James 1:12-18

Introduction:

1. Knowing Satan is seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8), it is crucial that we know how he tempts us and how God empowers us.

2. This lesson exposes his methods and how we must respond to win the fight.

Discussion:

I. The Promise (James 1:12)

A. The one who endures through trials is blessed and approved.

1. Endurance= “stay under, remain, have fortitude” (Strong); “under misfortunes and trials to hold fast to one’s faith in Christ” (Thayer)

2. Blessed= “happy, fortunate, well off” (Strong); “someone who received divine favor” (Mounce)

3. Approved= “approved after examination and trial” (Mounce)

B. Crown of life is a major theme (1 Corinthians 9:25; 2 Timothy 4:8; Revelation 2:10).

II. The Warning (James 1:13, 16-17)

A. James warned not to blaming God for temptations (Genesis 3:11-12).

B. He then vindicated God’s purity (1 John 1:5; Isaiah 6:3; 1 Timothy 2:4-5).

III. The Reality (James 1:14-15)

A. The tempter is well known (Genesis 3:1-5; Matthew 4:1-11; 1 Corinthians 7:5)

B. His pattern is well known, and without our wrongful desires, he is powerless to defeat us (Ephesians 4:7; James 4:7; 1 John 2:15-16).

C. Adding it all up we see that:

1. Desire + Opportunity = Temptation

2. Desire + Opportunity + Action = Sin

IV. The Solution (James 1:18; 1 Peter 1:23)

A. God’s solution to our sin problem is simple but powerful.

B. He “brought us forth by the word of truth.”

1. Brought us forth= “to breed forth” (Strong); “to generate by spiritual birth” (Mounce)

2. The word of truth was the seed that brought us forth (1 Corinthians 4:15; 1 Peter 1:22-23) and is the key to overcoming temptation (Matthew 4:1-11).

Conclusion:

1. To overcome temptation, we must understand how it works.

2. Satan tempts us sin, but without our consent he is powerless.

3. God gave us new life and victory over temptation through His will and word.