Sin is our choice – James 1:13-18

 James1:13-18 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren….

 … 17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures.

 God is a God of perfect integrity  He does not tempt anyone  Matthew 6:13 – “And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”

 He is all knowing  He is all seeing  He is all powerful  He is all wise  Vs …with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.

 God is light  1 John 1:5 --This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.  No darkness – no deception

 Psalm 31:5 -- Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have ransomed me, O L ORD, God of truth.

 1 Peter 1:16 -- because it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

 God limits degrees of temptation  1 Cor. 10:13 -- No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.

 “Keep watching and praying that you may not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

 Temptation left unrestrained.  Lust given room to grow.  Carried away and enticed.  Gives birth to sin.

 All good gifts come from God.  He gave us the gift of rebirth.  How do we live as first fruits?

 Vs. 17 – “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights….”

 Vs. 18 – “He chose to give us birth through the word of truth….”  1 Peter 1:23 – For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.

 Colossians 3:12 – “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving each other….”