Class Lesson June 16, 2024

 Week 4 - James 

In chapter one, James instructs us that true religion looks like caring for widows and orphans, but in chapter two, we see the opposite happening in the lives of James' audience. The sin of favoritism occurs when we fail to see others the way God sees them. God is merciful and good, lavishing His creatures with grace and love. As Christ followers, we must likewise view others with the same love and kindness, reflecting true faith in our creator.

 

What comes to mind when you hear the words judgment and mercy? 

When are you most prone towards judgmentalism?

The Point: The ground is level at the foot of the cross.

 

James 2:1-13

1My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. 2 For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, 3 and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” 4 have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? 5 Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called?

8 If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. 9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it. 11 For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. 13 For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), James 2:1-13.

 

Study Notes

James concluded the first chapter by saying we must be not only hearers of the Word but also doers. Otherwise, we settle for an impure, defiled religion that’s focused on our own interests. Today’s text stands in stark contrast to caring for widows and orphans. Instead, the stain of worldliness was polluting the church with favoritism for the rich. Simply put, they weren’t putting the teachings of Jesus into practice.

 

Visible faith shows no partiality.

Though this is the situation James addressed, this kind of favoritism happens in every area of life. From our work to the playground with our families, to church on Sunday, we walk around with hidden prejudice and bias. Favoritism is an especially heinous sin because it suggests that God has made some to be more special than others. It is a failure to regard people the way God sees them. God is not interested in the exterior, but the interior (1 Sam. 16:7, Jer. 17:10).

God doesn’t play favorites because God is loving, and love and prejudice don’t coincide. He sees all based on their relationship with Him. Favoritism is theologically inconsistent with Christian faith. God looks to the heart of a man, which is the reason we play favorites and God doesn’t. We can hide much of our sin from others, so they don’t know what goes on in those quiet moments when no one’s watching. We can’t see the heart, so we apply our judgment to what we can see. However, if the goal of the Christian life is to be like Christ, we should desire to be like God, which means we need to regard others the same way God does.

Visible faith prioritizes mercy over judgment.

James alluded to the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:7 to warn that those who show no mercy will receive none in the final judgment. Stated positively, this means mercy triumphs over judgment. This does not mean we receive mercy from God only when we show mercy to others. If that were true, it would make salvation a matter of God’s payment for our good deeds. For those who have given themselves in faith to Christ, God’s mercy triumphs over our guilt and judgment. If we have received God’s grace, we will stand in the coming judgment. Mercy can rejoice in its victory over condemnation.

God is a good Father who has brought us forth by His word, and He expects us to obey Him. Faith without mercy toward others is not genuine faith. Genuine faith means there’s progress, not perfection. In your remembrance of God’s forgiving grace and mercy, extend it to others.

Questions for Discussion

Why should we obey the command not to judge or show partiality as individuals? As a church community?

Why should Christians, above all others, be willing to look beyond the surface to see the heart?

How should what Christ did for us motivate us to live?

Why do we think treating others as “less than” is a less serious sin?

What areas of your life do you need to repent of for the sin of favoritism?

How does showing prejudice and favoritism endanger our witness before a non-believing culture?

END

Teacher Notes:

James’ teachings are consistent with Paul’s teachings that we receive salvation by faith alone.

• Paul emphasizes the purpose of faith – to bring salvation.
• James emphasizes the results of faith – a changed life.

Our lesson this morning looks at how the Church and the individual Christian treats different people that would like to fellowship and maybe join our congregation.

In 1968, a Southern California pastor named Chuck Smith, realizes his church is slowly dying – there’s no growth.  His daughter picks up a hippie hitchhiker named Lonnie Frisbee, who is traveling around telling people about Jesus. Before you know it, more hippies are showing up at the church wanting to fellowship and the older members are not happy. Certain long time contributing members give the pastor an ultimatum – it’s either them or these new hippies. Chuck decides to give his answer to the whole church.

Click Play to Watch

Now some of you remember that a few of the old members walked out but the church exploded and began the Jesus Revolution.

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

― Maya Angelou

Just think about it for a moment – to feel unwanted.

The world defines who we are by what we do, but the Word centers on who we are in Christ and tells us to express that new identity in what we do.

 

Being and doing are clearly interrelated, but the biblical order is critical: what we do should flow out of who we are, not the other way around.

In chapter two, we see the church doing the opposite 

of what Christ taught.

 

And what they were doing certainly wasn’t what 

Christ wanted them to be.

   What were they doing?

 

From the playground to our families, to our work, and even to church on Sunday, we walk around with hidden prejudice and bias.

Why do we do this?

• Poverty makes us uncomfortable; we don’t want to face our responsibility to those who have less than we do.
• We want to be wealthy too, and we hope to use the rich person to that end.
• We want the rich person to join our church and help support it financially. 

Why is this so wrong?

According to James, Partiality was an evil thing to do.

Neglects the image of God in humanity.

