Message Title: Temptation: A Test of Faith
Message Truth: Be killing sin or sin will be killing you.
Message Text: James 1:9-15
Temptation at Both Extremes (James vv.9-11)
Three Views of Money
- Poverty- you are more spiritual if you have no possessions.
- Prosperity- It’s God’s will fo you to be very rich
- Provision- God is the provider of all good things and needs.
*Greed is an inordinate desire for material things.
*Mammon has a doctrine- with it I am safe, secure, and have significance.
Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction” 1 Timothy 6:9
The He said to them, “Watch out and guard yourselves against every form of greed; for not even when one has an overflowing abundance does his life consist of nor is it derived from his possessions.” Luke 12:15
The answer is a Capacity mindset not a scarcity mind set
Main Point: Don’t treat people different, Rich, humble yourself be careful…poor be encouraged your time is coming.
Blessing is God’s goodness toward those he loves (best [God’s jealousy] and united)
- God is the source of every blessing- All good things come from God
- You must listen to God (you want God to listen to you, listen to Him)
- You must obey God. A failure to listen leads to a failure to obey. When you are not walking in God’s will you are walking in your will which short cuts the blessing. You cannot pray past disobedience.
The measure of your blessing is = to the measure of your obedience.
4. You must believe and expect
The Crown of life (James 1:12)
The crown of life is not an actual ornamental headdress but a symbolic representation of God’s recognition for having spiritually triumphed in this life. In the original Greek, the word rendered “crown” in James 1:12 denotes a prize. The term does not refer to a royal crown like those worn by kings and rulers. This crown describes a garland or wreath of laurel foliage that, in ancient times, was placed upon the head of a victorious athlete as an emblem of honor and triumph in a contest.
It is recognition and a reward given by Jesus to those who persevere through tough situations in faith above eternal life in Heaven.
The Source and Course of Temptation (James vv. 12-15)
Source of Temptation
- Satan above you – cannot control
- The world around you- you cannot control
- Flesh within you- You Can control
The Course of Temptation (James 1:14-15)
The Look: This is the initial stage where a person is drawn to something that sparks a desire. It’s the first point of contact with a potential temptation.
The Lust: Once drawn in, the desire intensifies. This stage involves being enticed by the object or situation that is tempting.
The Lure: The temptation begins to take hold, drawing the person further in.
The Conception: The desire, fueled by the lure, leads to a plan or contemplation of acting on the temptation.
The Birth: The Plan is put into action, resulting in the commission of the sin.
The Growth: The sin begins to have consequences and potentially lead to further sinning, becoming a pattern of behavior.
The Death: Ultimately, if unchecked, the sin leads to negative consequences, potentially spiritual death, broken relationships, or other destructive outcomes.-Death: Sin always has a baby
