We all know and understand what it means to be tempted. It is after all a universal phenomenon. What is just as universal is that we have all yielded to temptation. Thankfully, to be tempted is not a sin; however, yielding to temptation is. In the New Testament James offers some inspired insight into this experience that comes into all of our lives that we would do well to heed. First, he tells us “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempted he any man” (James 1:13). This verse tells us two truths about God.
First, God cannot be tempted with evil. That is, it is impossible for God to yield to something that it is impossible for Him to do – sin. Recall the temptation of Christ by Satan. Three times the Lord was tempted of the Devil and in every instance he did not yield. Second, God does not tempt man to do evil. When we are drawn to do something that we ought not do, rest assured that God is not the one doing the drawing. God has no delight in our yielding to sin. Sin is an affront to his holy character! These truths seem obvious and we often take them for granted. But we would do well to remind ourselves of the goodness of God and his holy nature.
James goes on to say “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death” (James 1:14-15). It is our very own desires that do the drawing, i.e. lead us into temptation. We might think it is because we hear, we see, we smell, or we taste something; our senses are stirred; and then our desire pursues willingly. Make no mistake about it, the fault is in our own self. That is why James then admonishes his audience with “Do not err, my beloved brethren” (James 1:16).
Our passions are many and diverse, but they have one thing in common. They seek satisfaction. James uses the word “enticed”. These unsatisfied desires draw us into temptation and give birth to sin. For example, our desire to be recognized and praised gives rise to jealousy and envy when we see one of our fellow workmates or students recognized and extolled for work well done. James calls this outcome sin.
James sets forth one very significant truth in his treatment of the matter of temptation. He reminds us that the inevitable outcome of sin is and can only be death. Sin destroys all that it touches. You might be thinking, I’ve yielded to temptation before and I’m still alive. Again, in the words of James, “Do not err”. In the end, apart from the grace of God in Christ Jesus, sin wins. Need convincing? Look at the cemeteries around us. They are full and continue to fill.
There is hope nonetheless. Jesus died and was raised again that we might have victory over sin and death. Jesus said “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die” (John 11:25). Victim or victor – the choice is yours.
From the Chaplain 