Overcoming Temptation

James 1:13-27

We are all tempted to sin. 

The difference between the Christian life and the worldly life is demonstrated by how we respond to temptation.

Round Up the Usual Suspects (v. 13-14) 

This passage reminds us that temptation and evil do not come from God. 

Accepting the blame—choosing to react differently toward temptation that we have in the past—enables us to begin to resist that which tempts us.

Consider the Consequences (v. 15)

• We deceive ourselves and listen to the inner desires that war against God’s purpose for us.

The ultimate consequence of sin and rejection of God is an eternity apart from Him; these choices also forever obscure the good we could have done in this life and erase the person we could have been in Christ.

Stock Up on Left Tackles (v. 18)

Temptation seeks to gain victory over us by striking us at the weak places in our spiritual armor that can easily lead us to succumb to temptation, such as anger, lust, unforgiveness or greed

Clean Out the Cupboard (vv. 19-20)

• You have to remove the things that tempt you.

• You have to identify your weakness, then ensure that temptation has a difficult time getting to those weaknesses

Develop a Green Thumb (v. 21) 

• We must rely on God’s Word to resist the temptations we face.

Go On the Offensive (VV. 22-25)

The final stage in combatting temptation is the moment this fight switches from defense to offense.

When we actively seek to live out God’s Word, temptation will look less appealing to us.

The key to overcoming temptation is to thoroughly know God’s Word and use it to fill your mind and direct your actions.