James 1:13-27

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Unholy Temptations and the Word of God that Overcomes Sin

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. God does not tempt anyone to sin.

  2. God uses His word to overcome sin.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Will you pass the OWS religion test this coming week?

QUESTIONS

  1. Why is it confusing when looking at the word for holy trials and unholy temptations?

  2. How can you sort out the confusion?

  3. What is the context of James 1:2 and of James 1:13?

  4. In which case is 1 Corinthians applicable? Explain.

  5. Is the way of escape necessarily a relief from that situation?

ANSWERS

  1. Because the same Greek word is used for both (holy) trials and (unholy) temptations.

  2. By looking at the context.

  3. James 1:2 has to do with holy trials of our faith; 1:13 has to do with unholy temptations to sin.

  4. 1 Corinthians 10:13 is applicable to both James 1:2 and James 1:13. God will not allow you to face a test of your faith that you can’t endure, or a temptation to sin that you can’t resist.

  5. No, but the power and strength in Christ is sufficient to endure the test or resist the temptation.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Refer to James 1:13. God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he Himself tempt anyone. We cannot blame God, nor can we blame even the devil when we sin. The problem is not the object of the temptation, but it is because of our sinful natures, and when we yield to the temptation, either in thought or action, it is sin. Death means separation, and unconfessed sin results in separation in fellowship with the Lord for the believer and eternal separation from God for the unbeliever. How are you doing with temptations?

  2. Re-read James 1:18-25. God’s primary method for helping us to overcome temptations to sin is His word. We are the fruitfruits of God and are to be dedicated to God, just as the firstfruits were always dedicated to God in the Old Testament. When we are dedicated to the Lord we will produce the righteousness of God in our lives. Hear and receive the word by reading, meditating and acting on the truths of scripture. This is the means of overcoming sin and finding victory and blessing in your life. How are you doing in receiving and living out the word of God?

CHALLENGE

  1. Will you pass the OWS religion test this coming week? Try it!

KEY VERSES

  • “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God;’ for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.” James 1:13-14

  • “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.” James 1:17 “Be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” James 1:19

  • “But be doers of the word and not hearers only.” James 1:22



James, New Testament, TalksDeb HarmsJames 1:13-27