Yeah . . . but I still sin!

Understanding Temptation
Text
 the nature of temptation
James 1:12-13
 12Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for
once he has been approved, he will receive the crown
of life which the Lord has promised to those who love
Him.
 13Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being
tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil,
and He Himself does not tempt anyone.
 the nature of temptation

TESTING TEMPTATION

Obedience to God Disobedience to God

GOAL

To mature us To Defeat us
MOTIVE

Absent Present
EVIL
 the nature of temptation
James 1:14-15
but each person is tempted when they are dragged
away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then,
after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin,
when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

NRSV
But one is tempted by one’s own desire, being lured
and enticed by it;
 the sources of temptation
The World

1 John 2:15
15Do not love the world nor the things in the world If
anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in
him.

The World . . .
The environment created by our empire’s operating
system.
 the sources of temptation . . . the world
1 John 2:16-17
16For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and
the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not
from the Father, but is from the world.

Our Empire’s OS . . . .

1. Desires that come through what we see with our

eyes
2. Desires that come through what we perceive with
mind, will, and emotions
3. Pride that comes from achieving what the empire
says brings worth and significance.
 the sources of temptation . . . satan
Ephesians 2:1-2
1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and
sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the
ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of
the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are
disobedient.

1 Thessalonians 3:5
For this reason, when I could endure it no longer, I also
sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the
tempter might have tempted you, and our labor would
be in vain.
 the sources of temptation . . . satan
Luke 22:31 
31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as
wheat.

1 Peter 5:8
8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil
prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to
devour.
 the process of temptation

1 3
SEEING YIELDING

2 4
DESIRING HIDING
 the process of temptation
SEEING
With eyes or in the “mind’s eye” . . . perceiving.
 the process of temptation
DESIRING
SALES PITCH
The “sales pitch” is the thought process we entertain
about the desired object or action that makes it seem
promising.

DECEPTION
There is always a lie somewhere in temptation. We
would be less likely to embrace the sin if it were
exposed for what it rally was.
the process of temptation
 the process of temptation
It seems appealing to . . . .

but . . .
 the process of temptation
YIELDING
This can be giving in thoughts and/or actions.

Matthew 5:27-28
27“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not
commit adultery.’28 But I tell you that anyone who
looks at a woman lustfully has already committed
adultery with her in his heart.
 the process of temptation
HIDING
Literal hiding or . . .

1. Rationalizing/Excusing
2. Softening
3. Blaming
SEEING > DESIRING > YIELDING > HIDING
Sales Pitch
Deception