“Blessed is the one who endures trials, because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him” James 1:12 CSB
No one likes to have not his or her own way, including myself. Yet, some of our desires lead us into temptations and sin. Lust means any kind of desire, not necessarily sexual. God has given us normal desires of life and without these; we probably would not function in this life for long. Unless we feel thirsty, we would not consume enough daily water. Sex is a normal function of life and without it, humans would cease. God does test us so we will make good choices. Temptation comes with choosing the bad choice; one out of the will of God. James describes four processes in sin that lead to bad outcomes, which are Desire, Deception, Disobedience and Death. The area we want to dive into in this spiritual lesson this week is how easily we can be deceived when God tests us.
In the 1st Chapter in Book of James, he writes in verse 13 that God does not tempted us but rather we tempt ourselves when we’re drawn away by our own desires. He advises us to think about the bait and its on-going emotions. Internally, we are asking the “pros and cons” around r decision. Put it in the context of a fisher on a fish hunt. He has to use bait to attract and then catch the prey. The bait deceives us from seeing the hook underneath the bait. We tease with the bait and then Bang, the Sin of Disobedience is conceived (also known as not trusting God, lacking patience, we go ahead and do our own selfish thing, not waiting on God.
We see this example in Gen 3. Both Adam a nd Eve experienced spiritual death (separation from God). Just as human birth requires two parents, two parents are required for a divine birth: “The Spirit of God” uses the power in “The Word of God” to generate a divinely “New Life” through Jesus Christ. Today, we are saved and should not be fooled by the adversary. Jesus helps cover our sins. Heb 4:12 says, “The Word of God is living and powerful; it can generate life in the heart of the sinner who trusts Christ and that life is God’s life.” We share God’s nature!
With tests, before temptations, consider the divine nature within us. God says, “Look ahead and consider consequences of being without me (judgement); God says,” Look around and see how good I’ve been to you.” God says, “Realize Ur Divine nature that lies within you producing same strong power that rose Jesus from death or the same power of patience that comforts us as we wait out tests.”
“Count it all joy you fall into various trials; Because, we know testing of our Faith produces patience; In perfect patience, God has his perfect way, we submit our will, left wanting nothing.” James 1:2-4
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