:
A. As we offer the invitation today, we are praying that any who have not given their lives to Christ will do so today. Jesus said, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.” (Mk. 16:16)
B. And for those who can use our help today in their battle with temptation, we want to pray for you and encourage you.
