When Enticed By Temptation

“When Enticed By Temptation”
(James 1:13-18)

Rev. Sara Pyon

I. Who Is Tempted?
Everyone is tempted.
There is a tendency to pass the blame

II. Who Is to Blame for Temptation?
God is not responsible for temptation
God cannot be tempted by evil (v. 13)
But wasn’t Jesus tempted? (Hebrews 4:14-15)
God does not tempt anyone (v. 13)
We are responsible when we yield to temptation by our evil desire (v. 14)

III. How Does Temptation Progress? (vv. 14-15)
Desire is conceived:
The Bait: The sources of temptation - the world, the flesh, the devil
Evil desire within human nature – Pulls us to the bait (“Drags and entices”)
Desire gives birth to sin
Sin gives birth to death

IV. How Do You Overcome It?
Do not be deceived (v.16)
Trust God’s character (v. 17)
He is the giver of all good and perfect gifts
He is unchanging
Pray (Matthew 26:41)
Guard your heart & mind
What you feed grows: What are you exposing your heart to? (Philippians 4:8)
Use the weapon – the Scriptures (v. 18, Psalm 119:11)
Find an accountability partner: we are all our brothers’ keepers.

V. Application:
Have you ever gone through a time in your life when you seriously questioned God’s goodness? That is, you began to wonder if God was part of the problem and not the solution. Share about that experience and how you came through it.
In light of what is said in vv.13-14, do you believe it is possible for a Christian to mature to such a point that they can always be above temptation and never succumb? Explain.
God is depicted as “the Father of the heavenly lights” (1:17b). Of all the depictions of God that James could have chosen from to use here, why do you suppose he chose this depiction? How does this understanding help us successfully resist temptation?