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James 1:13-15 - Defending Against Temptation and Sin.

James 1:13-15 (NLT) And remember, when you 
are being tempted, do not say, God is 
tempting me. God is never tempted to do wrong, and 
he never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes 
from our own desires, which entice us and drag us 
away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. 
And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth 
to death. 

James 1:13-15 (NIV) When tempted, no one 
should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be 
tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each 
one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he 
is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire 
has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, 
when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. 

COMMENTARY PEARL

   To build a defense against temptation, we 
must understand how it works. Every sin 
originates as a thought, often the result of a flaming 
arrow the Evil One shoots our way (Eph. 6:16). If 
a believer holds on to the thought, it becomes 
a fantasy - the chance to imagine what it 
would be like to pursue that notion without 
actually doing so. The problem with fantasies is that 
they can easily become entangled with a 
persons emotions. This creates a desire, which 
brings the believer to the point where a choice 
must be made: he or she must either consent to 
the sin or refuse. This process is quite 
dangerous, as the progression from thought to choice 
can be almost instantaneous. 
   Wise believers determine ahead of time to 
resist temptation - before it enters their 
consciousness. There are two cornerstones to a good 
defense: the commitment to obey God, and the 
recognition that He is in control and has limited what 
Satan can do (1 Cor. 10:13). 
   We can further fortify our defense when 
temptation actually comes. Satan has a way of 
spotlighting the pleasure of sin until thats all we 
see. But with conscious effort, we can retrain 
our focus to take in the bigger picture: Is this 
choice a violation of Gods Word? What are the 
consequences? Am I prepared to pay that price? 
   No defense against temptation is complete 
without Scripture and prayer. Every moment spent 
meditating on the Word and communicating with God 
builds our faith. As the bulwark around our mind 
and heart strengthens, we are ever more prepared 
to douse Satans flaming arrows. [In Touch 
Daily Devotional by Charles Stanley at 
www.intouch.org] 

LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS PASSAGE


http://www.abible.com/devotions/2019/20191026-1240.html 

YOUR COMMENTS

If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or 
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either 
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in 
hearing from you.  Thanks in advance and let's keep 
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred 
Gibbs  

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

Most Important Decision in Life: 
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0 

A Man without Equal by Bill Bright: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVa7UoruIo 

Seeking God Made Real: 
http://vimeo.com/31489782 

Prayer Made Real: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE 

Importance of Choice: 
http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice [click on video]  

Medical Seminar on Healthful Living by David 
DeRose, MD, MPH: 
https://www.smartlifestyletv.com/lifestart 

LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES 

Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies: 
http://www.liftingupjesus.net/ 

Amazing Facts Bible Studies: 
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx  

Glow Tract Video Bible Studies: 
http://www.bibleresearch.info/ 

LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS

The Last Day of Prophecy by Pastor Doug 
Batchelor: 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmGvdtMCf1aJTiC59-lPtuUMEq_uEn0BK 

Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet: 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657