Overcoming Temptation (Part 1)

Anyone who knows me well knows that I love books. I enjoy reading, studying, and generally learning new things. I am also a lover of books mostly because of I love the feel of a book in my hands. If one saw the bookshelves in my room, one would notice that books are stacked upon each. Considering my love of books, it is somewhat of a no-brainer that I would enjoy spending time in the library of the Memphis School of Preaching while I was a student. In the school’s library was a section which I termed “The Free Book Rack.” It was, as the name implies, a section which supplied free books, tracts, and magazines for any student to take for free. It was also at this section that I found a scrap of paper which I have not forgotten. While flipping through one of the books, a small fragment fell to the floor. Upon inspection, it was found not to be from the book but an old newspaper. It was a section of the Montgomery Advertiser, a newspaper in Alabama, which is very similar to what one would find in a TV Guide. It was not the listing of old television shows which peaked my interest but what was written in pencil on this scrap.

“The only difference between opportunity and temptation is that opportunity knocks but temptation lets itself in.”

Think about that for a moment. Opportunity comes to our preverbal door and gives man the opportunity to accept or deny it. On the other hand temptation can be compared to the bad house guest. You want it out but it is quite content to stay past the time it takes for a fish to begin to smell. Temptation is something which is ever present in the lives of all mankind. How do we rid ourselves of it? This was my topic at the Oceanside church of Christ VBS. How do we overcome temptation when it comes our way? Over the next few days we will cover three points of interest in overcoming temptation. BASICS In order to overcome temptation, it is important one has a basic understanding of temptation. If one has a misunderstanding of these things that one will have problems in the initial overcoming.

The first thing one must understand is from whence all temptation comes. It is of the utmost importance one understands that God is not the source of temptation. “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man” (James 1:13). Generally speaking mankind has a problem with assuming responsibility. The mindset of society seems to be as follows. An individual realizes that he has a problem. This problem could be involved with alcohol, smoking, fornication, or something of that nature. Obviously, something is to be blamed for committing this action but it cannot be the fault of the one who committed it. Parents, siblings, and others are blamed. Some even place the blame on God citing, “God made me this way, therefore I cannot help but commit this action.” James said, “Do not EVER say this.” Why is it that God will not tempt me with evil? God hates sin and the death of the sinner. “For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.” (Ezekiel 18:32). Ezekiel 18 is the perfect study concerning free will and responsibility for sin. The children of Israel wanted to place the blame on their parents. “The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge?” Our parents committed sin and yet we’re facing punishment. God, using the example of three generations of a family, set forth the truth that the sins a man commits are the only ones which will damn him in the end. God then tells the people that He finds no pleasure in the death of the sinner and asks the people to turn back to Him. Furthermore, one would notice that God is pure and holy and expects His creation to be as such (1 Peter 1:16).

If God does not tempt us, from whence does temptation come? “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.” (James 1:14). The source of temptation is found within man. The first five words of this verse allows us to know that all mankind faces temptation and the phrase “his own lust” shows that temptation is found within. In fact, the word lust means that a man has his affections set on something. That something is that which is enticing him. It is also important to note that temptation in and out of itself is not sin.

Speaking of the Christ, the writer of Hebrews stated: “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15). Jesus faced the same type of temptation that all mankind has faced BUT was without sin. If temptation was sin, Jesus could not have been the perfect sacrifice for all mankind. It is not temptation that is sin. It is the decision to yield to that temptation. “Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” (James 1:15). Temptation is the first step which leads to sin. It must conceive before sin occurs. Also, in this verse we notice another reason why God will not tempt man to commit sin. Living in sin results in spiritual death. Why would God, who finds no joy in sin or the death of the one who commits it, tempt someone to commit an act which does just that?

James follows these statements by saying, “Do not err, my beloved brethren.” (James 1:16). Do not make the mistake of saying that God is tempting you. Do not allow yourself to be fooled into thinking that. God is the giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17). These are just a few basic items one should know concerning temptation. Shortly, we will discuss Temptations Plan of Attack.