1. This Morning’s News Headline Olive: Let’s learn the lessons from BP’s Gulf oil spill disaster

2. The Problem Today we have the toughest task that we could possibly embark on. We move from an external discussion of temptation to an internal discussion. James 1:1-12 talks about trials that come our way from outside. James 1:13-18 talks about the trials and temptations that come our way from within – the inner heart.

4. The Bad News “When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me.“ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; (temptation is never God’s fault) but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. (temptation is always my own fault) Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. (I go down the path by my own choice) Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. (Don’t live in denial about how temptation works) James 1:13-16 (New International Version)

6. Other Passages: Rom. 7:14-25 James 3:9-12

7. The Good News - There is Hope “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (Any thing good is from God not from within) He chose to give us birth (God gave us life as a gift) through the word of truth, (God provided Christ as the substitute but He makes His forgiveness available to us by telling us though scripture) that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. James 1:17-18 (New International Version)

8. The task

9. Passages II Peter 1: 3-11 Rom. 8:1-17

10. What God Wants God wants us to be First Fruits

11. What’s this look like in real life? GreedGenerosity RightsGrace Indifference Passion SelfishnessLove

12. Conclusion God has provided grace to live with the tension and to be overcome. Rom:8:1, 31-32