“How to Withstand Temptation” James 1:13-16

The Blind Men and The Elephant Indian origin; John Godfrey Saxe poet

Wed Night Bible Studies: Standing Firm Resisting temptation One such temptation: relativism = beliefs are true for some, but not all vs. absolute truth Religious – no one religion is correct Moral – prohibited behaviors in some places may not be in other settings Cultural- “immoral” in one culture is not in another – e.g. child marriages

James: 2 Sources of Temptation 1) Desires of the heart (internal) vs. 14 2) Deception (external) vs. 16 vs. 13 – “He Himself does not tempt anyone” i.e. – does not stir wickedness in your heart; -- does not orchestrate circumstances with the hope of leading you astray BUT: He does allow you to be “tested”

Tests God Allows Israel - “Now these are the nations which the LORD left, to test Israel by them (that is, all who had not experienced any of the wars of Canaan” (Judges 3:1). Peter sifted - "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat;but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers"… (Luke 22:31-32).

Difference Tween Temptation/Test? Satan tempts to destroy – John 10:10 God “tests” to reveal our need to depend on Him and reveal flaws in faith, character, behavior (James 1:3) For this one purpose: to be like Jesus! “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son…” (Rom. 8:28-29)

So “Look” for the Lesson in a Test! 1 Corinthians 10:11 Israel serves as example “Nor grumble, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer. Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, (when is this MOST pertinent???) upon whom the ends of the ages have come. Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall.…” ( 1 Cor. 10:10-12)

God’s Provision in Temptation “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” (1 Cor. 10:13). 1. He is faithful 2. Sets parameters on temptation 3. Provides the way of escape Result: “you can endure it” – the key is the heart!

Cutting Sin’s Power at the Root James 1:14-15 Root = lust in heart (Matthew 15:19) “heart attack” Shoot = lust “conceives” Fruit = “sin is birthed; leads to death” (separation)

Our Confidence to Overcome Temptation: Jesus Christ! “Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). “After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you” (1 Peter 5:10).