When we show favoritism to one person or group of people over another, we are — whether we realize it or not — subtly neglecting the truth that all human beings have been created in the image of God. Because all of us have been created in God’s image, every one of us is worthy of honor and dignity. When we remove some of that honor and dignity, even if it seems like a small thing, we are doing more than exercising our preference for one group or another. We are denying the image of God in the neglected party.

 

Sees others as objects to be used.

Why might we show favoritism? In James’ illustration of the rich man and the poor man in the fellowship, the reason is simple: we can get something from the rich man. By showing favoritism, we might receive some of his money, a greater reputation because we are associated with a person of prominence, or his approval which would increase our self-esteem. Whatever the case, we are hoping to gain something from him, which means we are using that person rather than serving and loving him.

 

Sets us up as judges.

Favoritism is a big deal because it puts us in the place of God. We are determining someone’s worthiness based on some preconceived notion because of the person’s clothes, money, reputation, or whatever. But we are not equipped to make this judgment. Indeed, only God can look at the heart. When we show partiality, we are putting ourselves in the place of God. We are judging the worth of another.

All these motives are selfish - they view neither the rich nor the poor person as someone needing fellowship. We don’t even know these people and yet we draw these distinctions.

How can we learn not to judge or favor someone

we don’t even know?

Favoritism is an especially heinous sin because it suggests that God has made some to be more special than others.

God is not interested in the exterior, but the interior.

What is the Royal Law?

James referred to the royal law: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” It’s a royal law because if we obeyed this law, we wouldn’t need all the rest. We are to treat others as we want others to treat us.

The royal law is the law of Jesus, who said, “Love each other as I have loved you” (John 15:12).

 We must treat all people as we would want to be treated.

What is the Law of Liberty?

James 2:12–13 fit right into the flow of the previous verses. Verse 12 says, “Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom.” James reminds the believers that they are no longer held under the old Law; instead, they are under a new law of freedom that was established through Jesus’ death and resurrection — born-again believers are under the New Covenant. This liberty, which comes through the gospel of Christ, gives us freedom from the power of sin. Live your life in such a way, says James, that proves that you expect to answer to God some day for your actions. No believer will be able to excuse his sin by saying, “I couldn’t help it,” because the cross of Christ did away with that bondage. We are under the law of liberty now.

How should what Christ did for us motivate us to live towards one another?

If you were to ask someone who doesn't go to church to describe the average Christian, you are likely to hear the word "judgmental."

 

This shows how far we've slipped from Christ’s teachings of love and mercy.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”

Matthew 5:7

It’s one of the BEATITUDES!

How can we not show mercy, when we are so 

dependent upon it ourselves?

HONESTY HAS A beautiful and refreshing simplicity about it . . .

as do followers of Christ who embrace such Spirit-empowered virtues. No ulterior motives. No hidden agenda.

In Christ there was no hypocrisy, duplicity, political games, and verbal superficiality - just authentic honesty.

As honesty and integrity characterize our lives, there will be no need to manipulate others. We'll come to the place where all the substitutes will turn us off once we cultivate a taste for the authentic.

Think about becoming more like Jesus. Pray about becoming more like Him. But be real — that's what I want to get across. Be who you are deep within and then allow the Lord God to develop within you a faith of following Christ that draws others to Him. Don't just do honest things - BE HONEST!!

Chuck Swindoll Devotions

Class Lesson June 9, 2024

  Week 3 - James 

Last week, we talked about how there are two paths of life that everyone must choose: the path that leads to life and the path that leads to death. James teaches that the lives of those on the path of life should bear fruit accordingly. The life of a disciple should be marked not only by hearing the word of God but obeying the word of God and bearing fruit. Life in this world is hard, but we must obey God’s word. Our lives should be marked with self-control, a turning away from sin, and living on mission.

The Point: Visible faith practices what you preach.

 

James 1:19-27

19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. 22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. 26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. 27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), James 1:19-27.

 

Study Notes

Imagine a parent giving instructions to their child. The child is eager to play outside, but the parent knows there are rules to follow for safety. The parent says, “You can play outside, but remember, you must stay in our yard. Do you understand?”

In these essential words from James, we’re reminded of the importance of listening and obeying. Just as a child needs to heed a parent’s instructions, we too must pay attention to God’s Word. James encourages us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. Obeying God’s Word isn’t just about hearing it. Obedience is about action. It’s like the child who, after listening to their parents’ instructions, follows them diligently.

 

James was concerned believers were merely listening to God’s Word and not living out its truth. James maintained that just listening to God’s Word was insufficient. When one hears the Word and doesn’t act on the commands contained in it, that person really is engaging in self-deception. Simply listening to the message isn’t enough. For James, authentic faith and daily obedience go hand-in-hand. James compares merely hearing God’s Word to looking at our reflection in a mirror but then forgetting what we look like as soon as we turn away. It’s empty and futile if we don’t live out what we’ve heard. In the bustling noise of life, it’s easy to hear but not truly listen. What’s the point of just reading and hearing the Word of God but not obeying it? The ramifications are clear—we risk living a life of deception and disobedience.

