Overcoming Temptation
Robby Pollard, Lead Pastor
“Go relick your calf.”
The truth about trials:
- Trials are inevitable (1:2) - “when you”
- Trials are varied (1:2) - “trials of various kinds”
- Trials have a purpose (1:2) - “produces steadfastness”
- Trials teach us to depend on God (1:5) - “if anyone lacks…ask God”
James 1:9-12
9Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, 10and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. 11For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits. 12Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
James 1:9-11
9Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, 10and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. 11For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.
Isaiah 40:7-8
7The grass withers, the flower fades when the breath of the LORD blows on it; surely the people are grass. 8The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.
James 1:12
12Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
2 Timothy 4:5, 7-8
5As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering…
7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.
James 1:12
12Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
James 1:13-18
13Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
James 1:13-18
16Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 18Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
James 1:13-14
13Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.
- Temptations are inevitable.
James 1:13-14
13Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.
- Temptations are inevitable.
- Temptation does not come from God.
James 1:13
13Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.
- “hypo” - direct agency
- “app” - the origin of something
Matthew 4:1
1Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
James 1:13
13Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.
- “hypo” - direct agency
- “app” - the origin of something
God never tempts us to do evil.
James 1:14-15
14But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
- Temptations are inevitable.
- Temptation does not come from God.
- Temptations are predictable.
1 Corinthians 11:30
30That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died.
James 1:15
15Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
Proverbs 12:28
28In the path of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death.
Proverbs 13:14
14The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.
James 1:15
15Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
Proverbs 14:26
26In the fear of the LORD one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge.
Psalms 119:93
93I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life.
James 1:6
6But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.
1 Samuel 13:14
14But now your kingdom shall not continue. The LORD has sought out a man after his own heart, and the LORD has commanded him to be prince over his people, because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you.”
James 1:16
16Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers.
James 1:17
17Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
James 1:18
18Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
James 1:15, 18
15Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
18Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
Strategies for overcoming temptation:
- Dwell on the good things of God.
- Live in the truth.
Philippians 4:8
8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Psalms 119:11
11I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
Psalms 139:23-24
23Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! 24And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!
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