Bible Studies

INTRODUCTION

In the Bible, the word "tempt" is used in two distinct ways, and the context must always decide the meaning. On occasions it means to test, as when "God did tempt Abraham" (Gen 22.1), or when James tells us to "count it all joy when ye fall into divers (various) temptations" (1.2). The other meaning is more sinister, and refers to the enticement to commit sin. That aspect of temptation is the subject of this study

Read James 1.13-27.

THE SOURCE OF TEMPTATION

God is never the source of temptation (v.13). How could a holy God incite anyone to do evil? Temptation is seen as being a double-barrelled thing (v.14).

* Lust. James is referring to all the evil desires that reside within us because of the presence of the sinful nature that the Bible calls "the flesh". Peter refers to these desires as "fleshly lusts" (1 Pet 2.11). Sometimes the word "flesh" refers to our physical bodies, but on occasions the term "the flesh" does refer to what we call the old sinful nature. This is not a Biblical expression, but it seems to define adequately the meaning of "the flesh". Because these sinful desires are in place, we are open to the external influences which are the second element of temptation: James calls this being "enticed".

* Enticement. The word he uses carries the thought of using bait, as when a hunter would lay a trap. The one who lays the bait is the devil: one of his titles is "the tempter" (1 Thess 3.5). He knows the kind of bait that appeals to his victims, so there is the constant need to guard what we see and hear, for he tries to use our eyes and ears in the enticement. Remember how he deceived Eve. He used the same tactics, unsuccessfully, with the Lord Jesus.

THE OUTCOME OF TEMPTATION

It is not inevitable, but very often the outcome of temptation is sin (v.15). Where Abraham went led him into sin (Gen 12.10-20). Advice to which Jacob listened led him into sin (Gen 27.1-46). What David saw led him into sin (2 Sam 11.2). So where we go, and what we hear and see can be spiritually dangerous, so we need to pray like Jabez, "…keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me" (1 Chr 4.10).

THE ANSWER TO TEMPTATION

Read from v.17 of James 1 again. Remember the background is the subject of temptation. James now shows the value of the Word of God. This was used by God to bring about the new birth in our lives (v.18). With the constant threat of temptation, we must be willing to continue to hear it and obey it. That involves a determination to put away anything that defiles us. Combined with that, receiving the Word will save our lives from the misery that sin brings (v.21).

Further, to "watch and pray" will keep us from temptation (Mt 26.41), as will avoiding a smug self-satisfied attitude (Gal 6.1). Desires for material things invite temptation (1 Tim 6.9). So does making unnecessary rules for ourselves (1 Cor 7.5).

Temptation is inevitable, but to maintain your Christian life in happy, holy communion with the Lord, always be watchful. Read the Word and pray consistently. Constantly be aware of your dependence on the Holy Spirit to do what is right (Rom 8.4).

PASSAGES TO STUDY AND QUESTIONS TO ANSWER

1 What was the test that God set Abraham in Genesis 22?

2 Read James 1.13 again. Note that God cannot be tempted with evil. We believe that the Lord Jesus is God the Son, that is, we believe in the deity of Christ (Jn 1.1). This must mean that it was impossible for Him to sin. The word we use to describe this is impeccability, the fact that He could not sin. The doctrines of the Deity of Christ and the Impeccability of Christ stand together.

3 Reference has been made to 1 Peter 2.11. Read it. Now, by using your margin or concordance, find the following: "Make not provision for the flesh". Ask yourself, "Is there anything in my life that is catering for the flesh?".

4 Sometimes "the flesh" is wrongly referred to as "the old man". That term relates more to what we used to be when unconverted, as descendants of Adam. Using your concordance, find three references in the epistles to our "old man". Read the contexts.

5 What was it that Eve "saw" about the tree which enticed her to disobey God?

6 Scan the early chapters of the four Gospels. Which one does not record the Temptation in the Wilderness? (Be careful, for one devotes only two verses to it!)

7 In which country was Abraham when he fell into sin?

8 Who was it who encouraged Jacob to sin?

9 Who gave Jabez his name and why?

10 Which disciple was told, "Watch and pray"? Where did he write, "Watch unto prayer"?