LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION
Temptation never comes from God, but it has a lot to do with God. Where does temptation come from, and how do we overcome it with prayer?
Notes And Next Steps
James 1:13-18 + Part 7 of the series “Dear God..."
When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. (James 1:13,14)
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial. (James 1:12)
The formula for temptation is desire plus stimulus equals temptation.
Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. (James 1:15)
Don’t be deceived … Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (James 1:16,17)
God is faithful.
He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. (James 1:18)
For Discussion
- Desire plus stimulus equals temptation. How does the devil dial up the intensity of desire or stimulus by using the following: 1) self-pity, 2) memories of past temptations that provided sinful pleasure, and 3) peer pressure.
- Desire plus stimulus equals temptation. Identify this strategy in the scene of Adam and Eve’s first sin. See Genesis 3:1-6
- Your Christian friend is an addict and comes to you for advice. They’re burdened, but can’t stop falling into temptation. “Why is God allowing this to happen?” they ask.
- Make a list of some prayers that can help us during temptation. Apply today’s sermon message based on James 1:13-18.