Christians must live out their faith. They should be doers, not just hearers, of God’s Word.
Beating Temptation Pastor Tom Cogle
JAMES 1:12-18 Sunday, August 10, 2025
INSIGHTS ON TEMPTATION
1. Temptation is UNIVERSAL.
2. Temptation causes us to FEEL things we wish we never felt.
3. Temptation causes us to THINK things we wish we never thought.
4. Temptation can cause us to DO things we wish we never did.
5. HOLY living does not preempt temptation.
SO, HOW DO YOU BEAT TEMPTATION?
James 1:12-13 God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. 13 And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else.
1. Temptation to sin is NEVER from God.
James 1:16-18 So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. 18 He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.
v God’s roll is to lead us OUT from sin.
1 Corinthians 10:13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.
James 1:14 Temptation comes from our own desires . . .
1. Our desires are formed by what we SEE and HEAR, the people we associatewith, and the environment we live in.
1 Corinthians 15:33 Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character.”
Romans 7:18-19 And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. 19 I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.
Galatians 5:16-17 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.
· Input = Output
Romans 8:6 So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.
Dwelling on our carnal desires INTOXICATES our thinking.
Proverbs 14:12 There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.
Temptation is won or lost on the battlefield of our MIND.
Romans 12:2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Philippians 4:8 Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
James 1:14-15 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.
1. When desire meets opportunity, sin is conceived and gives birth to ACTION, which ultimately leads to death.
Proverbs 7:6-8, 21-27 While I was at the window of my house, looking through the curtain, 7 I saw some naive young men, and one in particular who lacked common sense. 8 He was crossing the street near the house of an immoral woman,
strolling down the path by her house. 21So she seduced him with her pretty speech and enticed him with her flattery. 22 He followed her at once, like an ox going to the slaughter. He was like a stag caught in a trap, 23 awaiting the arrow that would pierce its heart. He was like a bird flying into a snare, little knowing it would cost him his life. 24So listen to me, my sons, and pay attention to my words. 25 Don’t let your hearts stray away toward her. Don’t wander down her wayward path. 26 For she has been the ruin of many; many men have been her victims. 27 Her house is the road to the grave. Her bedroom is the den of death.
James 1:13-15 MSG Don’t let anyone under pressure to give in to evil say, “God is trying to trip me up.” God is impervious to evil, and puts evil in no one’s way. The temptation to give in to evil comes from us and only us. We have no one to blame but the leering, seducing flare-up of our own lust. Lust gets pregnant, and has a baby: sin! Sin grows up to adulthood, and becomes a real killer.
4. Sin always promises life but delivers DEATH.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
5. Some victories in life are not because we stand and fight, but we choose to RUN!
2 Timothy 2:22 Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.
6. We must allow God’s word to INFLUENCE our heart and mind.
Proverbs 4:23 Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.
Psalm 119:11NCV I have taken your words to heart so I would not sin against you.
v SIN will keep you from the Bible, or the Bible will keep you from SIN.
*all verses are NLT (New Living Translation) unless otherwise noted*