James 1:13-15 – Temptations
“When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.”” Verse 13 and 14
Earlier this week we have considered how to be joyful in our suffering and that God uses these situations for our growth. But, it is dangerous to consider God at the root of suffering and temptations. God is love and does not harm his people. God created humans with the ability to make real choices; to choose between good and evil. Suffering came into the world when humans disobeyed and allowed evil to enter in.
We are tempted by evil because it looks easier or more enticing. God always desires us to make the right choice, but he will not force us. We need to take responsibility for our own nature and seek to make the right choices, as there are major consequences.
“Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” Verse 15
James is clear that if temptation leads to sin, then it leads us away from God and towards death. It is important to recognise that we will all face temptations, even Jesus did, but we should be quick to move away from it so that it does not snowball into something bigger. We need make a clear and obvious choice to avoid temptation. If you have given into temptation, you are not lost forever. You do need to ask and find support to bring you back to the right path. God forgives all and gives us the strength to overcome temptations and come back to him.
What tempts you?
What clear decision/action will you make to step away from that temptation?
Ask God to help you deal with temptations and overcome them. If you have given into a temptation ask God to guide you out of it.
Anna Naish
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