James 1:12-18

What do you crave?

In April, an 8-year-old boy from Ohio was craving a McDonald’s cheeseburger late at night after his parents went to bed, so he watched a YouTube driving instructional video, put his 4-year-old sister in the card and drive 1 and a half miles through 4 intersections to the neighborhood Mickey D’s. Our cravings can lead us to do not only dangerous, but potentially deadly, things. How can you tackle your temptations and triumph?

God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12

2 kinds of tests found in the New Testament are trials, which God uses to help you grow and temptations which come from Satan so you will fall into sin.

How you can say, “No,” when all you want to say is, “YES”?

HOW TO TRIUMPH OVER TEMPTATION
  1. Expect It.(vs.13a)

And remember, when you are being tempted, James 1:13a

The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. 1 Corinthians 10:13a

Everyone is facing a struggle that we don’t know about, so be gracious and kind.

Christ was tempted in every way we are tempted, but He did not sin. Hebrews 4:15

  1. Accept It. (vs. 13b)

Accept personal responsibility for the temptation you face.

…do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and He never tempts anyone else. James 1:13b

When you Blame others, you are Being Lame.

  1. Deflect It.(vs. 14, 16)

Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away… So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. James 1:14, 16

Temptation is tricky.

So that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes. 2 Corinthians 2:11

The Temptation Trap (James 1:14-15)
Step 1: Desire

Temptation comes from our own desires… James 1:14a

Temptation is usually an illegitimate way to fulfill a legitimate desire.

Step 2: Deception

…which entice us and drag us away… James 1:14b

When you think you are the exception, you will fall for the deception.

Temptation always promises much more than it delivers.

Step 3: Disobedience

These desires give birth to sinful actions. James 1:15a

If the Devil can get your attention, he can get you into action.

Sin starts in the head but it leads to the hands.

Step 4: Death and Destruction

And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. James 1:15b

You are free to choose any action you want, but you aren’t free to choose the consequence of your actions.

  1. Redirect It. (vs. 17)

You always end up going the direction you are looking.

Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. James 1:17

The Replacement Principle. Don’t focus on the temptation. Focus on something even better.

Change what you think about.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8

Whatever gets your attention, ends up getting you.

When temptation calls, don’t answer.

  1. Resurrect It! (vs. 18)

The key to getting control of your life is to give God control of your life.

…And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure. 1 Corinthians 10:13b

There is never more on you than God puts in you!

He chose to give birth to us by giving us His true word.  And we, out of all creation, became His prized possession. James 1:18