THE SOURCE OF TEMPTATION

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In Christ, Mark

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The scriptures. May God bless the reading of His holy word.

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters.

James 1:13-16

This ends this reading from God's holy word. Thanks be to God.

Temptation happens. All the time actually, although it’s not something most people want to get out in the open and talk about.

Many people hate and despise temptation, ashamed of the things they do when they give in to it. Others seem to embrace it gladly and welcome it like a good friend when it comes.

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters.  Vv. 13-16

Note here that the source of temptation isn’t God. A person doesn’t face the challenge of doing good or bad because God is somehow testing them. Rather, the issue of temptation always begins within the heart and mind of the person being tempted.

God offers everyone a choice. They can either carry out His will and way or opt to chase after their own desires.

Choosing God is a sure way to defeat temptation when it comes. Rejecting His path to follow your own is what will lead you to be “dragged away” by your “own evil desire” and “enticed” by Satan in that place as he makes sin be conceived within. That conception quickly gives way to birth, and the growth and maturation of iniquity as the sinner finds satisfaction in fulfilling their desires. Ultimately, walking this wide path of sin birthed from giving into self gratification will lead to spiritual death which is code for eternal damnation in Hell. Only believing in Jesus, becoming a new creation by trading in one’s ways to live as He did, can save a person from sure everlasting torment and suffering.

We live in a world that would convince a person to “just do you” which is code for living however you want to live, no matter what anyone else might say. James finishes this passage by giving sound words of advice as he writes:

“Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters.”

Temptation is the gateway to sin and it only happens when we place our wants in front of what the Lord wants. Deny yourself and submit fully to Him. You’ll never regret it.

Amen.

In Christ,

Mark

PS: Feel free to leave a comment and please share this with anyone you feel might be blessed by it. Send any prayer requests to TheChristianWalkPrayers@gmail.com.