Aging Gracefully (2)
Aging Gracefully Book of James • Sermon • Submitted
0 ratings
· 24 viewsNotes
Transcript
Handout
Sermon Tone Analysis
A
D
F
J
S
Emotion
A
C
T
Language
O
C
E
A
E
Social
VIDEO CLIP
A wonderful example of the accessibility of James is found in verses 13-18 of chapter 1.
Here we find a easy and straightforward discussion of temptation that is readily understood by lay person and scholar alike.
Here we find a easy and straightforward discussion of temptation that is readily understood by lay person and scholar alike.
We don't need to understand and employ fanciful words and phrases, the material is ready for any interested reader and seeker.
The mature Christian is patient in trials.
The mature Christian is patient in trials.
In these six verses James explores and explains the source of temptations, the steps of temptation and the solution of temptations in three two verse couplets.
In these six verses James explores and explains the source of temptations, the steps of temptation and the solution of temptations in three two verse couplets.
The mature Christian is patient in trials.
The mature Christian is patient in trials.
The mature Christian is patient in trials.
Like trials, we will face temptations-they are a type of trial.
The trial itself is not the most seriously life-threatening factor.
The Bible says that the trial itself is not the most seriously life-threatening factor.
The Bible says that during trials the greatest danger to me is not the wrong being done to me, but the wrong that may be done by me.
The greatest danger to me is not the wrong being done to me, but the wrong that may be done by me.
The real threat is that when wrong is done to me, I may be tempted to fall into sin myself.
The real threat is that when wrong is done to me, I may be tempted to fall into sin myself. Stulac, G. M. (1993). James (). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
The bible says much about temptation and about the consequences when we follow temptation.
The bible says much about temptation and about the consequences when we follow temptation.
Fact: Being tempted is not a sin.
How we choose to react determines if we sin or not.
Fact: Everyone is tempted, everyone including Jesus our Lord.
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.
h
Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.
;
If he was then we will be too. It is not "spiritual" to be un-tempted, just as it is not unspiritual to be tempted.
If he was then we will be too. It is not "spiritual" to be un-tempted, just as it is not unspiritual to be tempted.
A reason why James is such a popular book in the NT is because of its simplicity, it is easily understood.
A wonderful example of the accessibility of James is found in verses 13-18 of chapter 1.
Here we find a easy and straightforward discussion of temptation that is readily understood by lay person and scholar alike.
We don't need to understand and employ fanciful words and phrases, the material is ready for any interested reader and seeker.
In these six verses James explores and explains the source of temptations, the steps of temptation and the solution of temptations in three two verse couplets.
1. SOURCE OF TEMPTATION
1. SOURCE OF TEMPTATION
When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.
God does not tempt us, all sin is based on a lie-that God is not real, or does not mean what he says.
1:13–14
1:13–14
God does not tempt us, all sin is based on a lie-that God is not real, or does not mean what he says.
God does not tempt us, all sin is based on a lie-that God is not real, or does not mean what he says.
God does not tempt us, all sin is based on a lie-that God is not real, or does not mean what he says.
Satan is the "Father of Lies"
Temptation comes from within us, and from the Father of Lies.
A person both builds and baits his own trap.
A person both builds and baits his own trap.
A temptation is an opportunity to accomplish a good thing in a bad way, out of the will of God.
It is when we want to satisfy these desires in ways outside God’s will that we get into trouble.
It is when we want to satisfy these desires in ways outside God’s will that we get into trouble.
It is when we want to satisfy these desires in ways outside God’s will that we get into trouble.
No temptation appears as temptation; it always seems more alluring than it really is.
No temptation appears as temptation; it always seems more alluring than it really is.
No temptation appears as temptation; it always seems more alluring than it really is.
James used two illustrations from the world of sports to prove his point.
James used two illustrations from the world of sports to prove his point.
James used two illustrations from the world of sports to prove his point.
Drawn away carries with it the idea of the baiting of a trap.
Enticed in the original Greek means “to bait a hook.”
The hunter and the fisherman have to use bait to attract and catch their prey.
No animal is deliberately going to step into a trap and no fish will knowingly bite at a naked hook.
The idea is to hide the trap and the hook.
The bait keeps us from seeing the consequences of the sin.
The bait keeps us from seeing the consequences of sin.
2. STEPS IN TEMPTATION
2. STEPS IN TEMPTATION
Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters.
James
Likened to human conception by James:
Likened to human conception by James:
Desire is conceived when we yield to sin. Which leads to the birth of sin. Which leads to death.
"When the thought in the heart is carried out in action -- that is when temptation becomes sin." --J. Vernon McGee.
"You cannot keep birds from flying over your head, but you can keep them from nesting in your hair." --Martin Luther
"You cannot keep birds from flying over your head, but you can keep them from nesting in your hair." --Martin Luther
see chart in IVP Commentary
see chart in IVP Coomentary
TESTING ➔ PERSEVERANCE ➔ MATURITY
➔
PERSEVERANCE
➔
MATURITY
TRIAL:
TEMPTATION ➔ SIN ➔ DEATH
➔
SIN
➔
DEATH
v.16 Don't be fooled, you and I cannot get away with sin.
We must identify a trial as either a test that can make us stronger or a temptation that can bring us death.
Physical death- comes to all.
Physiacal death- comes to all.
Spiritual death- the "lost" dead in their sins
Eternal death- fate of the unbeleiver in Hell
But for the follower of Christ death here in v.15 means separation.
If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.
3. SOLUTION FOR TEMPTATION
3. SOLUTION FOR TEMPTATION
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
)
Gift here means wisdom among other things. Pray more!
Only God has the power to overcome temptation.
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
Since God gives good and perfect gifts and his good character does not change, then it is clear that he cannot be trying to tempt people to sin.
Since God gives good and perfect gifts and his good character does not change, then it is clear that he cannot be trying to tempt people to sin.
Since God gives good and perfect gifts and his good character does not change, then it is clear that he cannot be trying to tempt people to sin.
God the Father: Unchanging and without shadow.
Unchanging and shadows
From man’s perspective, the celestial bodies have different phases of movement and rotation, change from day to night, and vary in intensity and shadow. But God does not follow that pattern—He is changeless
But God does not follow that pattern—He is changeless
God the Father: Unchanging and without shadow.
His power is always enormous.
His wisdom is always there for the asking.
His wisdom is always there for the asking.
His love and patience for you is always robust and never, ever lessens.
His love and patience for you is always robust and never, ever lessens.
His love and patience for you is always robust and never, ever lessens.
No matter how many times you've blown it.
The solution for temptation is to be found in a close relationship with the Father and a constant response to His Word.
The solution for temptation is to be found in a close relationship with the Father and a constant response to His Word.
The solution for temptation is to be found in a close relationship with the Father and a constant response to His Word.
Take this with you...
Take this with you...
Temptation comes to us all, and we must fight it with God's power.
Do not let the enemy play the guilt-trick with you: "you're tempted so you've already blown it, go ahead now and do it."
Do not be fooled, giving in to temptation leads nowhere good.
Staying close to God through the Bible and daily prayer will access the power needed to fight temptation.