“No one, when tempted, should say, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil and he himself tempts no one. But one is tempted by one’s own desire, being lured and enticed by it; then, when that desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and that sin, when it is fully grown, gives birth to death.” James 1:13-15 (NRS)
As Janie sat with her Bible open and her morning coffee, she contemplated more about how the enemy plays his strategy against her. She knew that her foundational desire was to obey Christ in everything. So, every desire certainly was neither sin nor sinful. What was God saying to her with this passage? She looked at verse 14 again, trying to get a clearer understanding.
As she read, the words “lured and enticed” leaped out to her. Quickly, she got her concordance and found that James’ words were fishermen’s terms for throwing out the bait to catch fish. The Holy Spirit immediately opened her understanding to the strategy of the enemy. Recognizing that the “enticing lure” (our lusts) already resides within us, the enemy of our souls simply dangles the appropriate prize (the bait) in front of us. The prize, of course, looks so harmless and appetizing that our desire for it is revived and the lure is almost irresistible.
Janie glanced at the clock and closed her Bible. It was time to pray and get ready for work. She began praising God for his awesome grace. He wanted her to know how the enemy works so that she would do her part in resisting the temptations. Her spirit was stirred by understanding that the enemy uses the power of her own desires against her. Well, now that she understood both the source and the power of temptations, she could begin building her own strategy to resist them. Tomorrow the Holy Spirit would lead her further in her search. She was certain of it.
Dear Father, thank you for the enlightenment of your Word. Forgive us for our failures and sin. Lead us not into temptations but deliver us from evil. This I pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN
Let us praise God for his guidance and submit ourselves to it,
Pastor Smith