Bible Verses to Explore: James 1:2-18
How do you respond when you are tempted to do something that you know is wrong whether it is as simple as eat an extra cookie or hard as give in to an offered drink
cigarettes? Do you blame God for allowing you to be tempted? Do you say, “The devil made me do it?”
James 1:13 & 14 say, “When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.” The truth is, it is our own inner desires that tempt us – not the devil and certainly not God.
When it comes down to it, we each have only two choices:
* One, give in to temptation and let do things our own way – let our bodies control us.
* Two, require obey what we know to be right – control our bodies.
God gave us a free will that allows us to choose. It’s up to us to make the right choices, every time a choice comes up.
James 1:12 offers a wonderful promise to encourage us to make God-pleasing choices: “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”
Now, the question is…Which choice are you going to make?
Let’s pray. Heavenly Father, remind us that to avoid temptation we need to control our bodies, and not allow our bodies to control us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
I invite you to click on the logo and download the Inductive Study Guide so you can use it to help you explore James 1:2-18 and learn more of what these verses teach on making choices for yourself. God bless!