Temptations James 1:12-15
Introduction
There are many examples of temptation in the Bible:
Gn 3:1-7 Adam and Eve eat of the forbidden fruit
But only a fw tching pssgs on temptatn. 2dy Ja1:12-15 3things U shld kno abt temptation
Observation
Word 4tempt is πειράσμος. In 1:2 trans ‘trials’, in 1:12-15 trans‘temptation’, or ‘tempt’
Is it testing by God to develop our character, or temptation that could lead to sin?
i.e. v12 w 2-11 The context is the best guide to the meaning, and here tho Greek word the same, seems clear tht we are dealing w
2different types: earlier trials/tests; here temptations
or w 13-15? Need to be careful of being dogmatic. I think James here taking topics not expound
1st You Should Know – Those Who Endure Temptation Will Be Blessed 12
A. blessed – same word used to introduce each of the beatitudes, ‘happy’ too light a word
You may be ‘blessed’ but not happy, similar formula to Mt 5:3-11
Some say ‘congratulations’ is better, point this is a very good enduring thing
B. endure temptation – constancy under temptation, not patience of bow head and endure
Endure - The spirit of bearing things with hope
Temptation – impulse to sin, with temptation evil is in view1J2:15-16
1] want something belongs to other: $, house, job, wife, husband
2]lk at someone w mor than glanc: womn w reveal clthing, man w chiseled physq
3]think if only U had opportunity U could be: boss, owner, star, rich, successful
C. when he has been approved – after the temptation or testing see v3
D. he will receive the crown of life – descriptive i.e. a living crown or
Appositional i.e. the crown is life, keep your eyes on the prize and live according
E. which the Lord has promised to those who love Him
=> encouragement to endure temptations or trials when they come to rcv the reward
=> learn to resist impulses, not respond impulsively, 1Co10:13
Joseph Gn 39 adultery with another man’s wife
2nd You Should Know – God Does Not Tempt You 13
A. let no one say when he is tempted – tempted here clearly refers to tempt to sin
B. I am being tempted by God – attributing the temptation to God
What kind of temptations? Ja4:1ff temptation to use violence agnst oppressors
C. for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He himself tempt anyone
The nature of God is that temptation to evil is inconsistent w His character, so He
cannot Btmptd by evil, as tho evil wld ever be a choice God would choose
Also He does not use temptations as part of His testing of people
Q JS is God yet JS was tempted, how can U say: God is not tempted by evil
Clearly JS was tempted, Mt 4, but He was tempted in the flesh not as God
Matt. 4:1-11 Jesus liv on bread alone, tempt God, worship other
rd
3 You Should Know – Temptation Begins With Your Own Desires 14-15
A. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed
James is showing us that desires within you can lead to temptation
First it draws you out, second it draws you to -> like bait of fisherman
Desire – 1J2:17 1Pt2:11 Mk7:21 Ro7:19
Satan also tempts – JS temptation is a clear example of that, but not James point
Pv 7:6-23
B. desire conceives give birth to sin, sin when full grown brings death Ro 7:13
Achan Joshua 7 take the items under the ban – saw wanted took hid
2 Samuel 11 David adultery with another man’s wife
=> individual responsibility for sin
=>temptation not sin, but when the desire ‘conceives’ then it gives birth to sin
=> Christian maturity is not marked by decreasing frequency of temptation but by
infrequency of succumbing to temptation
JS in the Lord’s prayer ‘lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one
Not to succumb to temptation, for God’s strength and leading and your ff Him
