A Study in the Word

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 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 has 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!