JAMES (Series) FOLLOWING JESUS THROUGH LIFE’S OBSTACLE S! James 1:5- 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. Every good and 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 might be as it were, the first fruits among His creatures.” James 1:13-18

THE DIFFERENCE TRIALS (Peirasmos) Designed to build up Make one strong TEMPTATION (Peirasmos) Designed to tear down Make one weak

THE OUTCOME OUTCOME OF TRIALS Endurance v.3 Perseverance v.12 Complete v.4 Lacking nothing v.4 OUTCOME OF TEMPTATION Carried away v.14 Enticed by lust v. 14 It brings sin v.15 Ends in death v.16

1. DON’T BE A SPIRITUAL WIMP – BUT STAND STRONG FOR GOD! “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12

2. DON’T BLAME GOD FOR THE OBSTACLES THAT I FACE IN LIFE! “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.” James 1:13

3. DON’T TREAT TEMPTATION AS SOMETHING THAT IS NOT SERIOUS OR SIGNIFICANT IN MY LIFE! “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.” James 1:14,15

4. DON’T BE DECEIVED ABOUT WHO GOD IS: *HE NEVER CHANGES *HIS WILL IS FINAL *HIS CONCERN AND FOCUS IS US! “Do not be deceived… 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 might be, a it were, the first fruits among His creatures.” James 1:16-18

HOW TO TRIUMPH OVER TEMPTATION!

STEP TWO: FOLLOW GOD AND STAY CLOSE TO HIM! “DRAW NEAR TO GOD AND HE WILL DRAW NEAR TO YOU…” James 4:8

HOW TO TRIUMPH OVER TEMPTATION STEP THREE: RUN FROM IT AND DON’T LOOK BACK! “Flee from idolatry…” I Corinthians 10:14 “Flee from youthful lusts…” II Timothy 2:22

HOW TO TRIUMPH OVER TEMPTATION STEP FOUR: FELLOWSHIP WITH THE RIGHT PEOPLE! “Do not be deceived: bad company corrupts good morals.” I Corinthians 15:33 “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” Proverbs 13:20

HOW TO TRIUMPH OVER TEMPTATION STEP FIVE: FEED UPON GOD’S WORD! “Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee.” Psalm 119:11 God’s Word is: “sweeter than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.” Psalm 19:10