How to Resist Temptation: James 1:12-18
Welcome to Timeless Truth with Pastor Jim Thomas. In this episode, we continue our study with James 1:12-18.
James highlights four key realities about temptation:
1. Temptation Is Universal
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.”
1 Corinthians 10:13
“The God of the Bible is not merely a God who demands strength from you; He supplies it to you.”
Tim Keller
2. Temptation Itself Is Not Sin
Jesus endured temptation without yielding to it. In Him, we have a Savior who not only sympathizes with our struggles but has conquered them.
“For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.”
Hebrews 4:15
“Temptations and occasions put nothing into a man, but only draw out what was in him before.”
John Owen
3. Temptation Has a Progression
James makes it clear: God tests our faith to mature it, but God never tempts us to sin. Trials are meant to strengthen; temptation seeks to destroy.
“You cannot keep birds from flying over your head, but you can keep them from building a nest in your hair.”
Martin Luther
4. We Must Not Flirt with Temptation
“Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Matthew 26:41
How should we respond when temptation comes our way?
- Resist—in the strength of God’s Spirit.
- Flee—as fast as we can.
- Fall—and suffer the consequences.
“Those who let God be God get off the conveyor belt of emotion and desire when it first starts to move toward the buzz saw of sin. Their aim is not just to avoid sin, but to avoid temptation—the inclination to sin.”
Dallas Willard, Renovation of the Heart
Avoiding Temptation’s Traps:
- People: Are there people who encourage you toward sin? Distance yourself. True friends want you to flourish in Christ, not fall into self-destruction.
- Places: Are there environments that stoke your sinful desires? Do not go there. Stay away. Take drastic measures if needed.
- Props: Are there possessions or habits that lead you toward temptation? Remove them. Better to lose some “things” than compromise your soul.
James also reminds us of the goodness and faithfulness of God:
“Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.”
James 1:17
“God is too good to be unkind, and He is too wise to be mistaken. When you cannot trace His hand, you must trust His heart.”
Charles Spurgeon
