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.