Resisting Temptation
A Study of the Book of James
“Draw Near To God”
Lesson Two
How To Resist Temptation!
James 1:13-18
13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
NIV
In our last lesson we learned that we are at times tested by God so that we might receive spiritual blessing and grow into maturity in Him. As we respond properly to trials we develop an intimate love relationship with God. However, as we will study this week the enemy of our souls, Satan, would love to take these trials that God sends to help us grow and turn them into temptations-opportunities for sin that, if acted on, will tear us down.
What is interesting here is to see how this works. The Greek word peirasmois can be translated as trial or temptation depending on the context of the passage of Scripture. So for our purpose in this lesson, let’s look at the other side of trial, the problem of temptation. Temptation means an invitation to do evil. Just as trials are designed by God for your growth, temptation is designed by Satan for your destruction. We all know that when we are in the midst of a painful trial, Satan is there with temptation trying to get us to do something wrong.
It is good to pass a test-your decision to cheat is a sin.
Who can we blame when we are tempted? It is very clear that Pastor James says we can’t blame God, because it is impossible for God to have anything do with sin. We love to blame others for our sins, “So and so made me do it.” We also know that Satan for sure has his part to play in temptation, but all he can do is place things in front of you to see how you will respond. So who can we blame for our sin? Only ourselves, because we have the power to choose how we will respond to temptation.
So what is the source of sin? Our lust is the source of all our sin. Take a moment and make a list of how you might be tempted by lust?
We know that sinning is never just an event. It is a process, a series of steps set into motion to produce sin. According to Pastor James, what are those steps?
1. From Desire to Enticement. Now desire can be used both as positive and negative, there are things that we need and we desire them for that reason, but when Satan allows our desire to lead us into deception this is where the problem lies.
2. From Deception to Disobedience. Sin starts with desire that is fueled by deception. You are enticed and your desire leads you to disobedience and something is birthed within you. When we act in disobedience to God according to our own desire, sin is the by-product. We may think we only sin a little, but sinning a little is like being a little pregnant; It will show up after a while. It is important to remember that Christian living is allowing the Holy Spirit to help us overcome sin in our lives, but we must choose to let Him have control.
3. From Disobedience to Death. When sin is finished, it produces spiritual death.
What is the solution to temptation?
Remember God’s Character! One of the basic truths of theology is that God is good. So completely good that everything He gives is good, and anything that is not good does not come from Him; He has been called the Father of lights. We must therefore stay in the light and stay away from darkness.
Remember God’s Word! It is through God’s Word that we have new life. The Word of God convicts us of our sin and our need of a Savior. We need to use this Word against the enemy of our souls when he comes at us with his lies and deception.
Remember God’s Plan! If you know Jesus as Savior and you belong to Him where does Satan fit into that plan? Remember you are the first fruits of God’s love walk in that truth.
This next week as trials and temptations come your way look at the solution given to you and apply it to your situation. Remember, Jesus as already won the victory over Satan and sin should not have dominion over us. God has a plan for your life, keep your eyes on Jesus and grow into His image!
A Study In The Word
Today I am starting a weekly devotional for those who are looking for a time of study and reflection. As you go through the study come back to this blog and make comments. I’ll respond to those that are appropriate. Blessings Pastor John
A Study of the Book of James
“Draw Near To God”
Lesson One
I once heard a pastor use this illustration, “I was preaching once in a church and wanted to make a point and I said, ‘if you are perfect please stand up.’ I didn’t expect anyone to stand, but sure enough a man up front stood to his feet. I asked him, ‘sir are you perfect?’ ‘No’ he replied, ‘but my wife’s first husband was and I wanted to represent him by standing up.” It is hard to measure up sometimes isn’t it? Nevertheless, God desires that we grow in Him to perfection. There is a standard to live by!
James tells us what God’s plan is for us, “That you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (1:4). God desires that we grow up, to be mature, to be sanctified, and to become more like Jesus. Seems impossible doesn’t it, yet this is what God calls us to. So God gives a great teacher here in Pastor James as he directs us toward this perfection as he calls us to draw near to God! Where is the starting point?
How to Withstand Trials!
James 1:1-12
1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings. 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6 But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. 9 The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. 10 But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business. 12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
NIV
I think we have all heard the statement, “Come to Jesus and leave all your troubles behind.” The problem with that statement is that it is not accurate. We live in an imperfect world. Trouble will come our way. Now there are two types of troubles, those that are just a part of life and those we have created for ourselves. The latter being sin and its effect on our life, so we must not be surprised by trials, but know they will come.
