Good morning,
This week we begin our study of the book of James.
Chapter one explains how to deal with trials and temptations.
The Jewish believers in James’s day were being persecuted. They had been driven out of Jerusalem and were scattered abroad. James encourages those scattered Jewish believers on how to conduct themselves during this time.
James 1
2. God does not tempt man (Verses 13-21)
How is man tempted? V 13-14
Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
How are temptations conceived? V 15-16
Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.
Where do good gifts come from? V 17-18
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
How do we concur our temptations? V 19-21
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: 20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
Four vital questions, with four vital answers.
We are our own worst enemy when it comes to submitting to temptations. We are drawn away of our own lusts, then enticed, which leads to sin, and then death. If that were the end of James message, we would be in trouble.
But God, through James, gives us the solution. We should be slow to speak and eager to listen. Unfortunately, most of us are the opposite. We speak too much. Then, we are to lay aside our sin and apply God’s word to our lives. Obeying God is the best way to concur temptations and be I a right relationship with God.
Is that our desire?
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com
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