Overcoming Temptation – James 1:13-18
We know what is right and we know what is wrong. We want to do what is right but we are constantly tempted to do what is wrong. Paul describes this dilemma in Romans 7 and it is all too familiar a struggle in our daily lives. James begins his letter by emphasizing our response to the trials we face. In verse 13 James pivots to explore the nature of temptation.
God tests us, but He does not tempt us. We need to have a clear concept of how we are tempted so that we don’t fall into the traps set by Satan and so that we don’t lightly pass over our sin as just part of the human experience. Satan may set the trap, but we are too easily fooled because we fail to see how he is using our own desires to bait the trap.
On the other hand, God – the Creator of all that is and the One Who created us as His prized possession – offers us truth and light to counteract Satan’s darkness and lies. And so we pray as Jesus taught His disciples to pray, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”
This Bible study was presented to the Agape Life Bible Study Class of the First Baptist Church in Brenham, Texas, on Sunday, August 13, 2023. It is part of a series in a Bible study curriculum called Connect 360, published by the GC2 Press of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. The overall title of the current set of lessons is The Making of Authentic Faith. You can find printed and digital versions of this series online at: gc2press.org/the-making-of-authentic-faith-james-study-guide/ . Handouts with slide content can be requested at: fromthebackporchintexas@gmail.com .
Handouts are also available at: fromthebackporch.org .
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