James 1:13 & 14
While temptation, itself, isn’t a sin, it can get us into a lot of trouble. However, when we are tempted to do something wrong, we shouldn’t blame God. Why?
God can’t do evil.
God can’t be tempted by evil.
God can’t tempt us to do evil.
In fact, 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.” If you are being tempted or lured toward doing something wrong, you can be 100% certain that God is NOT the one trying to convince you to do that evil thing.
When we are tempted, it is our own natural, inborn desire that is luring us toward that sinful behavior. We are tempted because we want to do wrong. Giving in and following the lure of our own natural desires is easy.
Rejecting the bait that is luring us toward sin and choosing instead to follow Christ in obeying God is harder. In fact, it is impossible for us to reject the lure of sin’s bait and follow God. We can’t do it. Not on our own.
However, while God doesn’t tempt us, He has made a way for us to escape the trap of sin that temptation can lead us into. That way of escape is Jesus. Jesus gives us the power, courage, and desire to want to obey God. Only with Christ’s Holy Spirit in our lives can we have what it takes to say, “No,” to sin’s lure and, “Yes,” to obeying God.
“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Matthew 19:26 says, “With God all things are possible.” Send Your Holy Spirit to live in me and make it possible for me to reject sin’s lure and obey You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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