James 1:14
[14] But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. (ESV)
In the previous verse we put an end to the lie that somehow God is responsible for my temptation. James told us that God does not tempt us. Certainly he allows temptation and there is value in us being tempted and overcoming that temptation. God's position is one of enabling us to be victorious. He is on our side. He is not our tempter.
Another lie we may be tempted to believe is that somehow it is not my fault when I give in to temptation. We can accept the fact that it is not God's fault when I fail, but is it really my fault? James has an answer to that question that you may not like! Yes, it is your fault when you give in to temptation. You are lured into temptation by your own desire.
We are all really good at making excuses for why we sin. The fact is we enjoy sin. It feels good. It appeals to us. Our sinful nature loves it. We cannot pass the buck on this one. When we fall into temptation, we own it. James speaks of a progression here. Desire...sin...death. We need to stop the process at desire before it progresses to sin, and then death. My father used to say about temptation, “You can’t stop a bird from landing on your head, but you don’t need to let him build a nest.”
2 Timothy 2:22
[22] So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
We need spiritual running shoes. Flee youthful passions. Run! One writer said: “When you flee temptation, be sure you don't leave a forwarding address.” Too many times we stick around where the temptation is and it's not long before we are overcome by it. If you know the place that provides temptation for you, . . . stay away from it!
Guilty. We all are. Temptation is a result of us pursuing sinful desires that we love more than God. If you are caught in sin, cry out to Jesus. Repent. He always forgives. He always loves. He is waiting.
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