James - Practical Faith from Godly Wisdom

Practical Perspective on Temptation (James 1:13-18)

1. Temptations are not from God – v13

2. Temptations come from within – from our desires – v14; James 4:1-3

3. a. We are lured away…

4. b. Let’s talk about fishing – How many lures do you have in your tackle box? Why so many? If I was a bass in a lake in South Carolina on a cool October morning; how would you catch me? If I was a catfish in a farm pond in late spring, what would do the trick? How do you know that?
5. c. What’s the key to knowing which lure to use?

6. d. What do all of these lures have in common, that the fish can’t see until it is too late?

7. Temptations follow a disastrous progression – v 15 - Gen 3:6 – The serpent used ‘forbidden fruit’ with Eve; What does he use with you?

8. a. Lust of the flesh – I want

9. b. Lust of the eyes – Proverbs 27:20; Ecclesiastes 1:8 – that looks good

10. c. Pride of Life – I must have it!

11. Being tempted is not a sin – Jesus was tempted in the wilderness

12. When you give in to the desire, that is sin – You don’t have to – 1 Corinthians 10:13-14

13. As sin grows it leads to death – John 10:10 – The Enemy offers Guilt, Shame, Bondage, Condemnation, Destruction, all gift wrapped in pretty packages – bait with a deadly hook just beyond sight….

14. By contrast - God gives good gifts – even the way of escape – but, also a way of focus, growth, love, peace….that insulates us from temptations and makes the ones that do get through downright unappealing….Philippians 4:8

15. Trust His timing

16. If you are in a sin right now and you know it is destroying your life – stop, Spit the Hook; repent, get honest with God and be set free!

17. He has much better gifts to give – Forgiveness, Peace, Love, Purpose, Strength, Joy that we talked about last week.. He’s a Good God, who gives Good Gifts.