How to Survive Temptation (James 1:12-18)

A Brief Review We have undertaken an indepth study of the book of James. Our theme for this study is: “How To” Christianity. In our first two studies we learned: –How to survive trying times (1:2-4) –How to obtain wisdom from God (1:5-8)

How to Survive Temptation Appreciating the Certainty of It (1:13) Acknowledging Its True Source (1:13) Admitting to the Dangers of It (1:14-16) Accomplishing Steps to Overcoming It

Appreciating the Certainty of Temptation James tells us that temptation is certain when he says in (1:13), “Let no one say when he is tempted…” Notice if you will, James did not use the word “if” but rather “when.” Many folks do not survive temptation because they are not prepared for it! We must expect it! We must expect temptation and never be surprised when it is presented to us in its many forms! Truly, our spiritual survival is dependant upon our readiness!

Acknowledging the True Source of Temptation We should never be confused as it who our enemy is. God is not our enemy! He does allow our faith to be tested so that we will be strengthened, but He NEVER tempts us that we might do evil! Surely, we can see that the idea of temptation and sin stands in opposition to God’s very nature. But beyond this, we know that God is not our enemy because: –He is the giver of every good and perfect gift (1:17) –He has brought us forth in the word of truth that we might belong to Him (1:18)

Acknowledging the True Source of Temptation So then, if God is not our enemy, there is only one other possibility and that is the devil. Truly, the Bible describes the devil as the instigator of all that is evil and thus the source of all temptation. He is even called the tempter (Matthew 4:3). The Bible also states that he is a cunning adversary (Ephesians 6:11,16) and that we should not give him a place (opportunity) in our life (Ephesians 4:27). Many people don’t survive temptation because they have underestimated our enemy (I Peter 5:8,9) and his abilities (II Cor. 11:14). Let us not make that mistake!

Admitting to the Dangers of Temptation Many people are in denial when it comes to the process and consequences of temp- tation and sin. James has clearly spelled out this process for us so that we can stop denying the fact that temptation, when acted upon, has the power to bring about our spiritual ruin!

Admitting to the Dangers of Temptation Here is how the process works using a mathematical formula: Desire + Opportunity + Action = Sin (Temptation) And sin, when it is allowed to mature, achieves its purpose which is death, eternal death.

Accomplishing Steps to Overcome Temptation In order to survive temptation, we must take the necessary steps to overcome it! The first step in surviving temptation is to eliminate the desires found in our heart. We can do that by: –Filling our heart and mind with the word of God (Psalm 119:11,104) –Meditating on only good things (Philippians 4:8) –Praying to God for strength (Matthew 6:13) –Seeking to actively renew our mind (Romans 12:1,2)

Accomplishing Steps to Overcome Temptation The second step in overcoming temptation is to limit one’s opportunities to sin. We can do that by: –Avoiding those places and situations that would endanger us spiritually. –Avoiding those individuals who would lead us into sinful behavior (I Corinthians 15:33) And the third step in overcoming temptation is to seek to practice self-control. (II Peter 1:5-8) We can do that by participating in healthy activities like worship, fellowship, and service. I