Lesson 3 for October 18, 2014

“Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” (James 1:12)

1. James 1:13-14. • The source of temptation.

2. James 1:15. • Temptation and sin.

3. James 1:16-18. • Temptation and new birth.

4. James 1:19-20. • Temptation, words and wrath.

5. James 1:21. • How to endure temptation?

First, James explains that God IS NOT the source of temptation. James absolves God; He does not cause anything that could lead us to sin.

Then, James explains the actual source of temptation. That is, the sin that dwells within us, our own evil desires.

Just like Jesus did, “For it is written.” (That is, taking “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” [Ephesians 6:17])

How can we deal with that

temptation?

“Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.” (James 1:13-14)

“Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” (James 1:15)

We are tempted

Our desire generates sin

Sin is carried out

We are sentenced to death

Temptation overcomes because we desire to sin. Sin is born in our minds; then, it turns to sinful acts.

“Yet we have a work to do to resist temptation. Those who would not fall a prey to Satan’s devices must guard well the avenues of the soul; they must avoid reading, seeing, or hearing that which will suggest impure thoughts. The mind should not be left to wander at random upon every subject that the adversary of souls may suggest. ‘Girding up the loins of your mind,’ says the apostle Peter, ‘Be sober, ... not fashioning yourselves according to your former lusts in ... your ignorance: but like as He which called you is holy, be ye yourselves also holy in all manner of living.’ 1 Peter 1:13-15. Says Paul, ‘Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.’ Philippians 4:8. This will require earnest prayer and unceasing watchfulness. We must be aided by the abiding influence of the Holy Spirit, which will attract the mind upward, and habituate it to dwell on pure and holy things. And we must give diligent study to the word of God. ‘Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to Thy word.’ ‘Thy word,’ says the psalmist, ‘have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee.’ Psalm 119:9, 11.”

E.G.W. (Patriarchs and Prophets, cp. 41, pg. 460)

“Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.” (James 1:16-18)

James brings us hope, so we don’t succumb to sin or tend to think God is the one tempting us.

We can fully trust the “Father of lights”, because He never changes. He can make us new creatures through His Word. He can transform our thoughts and desires.

God loves us so much that he gives us “every good gift and every perfect gift”, although we don’t deserve that. That includes the best of gifts, Jesus and a new birth.

“So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” (James 1:19-20)

Human nature

• Slow to hear • Swift to speak • Swift to wrath

New nature

• Swift to hear • Slow to speak • Slow to wrath “Work disinterestedly,

lovingly, patiently, for all with whom you are brought into contact. Show no impatience. Utter not one unkind word. Let the love of Christ be in your hearts, the law of kindness on your lips.”

E.G.W. (Christian service, cp. 24, pg. 285)

We can overcome temptation if we devote time to hear God’s Word, take care of our words and avoid anger (Lk. 8:8; Pr. 10:19; Job 5:2)

“Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” (James 1:21)

1. Laying all filthiness aside. Letting Christ take our filthy

garments away and dress us with His garments (Zec. 3:3-4)

2. Laying all wickedness aside. Evil must not be part of a

Christian life (1P. 2:1)

3. Receiving with meekness the implanted word. We must surrender all to Jesus.

We must die to our sinful ways and let Him create us again in His image. It’s just like a seed that dies when planted, but then it germinates.

«God calls upon those who know His will to be doers of

His word. Weakness, halfheartedness, and indecision provoke the assaults of Satan;

and those who permit these traits to grow will be borne

helplessly down by the surging waves of temptation. Everyone

who professes the name of Christ is required to grow up

to the full stature of Christ, the Christian’s living head.»

E.G.W. (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, no. 32, cp. 27, pg. 263)