The Book of James: Winning Over Temptation
James 1:12-18 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. 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 person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire 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 and sisters. 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. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created. (NIV)
James 1:12 God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. (NLT)
Trials (from God) are meant to grow you
Temptations (not from God) are meant to pull you down
HOW DO I WIN THE BATTLE AGAINST TEMPTATION?
1. Be Honest About Temptation
James 1:13a “When tempted…”
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. 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 endure it. (NIV)
Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. (NIV)
2. Take Responsibility for Your Choices
James 1:13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone. (NIV)
3. Stay Alert to the Process
James 1:14-16 …but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire 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 and sisters. (NIV)
2 Corinthians 2:11 …in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. (NIV)
HOW TEMPTATION WORKS
- Desire – It starts internally
James 1:14 …but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire… (NIV)
- Deception – It looks better than it really is
James 1:14 …but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. (NIV)
- Disobedience – You act on it
James 1:15a Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin. (NIV)
- Death – Sin always takes you further than you planned
James 1:15b …and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. (NIV)
James 1:17 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)
4. Refocus on What is Good
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (NIV)
1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” (NIV)
5. Live from Your New Identity
James 1:18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created. (NIV)
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. 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 endure it. (NIV)