So, how do we bridge the gap between hearing and doing? It begins with intentionality. We must approach Scripture—not as passive spectators but as active participants—ready to heed its call and apply its teachings to our lives. Since the Bible is a living and active resource to follow God and deepen our relationship with him, it speaks to our lives at any moment. It’s not a dated or irrelevant message, but one that’s sharp today and for all eternity.

We’ve laid a foundation for the Book of James and addressed the fact that life is difficult—even for Christians. In life, especially when facing trials and temptations, we’ll constantly face the same decision. Will we do what God’s Word says? That question will present itself in different circumstances, yet underneath the surface, the central point is the same. Those who have true belief in Christ will act in accordance with God’s Word.

 

Control Yourself

James identified our language, relationships, and attitudes as visible reflections of what’s in our hearts. Just as a right understanding of God’s Word produces godly action, so does it produce godly speech. Often we’re tempted to not hold our tongues when we feel that we’re being wronged in some way. Through the Holy Spirit, self-control should be evident in the life of those who have been redeemed by Jesus.

Turn From Sin

One of the great benefits of reading and hearing the Word of God is that it helps the sanctification process of believers—the process of turning from sin and looking more like Jesus. God’s Word convicts our hearts of things that don’t honor Jesus, and therefore shouldn’t be a part of a believer’s life. Turning from sin is obedience in Christ.

If our lives are built on merely listening to the words of Jesus and not obeying them and turning from sin, we will be deceived that our lives are okay, then one day our lives will eternally and ultimately end in destruction.

 

Live on Mission

True religion expresses itself in loving service and holy living. James uses the examples of taking care of orphans and widows as a way to live on mission. By caring for the most helpless members of society, the church body put God’s Word into practice. As Jesus commands us to be humble, serve and love others, and reflect the work of God, we’re to live on mission in a broken and fallen world. God’s Word provokes action, and if there’s no action from the Word, then clearly there’s been no acceptance of the Word. This is the very nature of a faith that works. At the end of the day, James is saying you have deceived yourself if you think you’re right in your relationship with God because you’ve listened to the Word of God, maybe even intently and consistently, but don’t live out the Word of God in your life daily.

 

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

How did James’s earthly relationship with Jesus lend credibility and passion to his message of being a doer, not just a hearer, of truth?

 

What role should God’s Word play in our pursuit of Christ-likeness?

 

How does a heart bent towards sin affect the way we receive God’s Word? Have you ever seen this play out in your own life?

 

How well does your speech reflect the truth of who you are in Chris? When are you most prone to lose control of your tongue?

What did James mean when he said we deceive ourselves (see v. 22)? Why is it deceptive to hear God’s Word and not obey it? How does listening but not doing hinder the gospel impacting others?

 

How is James’s call for obedience different from an attempt to earn right standing before God—that is, works-righteousness?

 

END

Class Lesson June 2, 2024

 Week 2 - James

There are two paths of life that every individual must decide to walk: the path that leads to death or the path that leads to life. This theme is repeated throughout the biblical narrative. As we face trials and temptation in this life, the choice is still ours to make: will we walk on the path leading to life or will we choose to succumb to the ways of this world? James teaches us that everyone must decide which path they will walk.

 

The Point: 

Every person must determine the path they will walk.

 

James 1:12-18

12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), James 1:12-18.

 

Study Notes

This week we’re continuing our study in the book of James. Again, James challenges how we handle trials and temptations. The temptation to sin has been present since the fall of man, when Eve gave in to Satan’s temptation in the garden. However, some of James’s readers were blaming God for the temptations they experienced. James stated emphatically that believers are responsible for any pulls to evil their trials bring. Temptations to evil don’t arise from God. No pull to evil can touch Him because He has no vulnerability. The morally perfect God who is, at heart, a loving Father doesn’t use temptations to evil to test His people.

James places the responsibility for temptations on the individual. Temptations arise from within the person but in themselves don’t constitute sin. Entertaining temptation, however, can set in motion a tragic process. First, the person is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desires. Then, joining one’s will with evil desire produces sin, and full-blown, unrepented sin leads to spiritual death.

 

Path of Death

The path of death is depicted as a journey filled with temptation and deception. It begins with desire, which, when conceived, gives birth to sin. Sin, once fully grown, leads to death. James warns against being misled by the allure of temptation. Sin lies to us. It promises good but never delivers. Instead of good, sin destroys the very things God created for us to enjoy. It lures us by lying to us, creating broken relationships with others and of course, with God. Our sinful nature gives in to our own selfish desires. This process leads us down a path that isn’t honoring to God. Oftentimes, the temptations that lead to sin create a slow fade away from the God who loves us and into a self-centered life filled with worldly desires, which ultimately leads to death.

