Understand the Origin Trials & temptations are normal (Ja 1: 2,12,13-15) – A cause for joy & a call to perseverance Excuses, Excuses! (Ja 1:13) – It’s just how I grew up – it’s the way I am – I couldn’t help it – Everybody’s doing it – Nobody’s perfect – I was pressured into it – The devil made me do it

Understand the Origin Temptation arises out of my own evil desires (Ja 1:14) – Desires from Gk “Epithumia” – Mt. 5:28 “whoever looks & desires a woman has committed adultery with her already in his heart” – Mk 4:19 “the worries of this world....and the desires for other things enter in and choke out the Word” – Gal 5:16 “walk by the Spirit and you won’t carry out the desires of the flesh – Eph 4:22 “lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted according to deceitful desires”

The Process of Temptation Not a sin to be tempted Our desires pull us to act against God’s will – The action seems attractive, good, wise or even simply “easier” – Often a battle in the mind – Realize there is a very specific process underway when you are being tempted by your desires asdf

? The Path of Temptation MY CHOICE My DEATH MY CONCEPTION SIN MY EVIL DESIRES My Sin

A Biological Picture of “Death” Effect of chronic drug use on normal brain functionality

The Deception of Temptation That this course of action – Will make me feel good (in the long run) – Is better than God’s ways – Is inevitable, irresistible That God’s love, mercy & forgiveness makes sin at least tolerable or of “less concern” That choosing my desires will not result in death That areas of chronic sin are best ignored & kept in the dark

Understand Your Power Grace for the humble (4:6) Humble yourself by: – Submitting to God – Resisting the devil – Drawing near to God – Get serious about dealing with the sin in your life There is only 1 temptation – to satisfy your desires outside of Jesus Ask the Lord: – “What are the area(s) where I need to deal with?”