So why does God allows trials in our lives?
To Test Your Testimony: When we go through trials God is putting your faith on the witness stand. Does our talk match up with our walk? Trials test our heart and reveal what is there. How can we change if we don’t know what we need?
To Increase Your Endurance: We are to submit to God’s trials the way a patient submits to a surgeon. We are not to run from trials, but to run in them developing our endurance. Let me clarify here that we are to run in trials, not run to trials. We are not to look for trouble, trouble will come to you.
To Achieve Your Spiritual Maturity: God’s goal for your trials is your growth into spiritual adulthood. This will take some pain, sweat, and effort. “I want to be a physician, but I don’t want to spend all those years in medical school.” The only way you are going to be a doctor is through hard work and study.
According to Pastor James, what are at lest three responses we should have toward trials?
- Display Some Joy: Listen my friends, trials are not always fun, they can be painful, but we must look at our trials and consider what they are. We are too quick to let bitterness, depression, sadness, loneliness, and despair get us down. Instead let’s consider what God is doing and praise Him for what He is accomplishing in our life right now.
- Ask For Wisdom: Where might we find God’s wisdom? The Word, Other Christians, and etc. How must we ask God for wisdom? Remember God is bigger than your trial.
- Give God Praise. We are to give glory to God in the midst of our trials. I know a very difficult thing to do, but if you start giving God glory you will not be so focused on yourself.
If we handle our trials the way God desires for us to handle them, what’s the spiritual payoff?
God’s reward for the person who endures his trials is the crown of life, the reward of kingly glory and recognition.
Believe it or not one of the ways we draw near to God is through the trials we go through. How is that possible? God puts us in trials to draw us close, to teach us to cling to Him, to grow us into spiritual adulthood, and to bring us along in our journey toward being a perfect Christian. Let Him finish His work, and you’ll have His reward.
Hate Speech
An article today says that a Catholicism instructor from the University of Illinois was fired for “Hate Speech.” He sent an e-mail to his students explaining the Catholic Church’s teaching on homosexuality and in turn someone complained to the school administration that the e-mail was “Hate Speech.” The professor said, “Natural Moral Law says that Morality must be a response to REALITY. In other words, sexual acts are only appropriate for people who are complementary, not the same.” (See Here)
My friends to stand for righteousness is not hate speech. This is disinformation at its very worst and Christians must not give in to cultural rhetoric. The professor fired in the article above was teaching Catholic students in a Catholic school. Although he was reinstated, he should never had been fired in the first place.
I believe that the recent Hate Crime Bill passed by the congress and signed into law by President Obama will lead to it becoming illegal to standing up for righteousness or pastors calling homosexuality sinful. Let me say again, calling homosexuality immoral is not hate speech. In fact, calling the sinner to repentance is loving and caring. Let us all hear the words of King David;
Ps 139:23-24
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
NIV
To continue in sin is sure spiritual death and will lead to one spending eternity separated from God. God can and does save us from our sinful lifestyles and can make us whole. To allow people to continue in their destructive ways without warning is the real hatefulness. If you are struggling with sin then cry out to Jesus and He will set you free and give you life more abundantly.
Should Christians Vote?
As the fall election approaches I would like to take this opportunity to encourage all Christians to register to vote and then vote. The only way we will see change in our society is to tell our elected officials that we hold them responsible for righteousness. Not long ago I e-mailed the two senators from Washington State telling them that I stood opposed to the Hate Crime Bill that was being considered at that time. I told them that I stood against the law on several different positions, but the one that most concerned me was that the law could make it a crime for me to speak against same-sex marriage as a sin.
Both senators responded to my e-mail by telling me that they completely disagreed with my position and that they supported the bill. In fact, they both voted for the bill and it was signed into law last year. I tell this story to make a point. One of these senators is up for re-election this fall and her office called my home a few weeks ago asking if I would support the senator for re-election. My answer to that questions was “no.” The person that made the call sounded surprised and asked me why. My answer was easy, I cannot vote for someone who does not stand for righteousness and God’s word.
