The External Sources of Temptation

On Monday, I posted an article on the internal source of temptation (the enemy within), that is, the flesh. Today, I want to look at the enemy without. What are the external sources of temptation in the life of people? Those sources are the world and the devil. James addresses these sources of temptation in James 4:4-10.

In the beginning of these verses he refers to the people as adulterers. Within the large context of his letter, and the closer context of chapter four, this adultery must be seen as spiritual. They have abandoned the true worship of God, and have made peace with the world. James stuns them with his accusation prior to asking them a simple question, "Don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred of God?" (James 4:4). The expression, "You adulterous people," coupled with the question about friendship with the world implies that these people have already given into the world on a practical level, even while mentally affirming to need to abstain from the world.

When we consider the economy God used when revealing himself so that we have 66 book instead of hundreds of them, we have abbreviated accounts instead of exhaustive accounts, and that he moved in such a way that each jot and tittle will not pass away, we should ask ourselves why James makes a statement that expresses the answer to his question. Why does James repeat himself? The question is designed to elicit an affirmative. They know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God. However, James repeats himself. He doesn't appeared satisfied to leave the question unanswered, even when the answer was obvious. He states, "Anyone who chooses to be a friend the world becomes and enemy of God" (James 1:4). James repeats himself to stress the dire consequences of befriending the world.

He turns to logic to stress this reality. He states, "Or do you think Scripture says without reason that the spirit he caused to live in us envies intensely?" (James 1:5). The Scripture compels us to realize the God has recreated us with a new desire for his glory and honor. Now, because we are in Christ, we desire to do his will and thus, why we struggle with sin. Yet, even in the midst of struggle, "He gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: 'God opposes the proud but give grace to the humble'" (James 1:6).

Without much fanfare, James transitions from the world to the devil. He can speak of the two as if they are one, because he knows the devil is the ruler of the world. He uses God's grace to shift the discussion away from fellowship with the world to overcoming the devil (and thus his kingdom). The starting point in this venture is humility before God. God gives grace to the proud. "Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 5:3). In order to overcome we must submit ourselves to God.

The next step is to resist the devil. We do not battle him, he is to powerful for us. We do not outwit him, he is to crafty for us. We run to God, and let God battle him for us. We turn to the cross of Christ, and claim the promises that are ours in Christ Jesus. We rebuke him in the name of the Lord. We put on the armor of God by walking in faithful obedience to the Lord and his Word (see Eph. 6:10-18). When we resist the devil, he flees (James 4:7).

Next we draw near to God. This is possible because Christ has paid our blood debt. We may now enter into the throne room of heaven and cry out, "Abba, Father!" We are welcomed and accepted in the presence of the Father, because the work of the Son and the presence of the Spirit in our lives. As we draw near to God, he draws near to us (James 1:8). The image that springs to mind is that of a father embracing their wounded child. They have come to him for comfort, he has come to them to bring comfort.

James commands, "Wash your hands, you sinners." That is to say, we should stop sinning, and through repentance and faith, find cleansing in Christ. He is calling his audience to put away their sin. He calls them to purify their hearts. His reference to their double-mindedness puts the emphasis on their need to regain a singular focus on the true God. The way to purify their hearts is through wholehearted devotion to the Lord. The call to mourn stress their need for sobriety. They have been intoxicated by the world and need to put away such things.

Finally, James again calls us to humility. However, as we humble ourselves, God raises us up. This raising up gives us no room to boast, but does drive us to marvel at the grace of our Lord. Those who will fall at the feet of Jesus in this life, will be raised up to rule with him in the next. Lord, draw us ever nearer and teach us to walk humbly with you. Amen.