Path of Life

To the contrary, the path of life is one that endures trials, resists temptation, and is dependent on God. Those who chose to endure and trust in the Lord will be rewarded with the crown of life promised by God. While walking with God we will be tempted in the deceptive nature of desires. James provides hope by reminding believers that every good and perfect gift comes from above, from the Father of lights. James highlights the importance of recognizing and embracing God’s gifts, rather than being swayed by fleeting desires that lead us astray.

During difficulties, God is good. His faithfulness is unwavering. His grace is abundant. In essence, James depicts life as a battleground between perseverance and temptation, urging readers to remain steadfast in their faith, trusting in God’s provision and rejecting the allure of sin.

 

Questions for Discussion

Is being tempted a sin? Does everyone experience temptations to do the same things and in the same ways? Explain your answers.

 

If temptations promise good but never deliver, why do we so often say yes to them?

 

Why do you think people try to blame God for the temptations they face, as James’s readers evidently were doing?

 

According to James in 1:13-15, who is the real culprit we’re to blame for our sins?

 

When we can endure the trials, what does James say God promises? What does the “crown of life” mean?

 

Why do you think some people choose to be deceived by sin and allow it to lead their life on the path of death?

 

What are some specific ways you’ve seen God’s power at work in your life when you’ve faced temptations? What role did prayer play in those situations?

 

What would you say are 3 important ways to help the believer endure temptation and trials?

 

END

Teacher's Notes

The Devil’s Advocate

In the beginning of the movie, Keanu Reeves is defending a child molester who he knows is guilty, and he begins to question his morals. The judge announces a break in the middle of cross examination, and Kevin goes to the washroom and wrestles with his choice. This “washroom scene” becomes a crossroad in Kevin’s life – he has two choices to make. His good intentions are outweighed by his vanity to maintain his perfect win-streak and he goes back into the courtroom defends his guilty client and wins the case. Kevin chooses sin – and the movie goes on to show how his sin leads to - The Path of Death for his wife and himself. At the end of the movie Kevin takes his own life, in an act of free will and he wakes up back in the “washroom scene” where he’s given a second chance to make the right choice.

But watch what happens…

Sorry I can't play this clip - I modified it to take out some bad language and it won't let me post it.

What do we learn about sin and the devil from this clip?

The path of death is depicted as a journey filled with temptation and deception. It begins with desire, which, when conceived, gives birth to sin. Sin, once fully grown, leads to death. James warns against being misled by the allure of temptation. Sin lies to us. It promises good but never delivers. Instead of good, sin destroys the very things God created for us to enjoy. It lures us by lying to us, creating broken relationships with others and of course, with God.

Would you say this “temptation” is at play in our world today?

 

When does doing the right thing become the wrong thing?

Vanity

excessive pride in or admiration of one's own appearance or achievements.

 

There are two paths of life that every individual must decide to walk: one leads to death, and one leads to life. The Point in our lesson this morning is that every person must determine the path they will walk.

 

James 1:12-18

12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

Trials, Tests,

&

Temptations

 

Is Temptation a Sin?

What is it then?

 

Does God Ever Tempt Us to Sin?

Temptations to evil don’t arise from God. No pull to evil can touch Him because He has no vulnerability. The morally perfect God who is, at heart, a loving Father doesn’t use temptations to evil to test His people.

 

Why do you think people try to blame God for the temptations they face, as James’s readers evidently were doing?

It’s easy to blame others and make excuses for evil thoughts and wrong actions. (look at Adam & Eve) A person who makes excuses is trying to shift the blame from himself or herself to something or someone else. A Christian accepts responsibility for their wrongs, confesses them, and asks God for forgiveness.

 

 

Trials, Tests, Temptations

The Greek word for ”trials”, “tests”, and “temptations” is peirasmos.

 

Last week’s lesson:        James 1:2–4

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

 

Now we all agree that God tests us.

If the word for ‘temptation’ and the word for ‘test’ are the same in the Greek, peirasmos, how are we to understand the differences in meaning of the two words in passages where it talks about God testing us (James 1:3–4), and then in James 1:13, where it says, ‘God does not tempt anyone’?

How do we put these together?

 

If we step back and ask the question of why the New Testament would use the same word for testing and temptation, perhaps part of the answer is that every test really is a kind of temptation. And every temptation really is a kind of test.

 

“Our faith in God and our love for God are being tested

with every temptation.”

 

According to James, who is the real culprit to blame for our sins?

James places the responsibility for temptations on the individual. Temptations arise from within the person but in themselves don’t constitute sin. Entertaining temptation, however, can set in motion a tragic process. First, the person is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desires. Then, joining one’s will with evil desire produces sin, and full-blown, unrepented sin leads to spiritual death.

Our sinful nature gives in to our own selfish desires. This process leads us down a path that isn’t honoring to God. Oftentimes, the temptations that lead to sin create a slow fade away from the God who loves us and into a self-centered life filled with worldly desires, which ultimately leads to death. James stated emphatically that believers are responsible for any pulls to evil their trials bring.

