Enduring Temptation

Enduring Temptation

James 1.12-15
“12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13 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. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.”

As Christians we must undergo two types of events that will change our lives forever: trials and temptations. Certainly no one rational enjoys trials or temptation; we like for things to be easy. The world we live in, however, offers us no such security. We live in a world where sin lies at every corner. Satan is just waiting to expose a weakness in us that will steal glory from God. Similarly, God is waiting at every corner. He, however, wishes for us to prevail. He wishes to mold us into the image of His Son, Jesus. So there is a great spiritual battle being waged of which humans are the target. This, beloved, is a battle for the souls of each individual. You and I have a decision to make: will we resist temptation and follow God into heaven, or will we give in and follow Satan and his angels to hell?

This is the most serious question we could ever ask. As such, Christ wants us to be prepared when the situation presents itself. The question comes whenever we are tempted: whenever that television show comes on which you know you should change the channel, when you neglect your neighbor even when you know he needs your help, when you choose to worship the world rather than worship God. These are the moments that define who we really are. These, beloved, are moments of temptation.

The book of James provides us with insight into temptation. He assures us of this: “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” We are called by God to endure temptation. That is almost never a simple task, especially when Satan wishes us to question the Holy Spirit into believing something is not temptation when it obviously is. James explains how we guard against this by giving us a definition of temptation. He says that “each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” So temptation occurs when our desires draw us away from holiness and into enticement. When we desire this thing, we begin the process of sin. Just a little thought and our brains have already executed the plan of action. We can already see the fleshly benefits. As James warns us, however, [conceived desire] gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” Beloved, sin will destroy you if you allow it in your life. The next time you are tempted, remember James’ words—sin DESTROYS you. Satan will consume you forever and ever. There’s a saying worth mentioning: “God doesn’t send people to hell; people send themselves to hell.” We are the ones who choose whether or not to give into temptation, beloved. There’s no blaming God for our own actions. You are responsible for yourself.

Do not be afraid, however. Christ has promised us help. Jesus says in Matthew 28.20b: “and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” When temptation hits, know that you have a God who is bigger than temptation. He can satisfy you far more than anything that sin has to offer, beloved. Nothing Satan tempts you with is better than the plans God has for you. Are you tempted sexually? God probably has a future husband or wife in your life. Are you tempted with stealing? God says we can find our treasures eternally in Him (Matthew 6.19-20). Are you tempted with just leaving things the status quo? Jesus says for us to “Follow [Him]” (Matthew 4.19). You see, beloved, Christ will help you with your temptations. He may put trials in your life, but they are there to help you grow closer to Him and so that you can learn to resist sin. Do you need Him to help you do that today? He’s always there to help you. With Him you can resist temptation and give into the wonderful grace and love of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

With love in Christ,



Austin Aldrich