When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
James 1:13-15
Who is responsible for my struggles with temptation?
The blame lies partially with satan, partially with me; I am responsible to turn away and not dwell on the temptation. If you continually struggle with the same sins, check your thought life.
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
2 Corinthians 10:5
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Philippians 4:8
Is it sinful to be tempted? What if I continually struggle with the same temptations?
It is not sinful to be tempted; Jesus was tempted during his time on earth.
“...and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.”
Mark 1:13
“Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil.”
Luke 4:1-2
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.”
Hebrews 4:15
What is the proper response to temptation; how did Jesus respond?
You have a choice. God will always provide a way out if you will choose it.
Respond with scripture. Jesus always responds to satan by quoting scripture.
If you don’t know the Bible, this will be very difficult; memorizing scripture is key, and you can do it.
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
1 Corinthians 10:13
Re-read verse 15, is there a progression here? Notice that sin “gives birth to death” only once it is “full-grown.” Does this mean that we can sin without it leading to death?
The Bible seems to say yes, though we could spend an entire semester on this topic. Discuss this until closing.
“If you see any brother or sister commit a sin that does not lead to death, you should pray and God will give them life. I refer to those whose sin does not lead to death. There is a sin that leads to death. I am not saying that you should pray about that. All wrongdoing is sin, and there is a sin that does not lead to death.”
1 John 5:16-17
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