Sermons that work from James 1 is a sermon about Resisting Deadly Temptation. This expository sermon from James 1:13-18 will help you understand that temptation is real and it can be resisted with God’s help.
Sermons That Work From James 1
Sermons That Work From James 1 is an expository sermon that deals with the topic of Resisting Deadly Temptation.
Let’s face it. Temptation is real. We all face temptation. If you don’t face temptation, you should check your pulse.
Snippets From Sermons That Work From James 1
INTRODUCTION: Someone once said, “I wouldn’t be tempted if temptation wasn’t so tempting.” Oscar Wilde said, “I can resist anything but temptation.” From this we can conclude that temptation is real and we all face temptation at times.
A young wife returns home from shopping with a very expensive dress. The husband is livid. “How could you do this,” he exclaimed. “I don’t know,” she replied, “I was standing in the store looking at the dress. Then I found myself trying it on. It was like the Devil was whispering to me, ‘Gee, you look great in that dress. You should buy it.’” “Well,” the husband said, “You know how to deal with him! Just tell him, ‘Get behind me, Satan!’” “I did,” replied the young wife, “but then he said ‘It looks great from back here, too.’” Temptation is real. We all face temptation.
A young boy was in a grocery store standing near an open box of peanut butter cookies. “Now then, young man,” said the grocer as he approached him. “What are you up to?” “Nothing,” replied the boy. “Well, it looks to me like you were trying to take a cookie.” “You’re wrong, mister, I’m trying not to!”
Although we all face temptation, we must understand facing temptation itself is not a sin. Temptation itself is not a sin.This is an important issue because often temptation finds us. Take for example that boy in the grocery store. Did he sin simply because he found himself in a position of temptation? Of course not! Temptation itself is not a sin, but giving into it is! Therefore, the problem is not temptation but how we deal with temptation?
In James 1:13-18, we note THREE AVENUES of escaping or resisting deadly temptation. They are:
1. The source of temptation
A. God is not the source of temptation
Look at verse 13, “Let no one say when he is tempted, I am tempted by God, for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.”
God may tests us through trials to confirm the reality of our faith but He never tempts us to sin. God does not lure us into sinful activity.
God is Holy and there is no evil in Him: “God is light and in Him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5).
B. Temptation lies within man himself.
Look at verse 14, “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires/lust…and enticed.”
Man is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desires. See also Romans 5:12.
2. The steps in temptation
James notes THREE STEPS in temptation.
A. The temptation itself
Man is tempted “by his own evil desires” (James 1:14)
This is the entertainment level. This is when we entertain something that is not right or doubt what God has said.
B. The desire to sin
Look at verse 15, “Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin.”
This is the yielding level. There is no turning back at the yielding level. In fact, James depicts yielding as a woman who has conceived and will give birth to a child.
C. The temporal and eternal consequences
Look at verse 15 again, “Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.”
This is the consequences level. Sin always has consequences – temporal and eternal.
Temporal consequences involves spiritual death or broken fellowship with God. Eternal consequences involves physical death or eternal separation from God in hell.
3. The solution to temptation
The solution involves THREE TRUTHS.
A. Understand the deception
Look at verse 16, “Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren”
What is the deception? I believe the deception is blaming someone else for our sin instead of taking responsibility for our own actions.
B. Understand the character of God
Look at verse 17, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”
God is the source of all that is good. He wants to help us not lead us into sin.
C. Understand the gift of God
Look at verse 18, “Of His own will He brought us forth by the Word of truth, that we might be a kind of first-fruit of His creatures.”
The gift of God is new life in Jesus Christ. He is the One who saves us from the penalty, power and ultimately the presence of sin.
CONCLUSION: In short, the answer to sin is our new life in Jesus Christ.
Will you trust Jesus as the solution to sin and temptation?
Don’t forget the ABC & D’s of Faith
A = Acknowledge your sin – repent of your sin
B = Believe that Jesus died for your sin – trust in the finished work of the Cross
C = Call upon the name of Jesus and you will be saved – turn to faith in Jesus
D = Dedicate your life to Jesus – Love and acknowledge Jesus in every way
For more sermons resources, click on the following like – MoreFreeOnlineSermons.Com