10 Mar Recap | James | The Enemy Within

Trials and suffering are common topics throughout the Bible, and this weekend we continued to look at James and what he has to say about living through the trials and temptations. In James 1:12-18, we see the importance of enduring through the trials and acknowledging the source of sin in our lives.

In the midst of temptation, it can be easy to try and pin the blame on an external source or on circumstance. James dismisses this notion, reminding us in verse 13 that God cannot be tempted by evil, and he would not tempt his children with evil. Sin is completely against God and his plan, so he does not try and trip his children up. Temptation comes from our own internal desires.

The internal nature of desires can be seen in the variety of areas where people struggle with sin. If desires were external, all of mankind would struggle with the same things since we are externally exposed to the same things. However, people’s struggles are different, and the things that tempt people vary. In Romans 7, Paul puts words to this struggle against corrupt inward desires saying,“ I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.”

These internal desires are what lead to sin and eventual death (v.14-15). James makes it clear that it is neither God nor external circumstances that lure people into sin. It is internal desires causing the temptation which leads to sin. And sin grows and spreads until it produces death. Sin is never controlled. It may be managed for a while, even for years, but it will always grow and cause pain and brokenness and death. This death then produces even more of a void and an emptiness which causes the desires for something more to grow. Sin feeds into the cycle of more temptation and sin, and it is a dangerous, deadly cycle.

The good thing is that this struggle against sin can be a gift. Seeing where our struggle is can show us the areas we need God the most! God sends his children “good and perfect gifts,” and even when we do not feel like we are being loved well, he loves us perfectly. In verse 17, James reminds us that God is constant, with no shifting shadows due to change. Anytime we feel change or uncertainty, it is due to us, not from God. God is stable, and always produces life. We always produce death and corruption from our sin.

Even though we cause death, and we are in rebellion against God, we are still his prized possession. He offers us redemption and life through his son Jesus. And this is the most “good and perfect gift” we could ever receive. However, this gift does not guarantee an easy life. The Christian life is one full of struggle against our internal sinful nature. It is hard and dark, but by facing the realities of our sin, we can fully embrace the reality of God’s wonderful love and salvation.

One of the first steps to leading a genuine life, a life of true integrity, is being able to see the reality of your sin and your need for God. Matt offered some questions to help the church reflect on these ideas.

1. Are you clear on your temptation cycle? What lures you away from God?
2. Where does the sin you are managing now take you in 10 years? Sin is like yeast, and will spread through everything, so where will your sin send you?
3. Do you think God is good?
4. Are you a victim? What things in your life do you not feel responsible for?
5. Are you committed to a life of confession (admitting you are wrong) and repentance (turning away from sin)?
6. Are you invested and involved in the local church? God has provided the church as a redemptive community to help his children fight sin.
7. Can you embrace the reality of sin in your life?
8. Do you want to be saved from your desires? Or are you happy living the way you are?

-Carly Caldwell