It has been suggested that faith and politics must stand separate and that a person can have a political agenda that goes against the Word of God, because the current cultural sees it as acceptable. I cannot vote for a political candidate that supports same-sex marriage or abortion, because these things are considered sins in God’s word. For your edification, I am placing two great articles of why Christians should vote and also give you several websites to get information and voting guides in order to educate yourself on these very important issues. Please take the time to read and be informed.
www.christiananswers.net/q-eden/voting.html (Article)
http://www.urbancure.org/article.asp?id=3144 (Article)
www.secstate.wa.gov/elections (Washington State)
www.christiancoalition.us (Washington State)
www.cc.org (National Web Site)
Turning The Tide
2 Chron 7:14-15
14 If my people , who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
NIV
I am going to provide a link here to Dr. Charles Stanley’s sermon that he preached on July 4, 2010 (Turing The Tide). This is a message that all Christians need to hear for our nation today. Although I don’t agree with all the things Dr. Stanley preaches and teaches, I completely agree with him on this subject.
The Phone Call
I received a phone call last night. The caller identified themselves as a member of the campaign of a local politician. They were wondering if Han and I were going to vote this November. “Yes I am going to vote” was my reply. His next question was just perfect, “Can you tell me if you and Han will be voting for our candidate?” “Oh no,” was my reply. “I have contacted your candidate on several occasions to tell them that I didn’t support certain legislation and they were real quick to tell me that my opinion was not important, the only thing that mattered was what is best for the country from their point of view.” Up until last night I have felt as if I didn’t have a voice in Washington State when it came to matters of righteousness on the political scene. The fellow that called was very sad that suddenly my opinion mattered!
Tony Evans in his book, “The Kingdom Agenda” says, “There are two answers to every question: God’s answer and everyone else’s. And everyone else is wrong! Thus it behooves us to bring our lives under God’s rule and passionately pursue the kingdom agenda.” He goes on to say, “Government is unable to fix the problems of poverty and social decay, and it quickly becomes apparent that all the king’s horses and all the king’s men cannot spend enough money or create enough programs to put Humpty Dumpty of our culture together again.” Tony Evans suggests a relationship with God that impacts society as the only hope! When our government tries to leave God out of the equation, as the fix for social decay, and then promotes unrighteousness as an alternate lifestyle or choice, they no longer need to be in public office. I plan on exercising my right as a Christ follower to vote out of office anyone, regardless of party affiliation, who votes in favor of abortion or same-sex marriage.
Social or Moral?
I am concerned about where the emerging church movement seems to be taking the church. In a recent article in the NW edition of the Christian Examiner (May 2010) “Speaker addresses ‘emerging church’ movement,” the following statement is used. “The majority of the emergent church views the role of the cross as an example-primarily. They tend to deny the atonement. It is not necessarily that they don’t believe it; they just don’t believe it is politically correct or appropriate to talk about these things.” The results of this type of thinking is that there are many people who might call themselves “Christians” and have an incorrect view or understanding of what that means. They reject biblical truth and instead hold to many different beliefs that are based on humanistic philosophy.
One such area is in how we help the poor. One of the arguments from the emergent church has been that the church is too far right political, too concerned about same sex marriage and in keeping a woman from choosing what is right to do with her body (abortion) then in helping and feeding the poor. From my perspective and I believe a biblical perspective, taking care of the poor is a social issue and same sex marriage and abortion are moral issues. In Matthew 1:21 we are told what Jesus came to do; “To save his people from their sin.” The emergent church doesn’t believe that same sex marriage and abortion are sins, so they have deemed it inappropriate to demand righteousness in these things. So instead of a spiritual focus on the needy, there is emphasis placed on the social needs of people.
I know this will not go over well, but the number of poor in the United States is unlike to decline no matter how much money is dispersed from federal budget programs. In Matthew 26 the disciples complained about the wasted perfume that could have been sold and given to the poor instead of being poured on Jesus as a form of worship. Jesus responded, “The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me.” Jesus was saying a person’s spiritual condition is much more important then their physical condition. Does that mean the church should not be concerned with helping those in need? No, a thousand times no! The church has a moral responsibly to ensure that it does everything it can to see to the needs of others.
Nevertheless, the local church must minister to the hurting in its community by showing and telling the compassion and love of Jesus. Listen friends, Jesus and Jesus alone is the One who sets people free. Being set free from sin and its devastating impact on the routines of life can also mean being set free from poverty to find that God “will meet all our needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” We have seen a shift in the thinking of many in the church today towards a more social gospel then a moral gospel that is more concerned about meeting the physical needs with little emphasis on the spiritual condition. We must not go down that road, but instead understand that the first priority of the church is to go into all the world and proclaim Jesus saves! Same sex marriage, abortion and most causes of poverty are sins, being poor is not.
