Faith Tested — Part 2: Temptations

(Part of Epistle of James Bible Meditation Series)

James 1:13–15

James 1:13 – “When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone.”

FACT: God does not tempt us.

Where does temptation come from?

James 1:14 – “but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.”

Temptation comes when we are dragged away by our own evil desires. The key phrase here is dragged away.

We are most easily tempted when we are pulled away from God. When we are rooted in Christ—holding on to Him and drawing wisdom from Him—we become far less vulnerable to temptation.

This is why Jesus says in Matthew 16:24 that anyone who wants to follow Him must deny themselves. When we deny ourselves, we no longer allow our flesh and desires to take control. Instead, we allow Jesus to lead and take control.

What happens when we give in to temptation?

Being tempted is not sin in itself. However, sin is determined by the response we make after temptation.

When desire is allowed to win, sin is committed, and it leads to spiritual death.

Jesus was tempted, yet He overcame every temptation.

Eve was also tempted to become like God, and her response led to her being removed from Eden.

Conclusion: What must we do when we are tempted?

1. Acknowledge that you are being tempted.
   God does not tempt us, so temptation indicates the presence of the enemy. The sooner we recognize it, the sooner we can respond correctly.
2. Do not allow yourself to be dragged away.
   Instead, cling even more closely to God. This begins with honest acknowledgment of the temptation.
3. Say no and move away.
   When something is tempting you, remove yourself from it instead of staying in that environment.
4. Stay connected with fellow believers.
   Hebrews 10:24–25 encourages believers to spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Meeting together provides strength and accountability.
5. Confess and receive forgiveness when you fall.
   1 John 1:9 reminds us that when we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive and cleanse us.