faith working in the face of temptation

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1 Peter 1:13, Matthew 26:41, Ephesians 6:13, 2 Corinthians 2:11, 1 Corinthians 10:12

Series: James: Faith Works

FAITH WORKING IN THE FACE OF TEMPTATION

How Does Temptation Work?

James 1:12-18 Pastor Jeff Gilmore September 20, 2015

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REVIEW:

Step One: ____________________ “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.” (v.14)

Why Should I Count Trials or Tragedy as Joy?   

Trials are the way to maturity. (vv. 3-4)

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Trials and temptations are part of God’s good purposes! (vv. 12-18)

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Trials cause us to depend on God. (vv. 5-8)

Step Two: ____________________ “...he is lured and enticed…” (v. 14b)

Life is passing away. (vv. 9-11)

 Temptation always looks better than it really is! 

TRIALS:

Step Three: ____________________ “Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin…” (v. 15a)

TEMPTATIONS:

 What you flirt with, you will fall for.

How Can I Win Over Temptation?

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Step Four: ____________________ “...and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” (v. 15b)

I. BE REALISTIC - v. 13a “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.” v. 13 2 Corinthians 3:18, 1 Corinthians 10:12, Matthew 14:29b-30, 1 Peter 4:12, 1 Peter 5:8, 1 Corinthians 10:13, Hebrews 4:15

IV. BE REFOCUSED - v. 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.” James 1:17

 The key to overcoming temptation is to allow the Holy Spirit to refocus our thoughts, change our attention, and shift our mind.

II. BE RESPONSIBLE - v. 13b “...for God cannot be tempted with evil, and He Himself tempts no one.” v. 13

III. BE READY - vv. 14-16

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8

“But 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. Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers.” James 1:14-16

V. BE REBORN - v. 18 “Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.” James 1:18