August 21, 2014
SATAN HAS READIED THE HOOK, DON'T GRAB THE BAIT!
James 1:9–18
John Cimmerman
Central Truth
Temptation offers us short-term pleasure. It lures us from the first tempting thought to the act of sinning. Temptation can break our fellowship with God. The Holy Spirit speaks to us as we travel the path of temptation. He equips us to battle against the world, our flesh, and the devil.
Key Verse | James 1:13–15
Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am being tempted by God,' for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. (James 1:13-15)
James 1:9–18
9 Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, 10 and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass 1 1:10 Or a wild flower he will pass away. 11 For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.
12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 2 1:17 Some manuscripts variation due to a shadow of turning 18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
Dive Deeper | James 1:9–18
"Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8)
Today, Lord, deliver me from temptation. Keep me from the evil one. Give me victory over anything that steals my focus away from Jesus. Thank you, Lord for Your truth; "Your Word is truth" (John 17:17). Forgive me for blaming You for my temptations. You never tempt anyone. I'm blown away when I understood that there are stages to all temptations. The usual pattern is: When any temptation comes, I dwell on it. Then, I'm drawn into it by my imagination. This is followed by lust, which, in turn, weakens my will. I then yield to the temptation. I commit to go ahead and sin, and a part of me dies. I lose my intimacy with Jesus, I harden my heart to sin, and my desires become carnal. Remind me daily to avoid these slippery steps. I want to please you, Lord!
Praise you, Lord. You have provided me with the weapons for battle against temptation. "For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every though captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete." (2 Corinthians 10:4-6)
"Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy" (Jude 1:24). Amen.
Discussion Questions
1. What is your biggest temptation?
2. How do you usually respond to temptation?
3. Do you utilize any of the weapons of spiritual warfare when tempted?
4. Which of these weapons have you used? Did it help?
5. Which of these weapons will you use beginning today?