 

If temptation promises good but never delivers, why do we so often say yes to them?

There is within us all a strong desire for the forbidden fruit.

“Most people want to be delivered from temptation, but they would like it to keep in touch.”

 

What would you say are 3 important ways to help the believer endure temptation and trials?

The path of life is one that endures trials, resists temptation, and is dependent on God.

 

I’m going to give you 5 ways:

END

Bible Notes:

The crown of life is like a victory wreath given to winning athletes. God’s crown of life is not glory and honor here on earth, but the reward of eternal life – living with God forever. The way to be in God’s winner’s circle is by loving Him and staying faithful even under pressure.

Temptation comes from evil desires inside us, not from God. It begins with an evil thought and becomes sin when we dwell on the thought and allow it to become an action. Like a snowball rolling downhill, sin grows more destructive the more we let it have its way. The best time to stop a temptation is before it is too strong or moving too fast to control.

People who live for God often wonder why they still have temptations. Does God tempt them? God tests people, but He does not tempt them by trying to seduce them into sin. God allows Satan to tempt people, however, to refine their faith and to help them grow in their dependence on Christ. We can resist the temptation to sin by turning to God for strength and choosing to obey His Word.

First-century Christians were the first generation to believe in Jesus Christ as Messiah. James called them “a kind of firstfruits of all He created.” In 1 Corinthians 15:20, Paul refers to Christ as the firstfruits of those who have died.  

 

Is being tempted a sin?

(BG)

It is not a sin to be tempted, for everyone is tempted. The devil tempts, but he can tempt you only so far as God permits — and God always provides a way to escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). The sin is in yielding to temptation instead of seeking God’s power to escape.

Temptation is the same for us as it was for Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. And Satan also tempts us in the same way that he tempted Jesus — through “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (1 John 2:16). Satan’s attempt failed.

When you face temptation, follow Jesus’ example. Satan will say, “For a moment’s bowing of your head to me, the money, the fame, the business, the success and the power will be yours.” But do what Jesus did. Jesus didn’t argue with Satan; Jesus didn’t debate with him; Jesus didn’t rationalize. Instead, He replied, “It is written … ” Jesus responded to the enemy’s temptation with the simple but strong truth of God’s Word, Scripture. Do the same today — and always.

The Bible tells us to be on the alert, for Satan is always looking for a way to trap us. “Sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it” (Genesis 4:7). How do we rule over it? By keeping our eyes on the Lord Jesus Christ. By keeping our hearts free from the things that can lead to temptation. Don’t be trapped but tap into the power that God grants to those whose hearts are bent toward Him. “Now set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God” (1 Chronicles 22:19).

 

What are the keys to resisting temptation?

Nelson’s Bible Dictionary defines temptation as “an enticement or invitation to sin, with the implied promise of greater good to be derived from following the way of disobedience.” Resisting temptation begins with knowing that Satan is the supreme “tempter” (Matthew 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 3:5) who has been tempting mankind since our Creator placed His first two children in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3; 1 John 3:8). Ultimately, however, we know that Satan’s power over Christians has been effectively destroyed as the war has already been won through our Savior’s death and resurrection which conquered the power of sin and death forever. Nonetheless, Satan still prowls the earth looking to drive a wedge between God and His children, and his temptations are unfortunately a daily part of our lives (1 Peter 5:8). Yet with the power of the Holy Spirit and the truth of God’s Word to help us, we will find ourselves effectively resisting temptations.

The apostle Paul encourages us with these words: “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Indeed, every one of us faces temptations of some kind; even Jesus was not immune as He was “tempted in every way, just as we are” (Hebrews 4:15). Although Satan may be the dark force ultimately behind the tempting, it is our fallen and corrupted human nature that allows these temptations to take root and causes us to act on them, thereby “giving birth to sin” (James 1:15). But it is the power of the Holy Spirit that enables us to free ourselves from the sin and temptations we struggle with in our daily lives. Thus, if we have the Spirit of Christ residing in our hearts, we already have what it takes to resist the flaming arrows the devil sends our way. As Paul told the Galatians, “Live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature” (Galatians 5:16).

The Word of God has always been our best defense against Satan’s temptations, and the better we know His Word, the easier it will be to claim victory over our daily struggles. The psalmist tells us, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11). When Christ was tempted by Satan in the desert, the first thing He did was to quote Scripture (Matthew 4:4–10), which eventually caused the devil to leave Him. Indeed, Christians need to be diligent in studying God’s Word. “Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. Your commands make me wiser than my enemies” (Psalm 119:97–98).