The Power of Presence Part Two
The man had been away from his family for several weeks and he was excited about seeing his wife and children. When he opens the front door to his home, his wife stands and tells the children (who are seated on the couch), “please rise and let us sing, father’s home, father’s home A-a-le-u-jah.” No joy for dad in such a cold and formal place. However, if he comes home and his wife and kids throw themselves down on the floor in unrestrained ecstasy screaming at each other, “daddy’s home, daddy’s home,” and in that celebration ignore daddy, then we have problems don’t we? In both these scenes daddy stands there unmet and un-received, because the wife and kids are only concerned about themselves.
Let me remind you, being the church of Jesus Christ is about meeting with God, enjoying His presence not our preference. With that in mind, let me finish my thoughts today with some presiding truth about the Power of Presence.
We must be careful not to think that music is the only expression of corporate worship. There are many forms of worship and they are, prayer, verbal praise, directed expressions of faith, meditation, offerings, foot washing, and communion just to name a few. We must be careful not to de-value other’s style of worship. All praise must lift up Jesus for the world to see! If your praise is about you, then you need to reflect on what you are doing.
It is important that everyone expand the parameters of their worship styles. If you want to sing hymns it will not hurt you to sing, “I’m trading my sorrows.” By the same token, if you only like to sing songs that have been written in the last 20 minutes, you need to discover how rich and full, “O For a Thousand Tongues To Sing.” Whom do we seek? The Presence of God!
Final, we must remember what an awesome weight falls on the worship leader. The burden of balance, difficult to find and even more difficult to maintain, makes worship leaders a high and holy honor and terrifying responsibility. The most dangerous place in a worship service is the platform. It should be approached with fear and trembling. There have been many who are very talented who have lost their way. We should be praying and lifting those up who stand on the platform week after week and bring us into the very presence of God.
Master’s Degree
This past Friday night during the Hooding Ceremony at Southeastern University I received the Outstanding Thesis Award for the paper I presented for the Masters of Ministerial Leadership Degree. As I thought through what was happening I was overwhelmed with what was taking place. The end of a three year process of classroom work, reading seven books per semester, writing reports, writing term papers, putting together projects and listening to lecture after lecture. Waking up at all times of the night to work on a thesis, the final project to complete the degree requirements, hour upon hour of writing and re-writing, it had finally come to an end.
Even though I was overwhelmed by what was taking place, I still remembered what the Apostle Paul had written to the church in Philippi, listing all his accomplishments. He then told the people he considered all that rubbish. As I looked at the award in my hands I must be completely honest, I had a hard time calling it rubbish. I was really proud of the accomplishment. However, like the Apostle Paul, I desire to know Jesus Christ in all His fullness and because of that it is important to place this achievement in proper perspective.
Let me just say that I am very grateful to Southeastern University for the opportunity to take and complete this degree on-line. I am very thankful to Dr. Robert Houlihan the Dean, College of Christian Ministries and Religion and to Dr. Brian Kelly, my advisor for their help and encouragement. To the professors and instructor of Southeastern University I owe a great deal of gratitude for their patience and direction over the past three years. To Angle Lake Neighborhood Church, who had to endure countless sermons, teachings, and conversations as I worked through the thesis and presented to them information for feedback and correction; thank you. To my accountability partner, who perhaps listen to more of my rambling than any other person, thank you for your support and encouragement. To my peers and mentors, who over the years help me process the struggle that was going on in my own spirit over these matters; my enduring gratitude.
My greatest thanks goes to Jesus Christ my Savior and Lord, whose love has captured and rescued me; I am forever grateful! Jesus is the air that I breathe. In Him I find all I need to be productive and successful. He has given me life and in Him I live, move and breathe.
Jesus is the air I breathe and Han is the wind under my wings. Without her support, encouragement, devotion and sacrifice even trying to gain a Master’s Degree would have been impossible. I love you dear very much and because of you this has been possible!
The Fellowship of the Unashamed
I came across this a few years ago and used it in my sermon yesterday. Several people asked for copies so here it is for all to read. A missionary with the Africa Evangelical Fellowship sent a copy of the following in a letter. The author is unknown, but is believed to be a young pastor in Zimbabwe who was martyred for his faith in Jesus Christ. It was found in his study:
“I’m part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have the Holy Spirit’s power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made — I’m a disciple of his. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I’m finished and done with low living, sight walking, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, worldly talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals.”
“I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean in his presence, walk by patience, am uplifted by prayer, and I labor with power.”
“My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifices, hesitate in the presence of the enemy, pander at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.”
“I won’t give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till he comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till he stops me. And, when he comes for his own, he will have no problem recognizing me … my banner will be clear.”
