How Can I Overcome Temptation?

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God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. 14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. James 1:12-15

We don't really have conclusive evidence as to who is the author of this letter in the bible. The authorship of James is one of the most contentious questions in the world of biblical scholarship 

Why? Because the letter does not signify which James is the author. We know of at least three James in the New Testament. James, and his brother John, the sons of Zebedee. James, son of Alphaeus, one of the 12 apostles. Or, James the half brother of Jesus. 

What is more certain is the audience to whom James was writing to. Verse 1 states it clearly, 

"James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations."

The 12 tribes most likely refer to the 12 tribes of Judaism, which were scattered and exiled from foreign invasioin.  The Assyrian invasion in 722 B.C. into the Northern Kingdom, based in Samaria. And, the Babylonian invasion in 586 B.C. into the Southern Kingdom, whose capital was Jerusalem. The fact this book focuses so much on perseverance through trials and temptations reflects the early persecution Jewish Christians underwent often at the hands of fellow Jews, who did not believe Jesus wast the Messiah.  

In the verses above, James gives some great principles for overcoming temptation. The word "temptation" in the Greek is the same word for "testing", which is why James uses them interchangeably. 

 “Satan tempts: God tries. But the same trial may be both a temptation and a trial; and it may be a trial from God’s side, and a temptation from Satan’s side, just as Job suffered from Satan, and it was a temptation; but he also suffered from God through Satan, and so it was a trial to him.” (Spurgeon)

Here are those principles:

1. God blesses those who withstand temptation. He blesses and promises them when they get to heaven. Verses 2-4 tell us to "consider it all joy" when we are tempted because the testing of our faith produces maturity and endurance. 

2. When you are tempted realize it is not God who tempts you. We often try to minimize our sin by saying, "the devil made me do it". Or worse yet, blaming it on God. 

3. No,  James says the reason we sin is because we choose to do it. We are born with evil desires due to being be born of a fallen humanity. But those evil desires can only affect us when we allow them to entice us and drag us away and then act on them. 

4. Sin is never content to just have a piece of us. It wants to control us and ultimately destroy us. Though the devil can't make us sin, he can sure exploit our evil desires. This is why it is so important to be able to recognize when you are being tempted, and be proactive not "dragged away and enticed". 

When you are tempted what do you do? When you sin do you tend to blame God, the devil, or take responsibilty for choosing it yourself? How can looking at temptation as a test from God help you to overcome it? Remember God rewards and blesses those who persevere and don't give in to tempation, and he gives us all of the tools to stand up under it. Nobody can make you sin, but God can empower you to not to through the Holy Spirit who lives in you!

Here is a great verse to memorize to help you overcome temptation. It works extremely well if you are willing to use it!

 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13



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