1. Temptation James 1:12-15

2. Introduction-1
The Greek word used in verse 13 ( peirazo) means to try, to test or to prove
It may refer to the troubles that test out faith
The temptation of v. 12
These may originate with God- Gen. 22:1
And may result in sin
But God allows them for our benefit- Rom. 5:3-4
2. It is used in verse 13 for an enticement to sin

3. Introduction-2
Drawing us away from what is right and encouraging us to violate God’s law
Temptation results from our ability to choose between right and wrong
All accountable people face temptation every day
It is the consequence of having fleshly desires in a world filled with evil
The way we deal with temptations will determine our eternal destiny

4. Temptation and Sin Temptation may lead to sin but it is not sin
Jesus was tempted in the same ways we are tempted but without sin- Heb. 4:15
Yielding to temptation results in sin- v. 15
God will not allow a temptation that cannot be resisted- I Cor. 10:13
Resisting temptation makes us spiritually stronger
And better able to avoid sin in the future

5. Sources of Temptation-1
Enticements to do evil do not come from God- v. 13
He is holy and evil is contrary to His nature
1. Satan is the original tempter- Mt. 4:3
He tempted Eve, Job and Jesus
His intention is to produce sin, keep people in it and to destroy as many souls as he can- I Pet. 5:8
2. Those deceived by Satan- Prov. 1:10
He has many agents working for him

6. Sources of Temptation-2
3. The persecutions and the troubles that we face- I Pet. 4:12
These challenge our faith and will either draw us nearer to the Lord or move us away from Him
Things that we think, see and hear that are wrong
These can generate a desire for evil things- v. 14
Regardless of its source, we can resist temptation and are responsible for yielding to it

7. Avenues of Temptation
Areas in which we are most susceptible to temptation
The world in which we live is full of things that appeal to us through these ways- I Jn. 2:16
Lust of the flesh- Mt. 4:3
Lust of the eyes- Josh. 7:21
The pride of life
Things that appeal to our ego and feed our pride- Acts 12:22
Satan used all 3 to deceive Eve- Gen. 3:6

8. Attitudes toward Temptation-1
Our attitude will determine our response to temptation
Deny it exists
Those who deny sin must deny temptation
Will result in one doing whatever is pleasurable without any pain of conscience
2. Not concerned about it
After all everybody sins- Rom. 3:23

9. Attitudes toward Temptation-2
The Lord will forgive me
A foolish and dangerous attitude
Sin hardens the heart and makes seeking forgiveness less likely- Heb. 3:13
Desire to avoid temptation and sin as much as possible
Will not frequent places where temptation is apt to occur
Will run if necessary rather than yield- Gen. 39:12

10. Overcoming Temptation-1
We cannot avoid all temptations
Being a faithful Christian requires that we resist and overcome temptation
We must recognize temptation
One reason many fail to resist it
We must know God’s word
Jesus answered Satan with “it is written”
3. We must develop self-control- II Pet. 1:6

11. Overcoming Temptation-2
So that our desires do not control us
4. Be determined not to yield- Dan. 3:18
5. Draw near to God- Jas. 4:7-8
Praying for strength and to see the way of escape He has promised- I Cor. 10:13
6. Stay busy doing things that are right
Idleness often leads to temptation- II Sam. 11:2

12. Result of Temptation Only two possible outcomes
Yielding which results in sin- Jas. 1:15
Which without repentance will bring spiritual death and eternal punishment- Rom. 6:23
2. Resisting and overcoming it
Which makes us spiritually stronger
Brings God’s approval and eternal life
Are you resisting temptation in your life?