| Temptations : Pastor Tim Lee |
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Count it all Joy, when you fall into many Temptations:
1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 1:3Knowing [this], that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 1:4 But let patience have [her] perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. 1:5If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 1:6But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 1:7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 1:8 A double minded man [is] unstable in all his ways. James writing to the church brings up the subject of falling into temptations. How should a believer react to being tempted? Counting it all joy when you are being tempted, for your faith is being put to the test. James probably seen many being tempted during the beginnings of the church of Jerusalem. Temptation comes in many forms especial to men that have a lust problem. Temptations come in the form of wanting money and power and position and the under handed practises one has to acquire such.James has a suggestion for those that lack wisdom, that being to ask God for wisdom in how to over come temptations.Not every one tempted gives into temptation. Joseph's master Potiphar's wife desired him to lay with her, instead he ran away leaving his clothing in her grasp. He yield not to temptation, was accused of trying to rape Potiphar's wife. He remained pure in his heart toward his master and his God.James warns about those that are wavering in their faith and how dangerous that can become for one being tempted by the devil.Those going through the wavering stage will receive nothing from the Lord.James speaks of a double mind man this can apply to women also. Satan loves nothing more than to have a church member that can't make up their minds. There are those that are Sunday morning Christians, very double minded and struggle often with temptations. The old saying comes to my mind,seven days without prayer make one weak.
1:12 Blessed [is] the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. 1:13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 1:15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
James again address temptations, Blessed is the man that endures or overcomes when he is tempted there is for him a crown of life. James begins to deal with those that will put the blame on God for them being tempted. Many a time, I've heard people foolish say the Lord knows, I'm just a man after they were caught up in some sin where they yield to a temptation. James to the point says God don't tempt man. We get drawn away of our own lust, just as King David when he could not take his eyes off a married woman taking a bath. That temptation cost an innocent man his life, because King David had to try and hide his sins.Look at the natural progression of temptation, it become lust and lust becomes sin and sin brings forth death. God placed some safe guards in place for the believer to help with overcoming temptation. First there's the Holy Spirit, that speaks to the heart during the time the devils enticing you to be tempted. Secondly the Word of God," thy Word oh Lord have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee. Thirdly, the Pastor and the local Church, for we are many members yet one body. The sources are in place to help believers and deliver them from the hour of temptation. |
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