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Scripture Reading:  James 1:12-16

Forbidden Fruit...Bad Jam!

Intro.

1.  “Forbidden fruit is responsible for many a bad jam!”

2.  Every day brings the challenge of temptation & the potential of sin – 1 Pet. 5:8-9.

3.  We can withstand steadfast in faith – Rom. 12:21; 1 Cor. 10:13.

4.  What happens when we are tempted to sin? – Jas. 1:14-15 (2 Cor. 2:11)

I.  TEMPTATION IS SURE:  “Each one is tempted when…”   (1:14)

  A.  Each Person – No Exceptions (cf. Jesus - Matt. 4:3).

    1.  Temptation is individual – You are a target for Satan - cf. Lk. 22:31.

    2.  It is a part of life:  “When” we are tempted.

      a.  No “ifs” “ands” or “maybes” – The word is “when!”

      b.  We must get ready for it – cf. Eph. 4:27; Jas. 4:7; Eph. 6:11.

      c.  Jesus is our helper – Heb. 2:18; 4:15-16.

II.  TEMPTATION IS SUBTLE:  We are “drawn away…”  (1:14)

  A.  It is Cunning, Crafty & Full of Deceit – cf. Gen. 3:1; 2 Cor. 11:3.

      -Rarely does Satan “slap us in the face” w/ the possibility of sin.  He doesn’t dump a cold bucket of iniquity on us – He sneaks up on us!

  B.  Temptation Draws Us Away from what is Right.

    1.  Temptation is strong – cf. Peter – Lk. 22:33 (54-61) – Temptation of self-reservation overcame him – Denied the Lord.

    2.  Beware of over-confidence toward temptation (1 Cor. 10:12).

III.  TEMPTATION IS SPECIALIZED:  “own desires (lusts, ASV)…”  (1:14)

  A.  Temptation is Customized to fit each Person – cf. Matt. 4:3, 5-6, 8-9.  (Tailor-made)

    1.  It is our own desires that are used to tempt us to sin.

    2.  We can be our own worst enemy if we do not learn to deny self – Lk. 9:23; 1 Cor. 9:25-27.

  B.  Lust:  Strong Desire for Unlawful Satisfaction.

    1.  Lust reveals the intention of heart behind the action (Matt. 5:28).

    2.  Three general areas of lust that tempt us – 1 Jno. 2:16.

    3.  We are at risk from all three!

    4.  Lust can be withstood by addressing our intentions of heart – 1 Pet. 5:9 (Prov. 4:23).

IV.  TEMPTATION IS SEDUCTIVE:  “enticed.”  (1:14)

  A.  Temptation is Alluring but not Coercive.

    1.  Like mousetrap, we see what we want & are tantalized by the prospect of satisfying our own wants & wishes – gotcha!

      a.  “Love” for the bait attracts us – 1 Jno. 2:15.

      b.  With the mind on wealth, the pursuit of money leads to sin and death (1 Tim. 6:9-10).

    2.  Satan’s deception:  Convincing us that if we commit the sin we desire, we will find satisfaction!  We fail to see the hook concealed in the bait!

V.  WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE GIVE IN TO TEMPTATION: “…it gives birth to sin… when it is full-grown, brings forth death.”  (1:15)

  A.  Our Choice to Fulfill Lust Produces Sin – Eph. 2:3.

        -When lust conceives it bears (brings forth) sin.

  B.  Sin Produces Spiritual Death – Jas. 1:15; Rom. 5:12; 6:21, 23.

  C.  Do not be Deceived – Jas. 1:17.

    1.  …That temptation is not possible, personal, powerful & potentially deadly!

    2.  …That you immune from temptation (1 Cor. 10:12).

  D.  You can Endure & Prevail Over Temptation – Jas. 1:12, 3-4.

    1.  With faith, joy, patience (cf. 1 Pet. 5:9).

    2.  Regard temptation as a purifying fire – 1 Pet. 1:6-7.

    3.  By using the word of God (cf. Jesus; Psa. 119:11).

    4.  Through prayer – Matt. 6:13.

    5.  With the help of Christ – Heb. 2:17-18; 4:15-16.

Conclusion

1.  “Blessed is the man that endures temptations....”  (Jas. 1:12)

2.  We will not be removed from temptations – But we can endure it & be blessed for doing so – Jas. 4:7; Jno. 17:14-16.