In addition to God’s Word, prayer can help us to resist temptation. The night He was betrayed, Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, and He told Peter to pray “so that you will not fall into temptation” (Mark 14:38). Also, in the “Lord’s Prayer,” Jesus taught us to pray that we would not be led into temptation (Matthew 6:13; Luke 11:4). Yet, when we do fall into temptation, we know that “God is faithful; He will not let us be tempted beyond what [we] can bear,” and that He will provide us with a way out (1 Corinthians 10:13). This is a promise from God, and like Abraham, Christians should be “fully persuaded” that God has the power to do what He has promised (Romans 4:21).

Another way to help us resist temptation is to remember what Jesus Christ did for us. Even though He never committed a sin, He willingly endured the torture of the cross for us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). Every sin we’ve ever committed, or will commit, played a part in nailing our Savior to the cross. How we respond to Satan’s worldly allurements is a great indicator as to just how much the love of Jesus Christ occupies our hearts.

Now, even though Christians already have the tools necessary for victory, we need to use our common sense and not place ourselves in situations that prey upon, or stimulate, our weaknesses. We are already bombarded every day with images and messages that tantalize our sinful lusts. We don’t need to make it more difficult than it already is. Even though Christ’s Spirit resides in our hearts, our flesh can be very weak at times (Matthew 26:41). When we know something is or can be sinful, Paul warns us to “flee from it.” Remember, the “tempter” is also the master of rationalization, and there is no limit to the arguments the devil can offer us to justify our sinful behavior.

Armed with God’s Spirit and the truth of His Word, we are well equipped to overcome Satan’s assaults (Ephesians 6). No matter what trials and temptations come our way, God’s Word and Spirit are infinitely more powerful than any of Satan’s schemes. When we walk with the Spirit we can look at temptations as opportunities for us to show God that He is indeed the Master of our lives.

 

What does it mean that God cannot be tempted

(James 1:13)?

James 1:13 says, “When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone.” James then goes on to explain where the temptation to sin comes from: “Each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed” (verse 14).

Earlier in this passage, James explains to believers the purpose for “trials of many kinds” and “the testing of your faith” (James 1:2–3). Trials are an inevitable part of living in a sin-cursed world (John 16:33), and we should welcome tests because they produce perseverance (James 1:3), which can make us “mature and complete, not lacking anything” (verse 4).

The way we respond to trials determines their effect upon us. “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12). James is not saying that remaining steadfast under trials will result in the crown of life; rather, he is assuring those who have received the crown of life through faith in Christ that they will not be so overwhelmed by trials that they blame God for tempting them to sin. God, who cannot be tempted, tempts no one.

If the trial we face involves an inducement to sin, James says that we should not regard the inducement to sin as coming from God. God does not will anyone to sin, and He does not tempt us to sin. The trial, not the sin, is His aim. Trials are designed to refine us as gold is refined by fire: “In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed” (1 Peter 1:6–7).

Unlike human beings, God cannot be tempted to sin because everything about God is the exact opposite of sin. Human beings are born with a sin nature inherited from Adam, and that nature is part of what entices us and drags us away from what is good. God has no sin nature; His nature is holy and righteous. He cannot sin or even be tempted to sin. The enticements that cause us to sin have no effect on God.

There is absolutely nothing in God’s nature that would make Him tend to do wrong, and there can be absolutely nothing offered to Him that would cause Him to do wrong. Internally and externally, God is immune to temptation. It follows, then, that God would not tempt any person to sin and thus make Himself the author of sin. The Holy One will not justify sin or excuse it, and He will not prompt it.

Because of this truth about God — that He cannot be tempted to sin — we can have confidence that the universe is in good hands. God cannot be persuaded, bribed, or in any way swayed from His perfect purpose and plan. He does not vacillate. No matter what, He remains Perfection.

 

 

Does God Ever Tempt Us to Sin?

We end our week together talking about trials and temptations. It’s a sobering topic, but one relevant to each of us at some point, maybe with some of you right now. We start with what we know for sure. God tests us. He does. That’s clear in texts like James 1:3–4 and 1 Peter 1:7. But then comes the question: Does God ever tempt us? James 1:13 says no, God never tempts us. But what really is the difference between being tested and being tempted? Here’s a sharp Bible question from a listener named Mike: “Dear Pastor John, in APJ 694 you said that the word for ‘temptation’ and the word for ‘test’ are the same word in the Greek, peirasmos. So how are we to understand the differences in meaning of the two words in passages where it talks about God testing us (James 1:3–4; 1 Peter 1:7), and then in James 1:13, where it says, ‘God does not tempt anyone’? How do we put those together?”

That is an utterly crucial question. We so need to get that clear, for God’s honor and for our own peace of mind. So let me set the stage as best I can so that everybody can get on board with what the problem really is as Mike has presented it here.

