Monday, May 12
The Source of Sin
But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.
James 1:14
Recommended Reading
Philippians 4:8-9 [ http://iz3.me/5wTe1zbrj3A1 ]
In October 2009, in the African nation of Niger, a man and his two adult sons were arrested for a horrific crime against a fellow countryman. When interviewed by police, one of the sons said, "God tempted me, and I succumbed to the temptation."
Listen to Today's Radio Message [ http://iz3.me/7wTe1zbrj3A1 ]
According to James, the accused man's account of events is false: "Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am tempted by God'; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone" (James 1:13). If temptation does not come from God, what is its source? James continues: "But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed" (verse 14). So temptation is a response to desires that originate in our fallen human nature -- desires contrary to God's. If we yield to those desires, sin is the result: "Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin" (verse 15a). Desires may arise unbidden in the human heart, but they do not have to be entertained.
To avoid sin, avoid temptation. To avoid temptation, meditate on that which is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, virtuous, praiseworthy, and of good report (Philippians 4:8-9).
We cannot prevent a bird from flying into our hair, but we can prevent it from building a nest there.
Martin Luther
Read-Thru-the-Bible
2 Chronicles 17-20 [ http://iz3.me/8wTe1zbrj3A1 ] |
