We are going to discuss a subject today that every human on the planet deals with. Without the revelation and clarity of God’s Word, it can destroy us. Temptation. Up to this point in his letter, James has been discussing trials and tests in the life of a believer. Now he seems to change subjects for a second or does he. James connects the two. Why? What is the relationship between trials and temptations?

(James 1:13-18)

13No one undergoing a trial should say, “I am being tempted by God.” For God is not tempted by evil, and He Himself doesn’t tempt anyone. 14But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desires. 15Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death. 16Don’t be deceived, my dearly loved brothers. 17Every generous act and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights; with Him there is no variation or shadow cast by turning. 18 By His own choice, He gave us a new birth by the message of truth so that we would be the firstfruits of His creatures.

I believe James shows us in this passage three roadblocks within the concept of temptation that will warn us and keep us from sinning. These are not stages, these are encouragements. So, how can you and I overcome temptation and become victorious in our Christian life?

Consider the Impact of sin (James 1:13-16)

“A temptation is an opportunity to accomplish a good thing in a bad way, out of the will of God.” For example, it is not wrong to want to pass a test. But it is wrong to cheat to pass it. It’s not wrong to eat. But it is wrong to steal the food. The temptation to steal the food is an opportunity to accomplish a good thing in a bad way. James says that when temptation enters our minds we are to look ahead and consider the impact of sin. In other words, where does it ultimately lead.

Most of us think of sin as a single act. It is true that Adam sinned with one act but with that one act he brought sin, death, and judgement on humanity. James explains there is a process to sin. It starts with desire (verse 14). He doesn’t necessarily mean sexual desires. God has given us desires in life that are in themselves not sin. Think of it like this. If we never felt the desire of hunger and thirst, we would possibly never eat or drink. If this desire were not fulfilled, we would die. What about fatigue. If we never felt the tired, we would probably never get rest and wear ourselves out. The same goes for sexual desire. Without it humanity wouldn’t continue. But it is when we fulfill those desires outside of the will of God that we sin. Eating is normal. Gluttony is sin. Sleep is natural. Laziness is sin. Our desires must serve us not master us. The only way for this to happen is for Christ to be our master.

The next step in the process of sin is Deception (verse 14). James’s illustrations of “drawn away” and “enticed” are hunter and fisherman terms. Drawn away carries the idea of “baiting a trap” and “enticed” means “to bait a hook.” The concept is to hide the trap and the hook. Let’s admit it. When temptation comes it is always the bait that appeals to our natural desires. The bait is exciting and attracts us, but it is hiding the fact that if we take the bait, it will eventually bring consequences of sin. When Jesus was being tempted by Satan in the dessert, He always answered the temptation with “It is written.” He was answering temptation with the Word of God. When we know God’s Word, we are more prepared to expose the bait in temptation.

The next step in the process of sin is Disobedience (verse 15). He uses the image of childbirth to describe this. Desire devises a way to take the bait. It is our willful disobedience that endorses the act which results in sin. James says this process is like a baby being born. This disobedience leads to death. Death (verse 15). The disobedience seems small right now but when it fully matures, and it will, the result is death.

What if we had believed God’s Word and considered the consequences? The Christian life really is a matter of the will, isn’t it? Are you faced with temptation? Get your eyes off the bait. Consider the consequences of sin (Romans 6:23) “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Meditate on God’s Goodness (James 1:17)

At times we may ask ourselves, “does God really love me and care for me?” This is surly one of the schemes of the Devil. But, since God is good, we don’t need anyone else to meet our needs. I heard this quote once, “It is better to be hungry in the will of God than to be full outside the will of God.” Satan will most assuredly attack us when we begin to doubt the goodness of God. Moses warned Israel not to forget the goodness of God when they would eventually come into the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 6:10-15). Let’s look at several aspects of the goodness of God.

James says everything good in the world comes from God, “Every perfect gift or good gift is from above.” We may not see the good initially but that doesn’t make any the less good. The Apostle Paul said his thorn in the flesh was a blessing to him (2 Corinthians 12:1-10). What God gives and how God gives are both good also. God's blessings are compassionate and generous. Another quote, “God’s gifts are always better than Satan’s bargains.” He may trick you into believing he is doing something good for you and giving you a gift, but you will end up paying for it dearly. Are you faced with temptation? Meditate on the goodness of God in your life.

Focus on your New Life in Christ (James 1:18)

Not only did James use birth as the image of our desire leading to sin and to death (James 1:15), he also illustrated our victory over temptation and sin the same way. Consider some of the features of our new life in Christ. First it is divine. Remember Nicodemus. When Jesus told him he must be born again, he thought he would have to be born again physically. Jesus said the birth He was talking about was from above (John 3:1-7). It is a miracle from God when we put our faith in Christ alone for salvation. This new life is by grace. We don’t deserve it and we can’t earn it (John 1:13). It is completely of God. The miracle of the new birth is done by the Spirit of God through the Word of God (John 3:6) (1 Peter 1:23).

This experience of being born again is what helps us fight temptation. When we give in to our old nature, we are sure to fail. However, if we surrender to the new nature, we will overcome because Christ is the Victor. Are you faced with temptation? Focus on your new life in Christ.