Lesson 3 for October 18, 2014

Blessed is the man who endures

temptation; for when he has been
approved, he will receive the crown of
life which the Lord has promised to
those who love Him. (James 1:12)
1. James 1:13-14.
The source of temptation.
2. James 1:15.
Temptation and sin.
3. James 1:16-18.
Temptation and new birth.
4. James 1:19-20.
Temptation, words and wrath.
5. James 1:21.
How to endure temptation?
First, James explains that God IS NOT the source of
temptation. James absolves God; He does not cause
anything that could lead us to sin.
Then, James explains the actual source of
temptation. That is, the sin that dwells within us,
our own evil desires.
Just like Jesus did, For it is written. (That is, taking
the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
[Ephesians 6:17])
How can we deal
with that
temptation?
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. But each one is tempted when he is drawn
away by his own desires and enticed. (James 1:13-14)
Then, when desire has conceived, it gives
birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown,
brings forth death. (James 1:15)
We are
tempted
Our desire
generates
sin
Sin is
carried out
We are
sentenced
to death
Temptation overcomes because
we desire to sin. Sin is born in
our minds; then, it turns to
sinful acts.
Yet we have a work to do to resist temptation. Those who would
not fall a prey to Satans devices must guard well the avenues of
the soul; they must avoid reading, seeing, or hearing that which
will suggest impure thoughts. The mind should not be left to
wander at random upon every subject that the adversary of souls
may suggest. Girding up the loins of your mind, says the apostle
Peter, Be sober, ... not fashioning yourselves according to your
former lusts in ... your ignorance: but like as He which called you
is holy, be ye yourselves also holy in all manner of living. 1 Peter
1:13-15. Says Paul, Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things
are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are
pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good
report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on
these things. Philippians 4:8. This will require earnest prayer and
unceasing watchfulness. We must be aided by the abiding
influence of the Holy Spirit, which will attract the mind upward,
and habituate it to dwell on pure and holy things. And we must
give diligent study to the word of God. Wherewithal shall a young
man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to Thy
word. Thy word, says the psalmist, have I hid in mine heart,
that I might not sin against Thee. Psalm 119:9, 11.
E.G.W. (Patriarchs and Prophets, cp. 41, pg. 460)
Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every
perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights,
with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will
He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of
firstfruits of His creatures. (James 1:16-18)
James brings us hope, so we dont
succumb to sin or tend to think God is the
one tempting us.
We can fully trust the Father of lights,
because He never changes. He can make
us new creatures through His Word. He
can transform our thoughts and desires.
God loves us so much that he gives us
every good gift and every perfect gift,
although we dont deserve that. That
includes the best of gifts, Jesus and a new
birth.
So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to
hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man
does not produce the righteousness of God. (James 1:19-20)
Human nature
Slow to hear
Swift to speak
Swift to wrath
New nature
Swift to hear
Slow to speak
Slow to wrath
Work disinterestedly,
lovingly, patiently, for all
with whom you are brought
into contact. Show no
impatience. Utter not one
unkind word. Let the love of
Christ be in your hearts, the
law of kindness on your
lips.
E.G.W. (Christian service, cp. 24, pg. 285)
We can overcome temptation if we
devote time to hear Gods Word,
take care of our words and avoid
anger (Lk. 8:8; Pr. 10:19; Job 5:2)
Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of
wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted
word, which is able to save your souls. (James 1:21)
1. Laying all filthiness aside.
Letting Christ take our filthy
garments away and dress us
with His garments (Zec. 3:3-4)
2. Laying all wickedness aside.
Evil must not be part of a
Christian life (1P. 2:1)
3. Receiving with meekness the
implanted word.
We must surrender all to Jesus.
We must die to our sinful ways
and let Him create us again in His
image. Its just like a seed that
dies when planted, but then it
germinates.
God calls upon those who
know His will to be doers of
His word. Weakness,
halfheartedness, and indecision
provoke the assaults of Satan;
and those who permit these
traits to grow will be borne
helplessly down by the surging
waves of temptation. Everyone
who professes the name of
Christ is required to grow up
to the full stature of Christ, the
Christians living head.
E.G.W. (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, no. 32, cp. 27, pg. 263)