A Source of Temptation

James 1:13-15 gives us a glimpse into a source of temptation. Many have expressed that there are three sources of temptation in the life of the believer. Those sources are the world, the flesh, and the devil. When we speak of "the world" in terms of temptation, we are speaking of the anti-Christian system controlled by the devil. The devil, of course, is that ancient serpent that led Eve astray and who continues to deceive even now. In this passage, James focuses on the flesh.

James begins by explicitly stating that there is one source from which the temptation to sin will never come--God. He states, "For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt any one" (James 1:13). Evil is contrary to God's nature. It holds no sway over him. He is a Shepherd that seeks lost sheep, not a butcher that drives them to destruction. To paraphrase James, "God is not the source of temptation."

If God is not the source of temptation, then who is? I have already mentioned that temptation comes through the world and from the devil, but James does touch on these. Why? The simplest answer is that the Holy Spirit moved him to speak about temptation that comes through the flesh ("evil desires"). This answer is not only simple, but true. However, it leaves us the question of why the Spirit so moved James. I think that James is led to address this source of temptation, because it is the one we have the most control over.

We are in the world, but not of it. The world hates us, because it hated Christ, our Lord. There are many things within our natural environment that have an impact on us. We are creatures greatly affected by nature (genetics) and nurture (environment/upbringing). A person tempted to sexual immorality can do very little to change the reality of prostitutes and promiscuity within the larger community in which they live. A fallen world cannot operate in accordance to the law. Thus, their battle lies mostly within. They cannot control their world, nor can they control the devil, but we are told self-control is possible through the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23).

James states we are tempted when by our own "evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed" (James 1:14). This is a picture of a fish being taken from the water. The bait is cast. Slowly, the angler begins to reel it in, to draw the fish's attention. Snap--the bait is taken, the hook is set, and the fisherman has to begin reeling in the fish. Thus, our evil desires set the bait before us. Each tantalizing enticement draws us closer and closer to danger. We push through red flags and silence screaming consciences, because the bait is so appetizing. Snap--the bait is taken, the hook is set, and sin begins to reel us in. Sin will gut us, skin us, throw us in the frying pan, then chew us up and spit us out.

We are drawn out by our own evil desires. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. The spirit awakened by God through regeneration desires to do what pleases God, but the flesh wages war (see Rom. 7:7-8:11). The works of the flesh are obvious (see Gal. 5:19-21). The flesh is something that must be put off (see Eph. 4:17-24), and something that must be crucified (see Col. 1:1-10). Speaking about overcoming the flesh in his ministry Paul informs us that we must run with aim, fight the good fight, and make not provision for our flesh (see 1 Cor. 9:24-27).

James finishes his look at the source of temptation by exploring the cycle of sin. He uses the metaphor of birth. He states, "Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is full grown, gives birth to death" (James 1:15). The flesh gets a craving, it begins to formulate a plan, it slowly erodes the barriers of conscience and morality until sin is achieved. Sin allows our flesh to feel a temporary euphoria and excitement in its achievement, but the snare is set. Sin will push passed the feelings of euphoria and excitement with feelings of guilt, shame, and condemnation. Sin lies to us by promising that our guilt and shame can be eliminated through committing more sin. We are then tricked into a vicious cycle of sin and guilt. Without confession, repentance, and redemption, we are enslaved by the sin that promised us freedom, and the evil desire that led us astray slays us.

James includes the cycle to help us know where to, as Barney Fife would say, "Nip it in the bud." Because sin is so sneaky and slippery, the Bible continues to warn us not to let down our guards. We are on the battlefield the enemy has surrounded us, from the outside and on the inside. We cannot allow ourselves to drift into spiritual slumber or we will find ourselves a prisoner of war. We can overcome temptation, but not in our strength. James urges his readers to draw near to God in order to defeat the enemy (see James 4:7-8). When you are tempted, remember our brother, Jesus Christ, who was in way tempted as we, but who sinned not (see Heb. 4:15). It is through his sinless sacrifice that we find forgiveness and life. Remember what Charitie Bancroft wrote in the song "Before the Throne of God Above,"

When Satan tempts me to despair
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end of all my sin.
Because the sinless Savior died
My sinful soul is counted free.
For God the just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me.