In our last study in the book of James we answered the question, ‘Is temptation God’s fault?’ We saw very clearly in verse 13 two important truths. First, God cannot be tempted with evil, and second, God does not tempt any man. God is so separated from evil that he is completely unaffected by it.
In the next few verses we learn to truth about the cause of temptation. I have seen it presented as a formula that I find very helpful. So where does temptation come from? Verse 14 starts with the introductory phrase, “each one is tempted when…” James is about to show us the source of temptation. If you have ever wondered where temptation comes from, here it is. “Each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.” So what does that mean? Here is the formula for temptation.
Temptation = Desire + Opportunity
Without desire there is no temptation. Without opportunity there is no temptation. But when you put the two together you have temptation. When the desires of your sin nature meet opportunity temptation is born. But even at this point sin has not taken place. No sin has occurred. Temptation itself is not sin. Verse 15 gives tells us how sin takes place. James says that “Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin…” Here is the formula for sin.
Sin = Desire + Opportunity + Action
When that desire that is mentioned in verse 14 is conceived or when it is acted upon, it results in sin. Whenever you add action to the equation of temptation the new result is sin. The remainder of verse 15 tells us that sin, without God’s forgiveness. results in death. Sin, without any intervening will result in spiritual death.
So what does all of this mean? It means that if you want to keep sin out of your life you have to alter the formula. We should all do what we can to change our desires through spending time in God’s Word. We should all exercise wisdom and actively remove any opportunities for sin that may be present in our lives. Set up safe-guards. We should all be living a life that is controlled by the Holy Spirit so that our actions are led and controled by God and not ourselves. When we do these things we alter the formula, and when the formula is altered the result is also altered.
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James 1:14-15- The Source Of Temptation
July 21, 2010
devotional commentary
In the next few verses we learn to truth about the cause of temptation. I have seen it presented as a formula that I find very helpful. So where does temptation come from? Verse 14 starts with the introductory phrase, “each one is tempted when…” James is about to show us the source of temptation. If you have ever wondered where temptation comes from, here it is. “Each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.” So what does that mean? Here is the formula for temptation.
Temptation = Desire + Opportunity
Without desire there is no temptation. Without opportunity there is no temptation. But when you put the two together you have temptation. When the desires of your sin nature meet opportunity temptation is born. But even at this point sin has not taken place. No sin has occurred. Temptation itself is not sin. Verse 15 gives tells us how sin takes place. James says that “Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin…” Here is the formula for sin.
Sin = Desire + Opportunity + Action
When that desire that is mentioned in verse 14 is conceived or when it is acted upon, it results in sin. Whenever you add action to the equation of temptation the new result is sin. The remainder of verse 15 tells us that sin, without God’s forgiveness. results in death. Sin, without any intervening will result in spiritual death.
So what does all of this mean? It means that if you want to keep sin out of your life you have to alter the formula. We should all do what we can to change our desires through spending time in God’s Word. We should all exercise wisdom and actively remove any opportunities for sin that may be present in our lives. Set up safe-guards. We should all be living a life that is controlled by the Holy Spirit so that our actions are led and controled by God and not ourselves. When we do these things we alter the formula, and when the formula is altered the result is also altered.
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