Maturity In Christ Series: Tackling Temptation James 1:13-18

“The mature person is patient in trials. Sometimes the trials are testings on the outside, and sometimes they are temptations on the inside.” ---- Warren Wiersbe

God tested Abraham in the offering of Isaac. God might test us but He never tempts us.
There are three barriers that God has placed in our path to keep us from sin. We determine if we will or will not cross over them.

I. The Wall of God’s Judgement 1:13-16
1. A temptation is an opportunity to accomplish a good or pleasant thing by doing it the wrong
way.
A. To get a job or promotion
B. To pass a test or make money
2. The act of sinning is not a single step, but a process we carry out.
A. Desire–lust –want
B. Deception – 1:14 “drawn away and enticed”
(1) No animal into a trap willingly
(2) No fish bites a hook with understanding
C. Disobedience
D. Death
The more that we follow this method and get desired results, the more we will tend to rely on it to gain gratification and solve our problems.
“Whenever you are faced with temptation, get your eyes off the bait and look ahead to the consequences of the judgement of God.

II. The Wall of he Goodness of God 1:17
“One of the tricks of the enemy (the devil) is to get us to thinking that God is holding out on us.” – Wiersbe
1. The serpent in the garden
2. The temptation of Jesus
A. God only gives good gifts.
B. The way god gives is good.
C. God gives consistently.
D. God does not change.
“The next time you are tempted, think about the goodness of God.” --Wiersbe

III. The Wall of God’s Devine Nature 1:18
1. We have been born into His nature.
2. It was given to us through grace.
3. It was given to us through God’s Word.
4. It is the best of all possible births.
The next time you are tempted, think about your spiritual rebirth.
Conclusion: Mature believers do not blame God for their sinful fall.