 

Trials, Tests, Temptations

In 1 Peter 1:6–7, it says, “Now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials [and the word there, peirasmos in Greek, could be translated ‘temptations’ or ‘testings’], so that the tested genuineness of your faith — more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire — may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

And then, similarly, in James 1:2–4, it says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet [testings or temptations or] trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

And then in James 1:12, he adds this amazing promise about the outcome of tested faith. He says, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial [same word], for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”

Now, all these testings are merciful trials from the hand of God in the way he disciplines and purifies and stabilizes and preserves his children. We know that Jesus tested his disciples (John 6:6). We know that God tested Abraham (Hebrews 11:17). So, we set the stage for this problem first by establishing from 1 Peter and James that God does indeed test people. He does. He “tests” people — and the word there, peirasmos or peirazō, is the same as the word for “tempt.” There’s the problem. He puts us through trials.

 

Double Problem

Now, the second part of setting the stage for the problem is to observe that in James 1:13, James uses the same word for testing, peirazomai, and we translate it “tempt.” He says, “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God,’ for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.” It’s the same word as the word for “test.” So, that’s the setting of the stage.

 

Here’s the double problem: When James says, “God tempts no one,” the word tempt is the very same word in Greek for test, and we know God does test people.

He says that God cannot be tempted, and yet we know that Jesus was tempted (same word) in the Gospels in the wilderness. In Matthew 4:1, the Holy Spirit drove him out to be tempted. And Jesus is God in the flesh.

So, James expects us to make a distinction in the meaning between the testing that God in fact does bring into our lives righteously, and the tempting that God never does, even though he uses the same word for both. He expects us to make that same distinction to show that God is never tempted Himself and yet Jesus, who was God, was in some sense tempted.

Now that’s the challenge that Mike sees in these verses and is asking about, and he’s right to see them. I’ve seen them for years and wrestled repeatedly with how to understand this. James is not tripping up here. He knows exactly what he’s doing, since he puts the two words together back-to-back in two sentences. It’s not like he forgot that ten years ago he used the word one way.

 

Four Steps of Temptation

I think the key to solving both problems is found in the next two verses (James 1:14–15) and the way James carefully defines temptation. It’s probably the nearest thing we have to an analysis of temptation in the Bible. He is talking about our experience of it and how God doesn’t experience it and doesn’t perform it. Here’s what he says in James 1:14–15: “Each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.”

So, there are four steps in this process of what James is calling temptation.

1.   There’s desire, which may at first be innocent. In fact, I think, at first, most of them are innocent.

2.   There’s the desire becoming an enticement and an allurement across a line into sinfulness and sinful craving and sinful desire: like the desire of hunger, which is innocent, crossing the line into gluttony; or the desire of natural sexual appetite, which is innocent, crossing the line into lust; or the desire of your paycheck — it’s not wrong to want to be paid so you can pay your bill — crossing the line into greed. That’s the second step.

3.   Then there’s the act of sinning itself, in which the sinful desire is put into action.

4.   And then finally, when that pattern of sin goes on without repentance, it results in eternal death.

 

God Is Not Tempted

Now, I think the reason that James says God is not tempted, even though Jesus was tempted, is that the innocent desires like hunger, or the desire for sex, or the desire for our paycheck are the beginnings of being drawn toward what could be a sinful desire of gluttony, lust, or greed. And in that sense, the awakening of that desire is a kind of temptation, but it has not become a full-blown temptation. For example, in the life of Jesus, he hungered (an objective allurement toward bread) when he was fasting, but it didn’t cross the line into an evil desire of rebellion or disobedience or undue craving for what God had told him not to have. In fact, none of Jesus’s desires in his whole life ever crosses the line into evil desire, and therefore never gives birth to sin.

“None of Jesus’s desires in his whole life ever crosses the line into evil desire, and therefore never gives birth to sin.”

So, we can speak of him being tested or tempted in the sense that he’s presented with objective allurements, like bread when he is hungry, so that he experiences hunger or desire, and in that sense, temptation, but it’s never taking him captive by allurements and enticements that cross the line into sinful desires.

 

God Does Not Tempt

And in the same way, I would say, God does not tempt, because — now this is really delicate, so listen carefully — at that point in the human life where we cross the line from experiencing objective allurements (say, like food: you smell a steak or see an ice cream cone), at that point of a legitimate desire crossing the line into sinful desire (like the second helping, or something the doctor told you shouldn’t have, or something that’s really part of gluttony or lust), at the point of crossing that line, the Bible ordinarily describes God’s action as handing us over or giving us up (Romans 1:24, 26, 28) — giving us up to our lust, giving us up to a debased mind.

In other words, God is not described as the positive, creative, active agent at the point where our desires become sinful. If you’re going to involve God by providence here, which I do, his action is a negative action, in the sense that he hands us over, he lets us go, he gives us up to our sinning at that point.

 

Crucial Distinction

So, I don’t think James is contradicting himself. I think he expects us to make a distinction between temptation understood, on the one hand, as objective allurement that need not involve sin, and temptation understood, on the other hand, as the movement of that allurement across a line so that the desire becomes sinful. And the line between desire as a thankful, God-dependent desire and desire as an assertive, self-indulgent desire is crossed when the temptation happens, which he is saying God never experiences and God never performs.

