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James 1:13-15 - Victory Over Temptation and Sin.

James 1:13-15 (ESV) 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. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

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.

INTRODUCTION

   Temptation comes from evil desires inside us, not from God. It begins with a sinful thought and then becomes a sinful action when we dwell on the thought and allow it to affect our behavior. Like a snowball growing as it rolls downhill, sin grows more destructive the more we let it have its way. The sooner you stop a tempting thought or desire, the easier you can control it, before it takes control of you. (For more about escaping temptation, see Matthew 4:1-11; 1 Corinthians 10:13; and 2 Timothy 2:22.)
   It is easy to blame others and make excuses for our evil thoughts and wrong actions. We use excuses like these: (1) It's the other person's fault; (2) I couldn't help it; (3) Everybody's doing it; (4) It was just a mistake; (5) Nobody's perfect; (6) The devil made me do it; (7) I was pressured into it; (8) I didn't know it was wrong; (9) God is tempting me. A person who makes excuses is trying to shift the blame from himself or herself to something or someone else. A strong believer, on the other hand, accepts responsibility for his or her wrongs, confesses them, and asks God for forgiveness.
   People who live for God often wonder why they still face temptations. Does God tempt them? God tests people, but he does not tempt them by trying to seduce them to sin. God allows Satan to tempt people, however, and through these temptations God refines their faith and helps them grow in their dependence on him. We can resist the temptation to sin by turning to God for strength and choosing to obey his Word. Temptation always presents us with a choice. Will we say yes or no? [Life Application SB 2019]

COMMENTARY PEARLS

To your closet, followers of Christ. Pray in faith and with all the heart. Satan is watching to ensnare your feet. You must have help from above if you would escape his devices... By faith and prayer all may meet the requirements of the gospel. No man can be forced to transgress. His own consent must be first gained; the soul must purpose the sinful act before passion can dominate over reason or iniquity triumph over conscience. Temptation, however strong, is never an excuse for sin. {5T 177}

There is no safety for any man, young or old, unless he feels the necessity of seeking God for counsel at every step. Those only who maintain close communion with God will learn to place His estimate upon men, to reverence the pure, the good, the humble, and the meek. The heart must be garrisoned as was that of Joseph. Then temptations to depart from integrity will be met with decision: "How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" The strongest temptation is no excuse for sin. No matter how severe the pressure brought to bear upon you, sin is your own act. The seat of the difficulty is the unrenewed heart. {AH 331}

COMMENTARY

A Simple and Battle Tested Truth
   James wrote that we are "lured" and "enticed" by our own desires. That's why sin is so tempting. The Enemy knows what tempts you, and once those desires take hold, it leads to sin. Eventually, continual and unrepentant sin leads to death. Be aware! The Enemy wants to steal your sense of self-worth and kill your dreams. He wants to bury the purpose God has placed inside you. He's got all kinds of time and no mercy.
   Despite the Enemy's malicious intent, you don't have to live fearful or paranoid. God is greater than the Enemy, greater than your sin. Because of God's Spirit in you, you are an overcomer. God has given you weapons of righteousness - His Spirit, His Word, His Church - to help you fight back against the darkness. You are not the victim in this story, but in Christ, you are the victor! Sin no longer reigns over you, but you have been born again to new life in Christ!
   That's how you can find peace and learn to say no to the wrong desires. Don't let the Enemy steal what is rightfully yours - your victory.
   Dear God, I know the Enemy is lurking, but the more I linger in Your presence, the more confident I am that You will defend and supply my every need. [Grace and Glory by Louie Giglio]

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY

James 1:13-15 - Victory Over Temptation And Sin.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240903-1544.html
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20211118-1030.html

James 1:13-15 - Defending Against Temptation and Sin.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20200308-0912.html

Matthew 4:4 - Spiritual Food Is Necessary for Spiritual Living.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20230620-1019.html

1 Corinthians 10:13 - Temptation Comes with Limits and a Way of Escape.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2025/20250103-1352.html

2 Timothy 2:22 - Flee Temptation to Jesus!
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20200527-0849.html

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/