Sunday9/5/2010 10:16:48 AM

Weekly Devotional

Those Tempting Temptations

Scripture: James 1:12-15

12Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. 13When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. (NIV)

This is a very contrasting passage of scripture. On the one hand we are rewarded by God if we endure (pass the test of) temptation. On the other hand if we allow temptation to run its full course it brings death. Two opposite ends of the spectrum, which end are you on? In examining this text and our real life situations it is very easy to see where temptation comes from: It comes from our own lust and desire. One cannot be tempted unless they desire what is presented to them. I could never be tempted by mother to eat beets or squash because I did not desire them, but her famous caramel cake was a different story. This happens with us everyday, our own lust puts us in compromising positions and when it goes unchecked it grows and becomes stronger, so strong that we have to act on it, the next thing you know it is an addiction or lifestyle that will eventually destroy us.

Every temptation needs only three things to destroy us:

1. Our lust and desire-this draws us away.

2. Our acting upon that lust and desire-this gives sin life.

3. Our failure to cease from this behavior-this gives temptation dominion and destructive power.

To endure every temptation we need only one thing: to obey God’s plan for living. Remember that God promises a crown of life when we endure the trial of temptation; this is a lot easier task when we seek after God and His desires for us and not our own personal lusts.

read previous weekly devotionals here...