 

“Our faith in God and our love for God are being tested with every temptation.”

 

And if we step back and ask the question of why the New Testament would use the same word for testing and temptation, perhaps part of the answer is that every test really is a kind of temptation. And every temptation really is a kind of test. Our faith in God and our love for God are being tested with every temptation. And every test, if we do not act in faith, can result in our falling into temptation. So, when James says, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life” (James 1:12), that same promise applies to resisting every temptation as well.

John Piper (@JohnPiper) is founder and teacher of desiringGod.org and chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary.

 

Why did Jesus need to be led into the wilderness by the Spirit to be tempted (Matthew 4:1)?

The idea that Jesus was intentionally directed by the Spirit of God into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil is a theologically challenging concept. Yet that is precisely what the Gospels indicate: “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil” (Matthew 4:1; cp. Mark 1:12–13; Luke 4:1–2).

It doesn’t take long in the Christian Walk to discover that temptations frequently come. We might wonder, does God deliberately orchestrate such tests, or was the wilderness temptation of Jesus an exclusive experience only for the Son of Man? As we consider these questions, we’ll see that God allows His followers to be tested for a good purpose. Christ’s experience in the wilderness serves as an example for Christian disciples. But as we study the account, an even deeper meaning is revealed. The Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted because God wanted His Son and His followers to understand the Lord’s messianic mission clearly — that Christ had not come to earth as Israel’s Conquering King but as her Suffering Servant.

Temptation itself is not a sin. Jesus was “tempted in every way, just as we are — yet he did not sin” (Hebrews. 4:15; see also 2 Corinthians 5:21). The Lord was not tested to see if He would fail. Jesus was led into the wilderness by the Spirit to be tempted to demonstrate how we can resist the temptation to sin, and how, through Christ’s power, we, too, can overcome (Hebrews 2:18).

Many Bible scholars suggest that the specific temptations Jesus faced in the wilderness represent three main categories of all human temptation. The apostle John labeled these as “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (1 John 2:16).

With the first test, Jesus was tempted to depend on His own independent provision of food rather than rely on God. After forty days of fasting, Christ was hungry, so Satan tried to persuade Him to turn desert rocks into bread. But Jesus was determined to do His Father’s will alone (John 4:34; 5:30; Luke 22:42; Hebrews 10:5–7). It was not the Father telling Jesus to transform the rocks, and so our Lord resisted the temptation with the truth of God’s Word (Matthew 4:4). Our Lord’s example shows us that the Word of God is our best defense against Satan’s schemes. At the same time, Jesus affirmed His messianic mission, submissively entrusting Himself to the Father’s plan rather than forcefully paving His own way and meeting His own needs.

The second temptation involved performing a miracle that would show off Christ’s supernatural power and draw attention to Himself. It was the temptation to abuse His power for His own benefit. Again, Jesus voiced God’s Word in response to the temptation (Matthew 4:7). Satan deceptively portrays sin as acceptable and desirable. The solution is to counter his lies with the truth.

In the third test, Jesus was tempted to secure an earthly crown and bypass the suffering and sacrifice He would endure on the cross. Satan offered “all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor” (Matthew 4:8). It was the kingship that Christ was ultimately destined for, minus the suffering. “All this I will give you,” Satan told Jesus, “if you will bow down and worship me” (Matthew 4:9). The tempter repeatedly offers what seems like a better plan or an easy way out. But the liar fled when Jesus stabbed him with “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17), declaring that only the Lord God is to be worshiped and served (Matthew 4:10).

The fact that the Spirit led the Son of Man into the wilderness to be tempted creates an interesting contrast with another event in Scripture. Adam, the first man, was in a lush and fruitful garden when he was tempted. He failed the test, plunging all of humanity into sin and death (see Romans 5:12). In contrast, Jesus, the Second Adam, was tempted in a dry and barren wilderness—our paradise having been lost. Jesus passed the test, thrice over, and it is in Him that the Adamic curse is reversed and we have eternal life. “For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!” (Romans 5:17).

The backdrop to Jesus being led into the wilderness by the Spirit to be tempted is found in Deuteronomy 8:1–5. Moses remembered how the Lord God led the people of Israel in the wilderness for forty years “to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.”

It’s important to understand that God does not tempt anyone to sin (James 1:13). But He does allow us to be tested and evaluated (Hebrews 11:17–19; 2 Corinthians 13:5; James 1:12; Psalm 17:3; 139:23; Malachi 3:3). God tested our Savior’s character through adversity in the wilderness, and He applies the same initiative in our lives today. Through trials and temptations, we grow in faith and understanding of our mission as servants of His kingdom (Deuteronomy 13:3; 2 Chronicles 32:31; James 1:3; 1 Peter 1:6–7). Through every test, we develop spiritual muscle memory, helping us to depend on Him and His Word to overcome life’s difficulties and challenges.

End of Notes