Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

     Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. —James 1:12-18

Introduction:

Remember that our Baptism did not drown our flesh… —Anonymous

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. —James 1:13

Temptation is a part of the Human Experience even after we become Christ-followers

• Luke 17:1-4
• 1 Corinthians 10:13
• 1 John 1:8
• 1 John 2:15-17

Where does Temptation come from?

NOT GOD…

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,”

God cannot be tempted by evil…

But wasn’t Jesus tempted?

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. —Hebrews 4:15

Nor does He tempt anyone…

But doesn’t the Bible give examples of God testing people?

Testing vs Tempting

But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. —James 1:14

Lured & Enticed

How Temptation works:

• Desire - what do you want?
• Deception - Can you spot the lie?
• Design - The pursuit of desire.
• Disobedience - Sin
• Death - The ultimate Outcome

The Tactics of the Enemy:

• Attacking new believers
• Attacking you after a spiritual victory
• Attacking you when you are vulnerable - H.A.L.T.
• Attacking you in times of trial.

     Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

     Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. —1 Peter 5:5-11

How can you fight temptation?

• A Fascination with the glory of God
• Understanding the magnitude of the cost
• Understanding you areas of weakness
• Dealing radically with temptation
• Fight your temptations at the start
• Plan your escape beforehand
• Prayer - Confession - Community