JEJ Episode 89-The Root of Temptation
Understanding James 1:13–15, dissecting evil desires, renewing the mindset, and guarding our emotions.
We started a new series in the last Episode with the theme-Standing Strong, where we are having a conversation on how we can overcome temptation. We said in the last episode that temptation is a desire to go against the will of God in order to do things our own way. We also made the important point that contrary to popular belief, God does not tempt or test us.
James 1:13 categorically states-When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone.
So then what is the root of temptation?
This is the topic for our conversation today. How are we tempted?
Having declared that God does not tempt anyone in verse 13, of chapter 1, James goes further in verses 14 and 15 to state- 14Each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
Evil Desire
Rooted within
Dragged & Enticed
Fed & Dwelled Upon
Conception of Sin
Yielding & Action
Death
Full-grown result
Temptations are rooted in wrong desires. James describes these as evil desires. These are desires that are negative. Desires that are after the flesh. Desires that do not glorify God. Desires that are contrary to the word of God.
If we feed such desires and continue to dwell on them, we will get to a point when they entice us and lead to temptation.
So many people in the society today both young and old, desire to own things that are way above their income. Because they feed these desires, they are tempted and give in to the temptation of doing whatever is necessary to acquire expensive properties and items and live above their means.
Of course, we know that infidelity and adultery originate from desiring a member of the opposite sex and feeding on that desire until one gives in to the temptation to sin.
James’ argument is that we invite temptation when we entertain a desire and allow it to take root in our heart. When we nurture or feed a wrong desire, it eventually leads us to temptation.
Our mindset has a role to play in considering the root of temptation because our mindsets determine our desires.
What you believe about the circumstances of life, your attitudes, and what you consistently think about and dwell on influences what appeals to you. If your mind is persistently focused on thoughts of lust, thoughts of self, greed and acquisition and even criminal acts, those thoughts will grow into desire for lust, selfish actions, dishonesty and fraud. If your mind is focused on Godly characteristics and peaceful co-existence, honest wealth creation, serving God, you will develop more positive desires.
People are tempted in different ways because a person’s mindset determines his desires and actions. While pornography presents a serious temptation to one person, another person may not be tempted by it. The opportunity to gossip or to steal exists for practically everyone. Yet not everyone gossips or steals. The difference is found in our mindsets.
Renewing the mind with the word of God and staying your mind on positive thoughts is therefore key to avoiding desires that would lead us to temptation.
Negative emotions also play a role in the way we are tempted. Allowing painful feelings, rejection, disappointment, anger to occupy your mind, so that instead of addressing the matter, you replay the event over and over, rehearsing what someone did to you may lead to negative desires and the temptation to retaliate, hurt or to withdraw from the person. Negative emotions are normal. We get into trouble when we continue to dwell on them so that they shape our mindset. We should ask the Holy Spirit to help us manage our emotions wisely rather than allow our emotions to control us.
So God does not tempt us. The temptation to sin originates from evil and negative desires from within us which are in turn rooted in wrong mindset and negative emotions.
In Philippians 4:8, Paul dealt with this issue of the mindset and emotions by encouraging us to be intentional about what occupies our minds.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.”
Check your current thoughts against Paul’s 8 spiritual standards:
Our thoughts influence our beliefs, our attitudes, our words and choices. Instead of allowing a negative mindset or wrong emotions to dominate our thinking, Paul urges us to focus on God and things that acknowledge His goodness and faithfulness.
We should apply this scripture by asking ourselves the following questions when we are faced with a challenging situation
Is what I am thinking true?
Is dwelling on it drawing me closer to God or away from Him?
What does the Word of God say about the situation?
How can I respond now to avoid being tempted to sin?
Closing Prayer
Father we ask that you help us to henceforth dwell on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy that we may be delivered from evil and negative desires.
What negative thoughts or emotions have you been replaying lately? Write a prayer applying Philippians 4:8 to your situation: