 | Pastor Daniel Mihet speaking on James 1 verses 12 to 18 ‘Genuine faith and the temptations of life’ v.12: A blessing with a reward What is temptation? V13 Why would James be keen to point out to us that God doesn’t tempt us? Why then God allows temptation? v14-15 How does temptation work? First stage: a) LUST (desires, NKJV) – a strong desire for something b) ENTICEMENT – an opportunity and encouragement to satisfy Temptation = Desire + Opportunity Second stage in the development of sin is SIN ITSELF (15) –Temptation leads to sin only when you yield and ACT upon it – Sin therefore requires the added step of ACTION Sin = Desire + Opportunity + Action The final stage is the consequence of sin: DEATH (15) –This refers to spiritual separation from God, which is the “wages of sin” – Ro 6:23 –Ultimately such “death” involves eternal punishment – Rev. 21:8 Desire + Opportunity + Action + unrepentant heart = Punishment! Implications of falling into temptation: –Loss of first love, Isolation + Depression –Addiction –Health alteration Guarding against it:
on 6th May 2015 at the Wednesday Evening Bible Study. |
