September 12
James 1:13-15
“Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God” [for temptation does not originate from God, but from our own flaws]; for God cannot be tempted by [what is] evil, and He Himself tempts no one. But each one is tempted when he is dragged away, enticed and baited [to commit sin] by his own [worldly] desire (lust, passion). Then when the illicit desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin has run its course, it gives birth to death.”
God cannot and will never tempt us. It is not in His nature, therefore we must stop impugning His character by some of the things we falsely accuse Him of doing. It is our desires that draw us into temptation. It’s is those fleshly and filthy desires of our hearts that pull us to sin. When we are tempted it is not because God brought the temptations to our doorsteps or that He led us into it. Rather, when tempted it is we ourselves who allow our desires to have its way with us. We are the ones who give way to the things that entice us into sin. If we allow ourselves to be ensnared then we will always find ourselves in a fallen state. For instance, if it is lust, lies, anger, etc that causes you to fall, become cognizant of it do not give way to it.
To be tempted is to be drawn away by our own desires. We have control over our desires, therefore if there is a desire in us that is contrary to God we can put that desire to death.
Our sinful desires can only lead us to death. We must be vigilant in not allowing ourselves to fall. Deal mercilessly with those desires because you alone know what your desires are. You know the things that draw you away and entangles you. God will never tempt you, neither can He Himself be tempted.
