John Lloyd - Authentic Christianity Pt. 2
/Authentic Christianity
Practical Wisdom from the Book of James
Dealing with Temptation and Sin James 1:9-18
Pastor John Lloyd
September 17, 2017
How do we navigate through the trial of temptation and sin?
“to have no bad habit devastating you”
Trial and Temptations? What’s the difference? God tests, Satan tempts.
Big Idea: God will give you wisdom to navigate through the trial of
temptation and sin. God is greater than my temptations and trials.
Wisdom of God from James:
I. A wise view of possessions and economics.
James 1:9 Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, 10and the rich in his
humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. 11For the sun
rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty
perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.
Luke 12:15 And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all
covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his
possessions.”
Matthew 16:26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and
forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?
James 1:12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he
has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to
those who love him.
Following Jesus through trials will be worth it!
II. A wise view of ourselves.
James 1:13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for
God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.
A. We should not blame God for our temptations and sins.
“Let no one say when he is tempted” (1:13),
Genesis 3:12 The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she
gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.”
Matthew 4:1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be
tempted by the devil.
I Peter 1:16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
Luke 4:12 And Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘You shall not put the Lord your
God to the test.’”
B. Sin is resident inside of us.
Mark 7:18 And he said to them, “Then are you also without understanding? Do
you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile him,
Mark 7:20 And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. 21For
from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft,
murder, adultery, 22 coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander,
pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within, and they defile a
person.” (Romans 7:23, I John 1:8)
I do not believe that people take the doctrine of human depravity serious enough.
They do not recognize that we are not wrestling against flesh and blood but
against principalities and powers. We truly have an enemy, and unfortunately
the source of stimulation lies within us.
C. The source of this testing is our own evil desires. “yeser ha-ra” ;
James 1:14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own
desire
I Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.
If I do not have a right view of myself, then I will tend to blame anything or
anyone for my sins and failures!
God’s power, love and grace is greater than our sins.
III. A wise view of sin.
James 1:14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own
desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is
fully grown brings forth death.
Understand the process:
Step one: It starts with a strong look.
(see Matthew 5:28, “But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman
lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”) (Gen. 3:6)
Step two: It builds into evil desires. (James 1:14) The imagery here is very rich.
It is a hunting & fishing metaphor, very violent in fact. The bait is used to draw
and lure the prey into the trap. Where the prey is suddenly and violently
captured. ( 2 Tim.3:6)
Step three: These desires give birth to sin. (James 1:15)
Step four: Sin always produces death and deception. (James 1:15)
(Romans 6:23; Genesis 2:17). Don’t be deceived…James 1:16
SOME SUGGESTIONS: 1. Own it 2. Starve it (Col.3:5, Rom. 13:14,
Galatians 5:16) 3. Replace it. Feed the Spirit (Gal. 5:16) personal bible study,
small group, prayer, serving and accountability
If I do not understand the process of sin, I will be a slave to it and mastered by it.
God’s power, love and grace is greater than my sins.
IV. A wise view of God.
James 1:16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17Every good gift and
every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom
there is no variation or shadow due to change. 18 Of his own will he brought us
forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
(See Hebrews 13:8; Isaiah 55:11, I Peter 2:23)
1. Recognize our tendency to leave out or even blame God. (1:13)
2. Believe that Jesus has broken the power of Sin. (Romans 6;14)
3. Receive the new birth through Jesus and embrace His word of Truth.
(James 1:18)
I Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.
God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the
temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to
endure it
God is greater than my temptations and trials!