Lesson 65 November 10, 2002

Review:

Rabbit trail: James on the Subject of Temptation 1:13-16

In 1:13-14 we see the source of man's temptation.

God is not responsible for our failures!

Let no one say when he is tempted

Tests - are for our advantage; regardless of the source - CHP'S, CIRCUMSTANCES OF LIFE, FROM DEALING WITH OTHERS OR DIRECTLY FROM GOD. (ALL EXTERNAL) growth 1 Pet. 1:6-7

TEMPTATION - Source is First INTERNAL - from the flesh - OSN with all its trends, lust patterns - strengths - weakness; all in opposition to the will of God.

Prin: TO BE TEMPTED IS NOT A SIN - MUST ACT ON THAT TEMPTATION.

DIFFERENCE between tests and temptation is that a temptation is a solicitation to commit sin while testing is not a solicitation to sin but is a challenge, how are you to react to some situation.

I am being tempted by God

* The tendency of the sin nature is to blame others for one's own failures - its much easier.

Proverbs 19:3 also sheds light on this

Prin: No test or temptation is inherently stronger than our spiritual resources. People fail and sin because they willingly sin, fail to use the resources available to them in grace.

NOW James GIVES TWO REASONS WHY YOU CAN'T BLAME GOD FOR OUR FAILURES.

First

For God cannot be tempted to evil

What James is saying very strongly here is that God with emphasis on His integrity is unsusceptible to evil, evil in any form never has an appeal for Him, it is always repugnant and abhorrent to Him.

This characteristic of God stands in sharp contrast to the character of the pagan gods that were worshipped by many of the day.

The Second Reason

And He himself does not tempt anyone

Never will God solicit anyone to violate His expressed +R standards.

1:14 The Reality of the Human Source of temptation!!

But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust

when he is carried away and enticed

Must remember that when we choose to operate under its rulership and therefore its distorted perception you see something very alluring - very desirable to you at that point; but its only a façade.

Your blinded to the consequences of your actions.

By his own lust

TEMPTATION IS A REALITY - BUT KNOW, IT'S A TRAP, it's BAIT, AN ENTICEMENT AND THE OSN WILL seek to motivate you to INITIATE TOWARDS IT.