James Part 6
James 1:9-15 CSB
9 Let the brother of humble circumstances boast in his exaltation, 10 but let the rich boast in his humiliation because he will pass away like a flower of the field. 11 For the sun rises and, together with the scorching wind, dries up the grass; its flower falls off, and its beautiful appearance perishes. In the same way, the rich person will wither away while pursuing his activities. 12 Blessed is the one who endures trials, because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. 13 No one undergoing a trial should say, “I am being tempted by God,” since God is not tempted by evil, and he himself doesn’t tempt anyone. 14 But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desire. 15 Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death.
What is Temptation? Where does it come from?
How do we overcome it?
Enduring trials is the Christians pathway to eternal life.
2 Timothy 3:10-12 CSB
10 But you have followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, and endurance, 11 along with the persecutions and sufferings that came to me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. What persecutions I endured—and yet the Lord rescued me from them all. 12 In fact, all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.
John 16:33 CSB
33 I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.”
Revelation 2:10 CSB
10 Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. Look, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will experience affliction for ten days. Be faithful to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Temptations are not trials.
Trials have a way of bringing to the surface things that would otherwise remain hidden.
The problem is not the trial, the trial simply brought out what was already there.
God is always willing to cause His children pain, if it will bring them to Life.
Christ is not willing to leave us in the state that He finds us.
Temptation is the enticement of our own evil desire, which when given into, produces sin.
The source of temptation is desire.
When faced with temptation there is a time to flee and a time to fight.
2 Timothy 2:22, Ephesians 6:11
The only way to overcome evil desire, is with a greater love.
If ever we will grow to hate our sin, we must love Him more!