The Truth about Trials and Temptations – Part 1

James 1:12-18 “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. When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.”

This last Sunday, our church was blessed by a special guest Sermon by the CEO of our denomination, Dr. Willie Nolte on the Bible passage above. Dr. Nolte told us that it is not a matter of if, but when, you experience trials and temptations … it is a reality in our lives, but count it all joy … really? Our natural reaction is: “Come on man, are you kidding me?!” Why? Because trials and temptations builds character, and God is more concerned with our character comfort, our strength through our perseverance, long-suffering and hang-in-there-ness. The equation “E+R=O” meaning “event (things happen) + my response = the outcome”. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. This is an excellent mentoring in life training. The root word for trial in verse 12 (above) can be used to mean either trial or temptation, so the difference lies in how we respond to the test. Standing the test, persevering, long-suffering and hanging-in-there through “hard times” is like the Refiner’s fire burning out the impurities in precious metals and rewards us with ‘the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him”.  

John 10:10-11 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

God does bring tests into our lives, but temptation is not for God. For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. We need to change our perspective about our sinful nature and fleshly desires; we need to own up to them and quit blaming God. Jesus had a mission, and still has today, which is to bring life to men and women. Christ the Savior is in the salvation business. But, make no mistake, Satan also has a mission to steal and kill and destroy; and is always on mission. The devil is constantly looking for ways to get us moving away from what God wants for us. Our natural fallen response to a fault is: “Not me” by default. The ultimate response is: “It’s God’s fault because He made everything.” Adam told God in Genesis 3 “The woman whom You gave me …, so it’s God’s fault. We are always looking for someone else to blame. Stop thinking wrong and blaming others for our thoughts, words and actions. Start taking responsibility.

Let’s finish Willie’s excellent sermon on trials and temptations tomorrow.

Blessings In Christ, Brian