THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRIALS AND TEMPTATION (3 OF 14)
by Jim Perdue
Scripture: James 1:13-18
This content is part of a series.
The Difference Between Trials and Temptation (3 of 14)
Series: James: When Faith Works
Jim Perdue
James 1:13-18
Intro/Attention
We're studying the book of James on Sunday mornings and so far, we've learned about how to remain ''steadfast'' in the midst of ''various trials.'' But today, James adds a little twist to it. He still talks about the tests that we will face in life, but he transitions from trials to talking about temptation.
And I want you to know this morning, there's a different between trials and temptation. While both of them are tests we'll face in life, they are inherently different and distinct. Here's a fundamental principle I want you to remember: God tests us to strengthen us and build us up. The enemy tempts us to weaken us and tear us down. Once we understand this distinction, we are more prepared and better equipped to ''withstand'' the tests that comes our way.
Let's take a moment to read our text as we think about the subject, The Difference Between Trials and Temptation. READ TEXT
*Comedian Jack Handy, in his book, Fuzzy Memories, shares this story. Growing up there was a bully who demanded his lunch money every day at school. Because the bully was so much bigger than Jack he always gave him his money. One day he decided to fight back. Jack started taking karate lessons, but the instructor wanted $5.00 a lesson. That was a lot of money and the lessons were demanding. I decided it was cheaper and easier to simply pay the bully so I gave up karate. Unfortunately that is the attitude many of us as believers have when we face life's many and various trials. It is easier to give up than press on. It is easier to bow out than persevere. It is easier to pull up short than endure to the end.*
Sometimes, that's how we approach trials and temptations. We try to find the easy way out. We seek the path of least resistance. Remember, God uses testing to grow us, strengthen us, and mature us. When we seek the easy way out, we s ...
Series: James: When Faith Works
Jim Perdue
James 1:13-18
Intro/Attention
We're studying the book of James on Sunday mornings and so far, we've learned about how to remain ''steadfast'' in the midst of ''various trials.'' But today, James adds a little twist to it. He still talks about the tests that we will face in life, but he transitions from trials to talking about temptation.
And I want you to know this morning, there's a different between trials and temptation. While both of them are tests we'll face in life, they are inherently different and distinct. Here's a fundamental principle I want you to remember: God tests us to strengthen us and build us up. The enemy tempts us to weaken us and tear us down. Once we understand this distinction, we are more prepared and better equipped to ''withstand'' the tests that comes our way.
Let's take a moment to read our text as we think about the subject, The Difference Between Trials and Temptation. READ TEXT
*Comedian Jack Handy, in his book, Fuzzy Memories, shares this story. Growing up there was a bully who demanded his lunch money every day at school. Because the bully was so much bigger than Jack he always gave him his money. One day he decided to fight back. Jack started taking karate lessons, but the instructor wanted $5.00 a lesson. That was a lot of money and the lessons were demanding. I decided it was cheaper and easier to simply pay the bully so I gave up karate. Unfortunately that is the attitude many of us as believers have when we face life's many and various trials. It is easier to give up than press on. It is easier to bow out than persevere. It is easier to pull up short than endure to the end.*
Sometimes, that's how we approach trials and temptations. We try to find the easy way out. We seek the path of least resistance. Remember, God uses testing to grow us, strengthen us, and mature us. When we seek the easy way out, we s ...
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