Look for God When Tempted (17 of 38)
John Barnett
The book of James was a letter written 19 ½ centuries ago. The second key to overcoming temptation is our study this morning: LOOK FOR GOD when temptations come!
Look at our text this morning: James 1:13-15 Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. NKJV. There are four powerful truths tucked away in these verses:
• Temptation is Inevitable "Let no one say when he is tempted" it isn't if but when!
• God is Immutable "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone"
• Lust is avoidable 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed
• Sin is Horrible 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death
Temptation is inevitable. That is not God's plan. Instead His Word gives us the way out. There are three keys to help us unlock the door every time we feel we are trapped in temptation.
1. Use the Word
The first key: quote Scripture like Jesus! Read in Mt. 4:1-11 Use the Word (that's what Christ did). He planned and prepared. Note the 1st word Christ spoke "Man shall not . . ." this is an insight into the most powerful truth in this passage: JESUS MET AND MASTERED SATAN AS A MAN! He did not face him as God's Son, that would not have been a match. Jesus met Satan with the same two, and the only two resources we have - the Word of God and the Spirit of God. If the Word of God is hidden in our hearts:
• We will say with the Psalmist (119:9-11) How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! ...
John Barnett
The book of James was a letter written 19 ½ centuries ago. The second key to overcoming temptation is our study this morning: LOOK FOR GOD when temptations come!
Look at our text this morning: James 1:13-15 Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. NKJV. There are four powerful truths tucked away in these verses:
• Temptation is Inevitable "Let no one say when he is tempted" it isn't if but when!
• God is Immutable "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone"
• Lust is avoidable 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed
• Sin is Horrible 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death
Temptation is inevitable. That is not God's plan. Instead His Word gives us the way out. There are three keys to help us unlock the door every time we feel we are trapped in temptation.
1. Use the Word
The first key: quote Scripture like Jesus! Read in Mt. 4:1-11 Use the Word (that's what Christ did). He planned and prepared. Note the 1st word Christ spoke "Man shall not . . ." this is an insight into the most powerful truth in this passage: JESUS MET AND MASTERED SATAN AS A MAN! He did not face him as God's Son, that would not have been a match. Jesus met Satan with the same two, and the only two resources we have - the Word of God and the Spirit of God. If the Word of God is hidden in our hearts:
• We will say with the Psalmist (119:9-11) How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! ...
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