THE DEVIL MADE ME DO IT!
James 1:12-18
Introduction: Unfortunately, many people are under the
impression that the devil is responsible for their shortcomings with God. When
anyone sins, he must take responsibility for it. God will hold him accountable.
For this reason, we must understand the nature of sin and temptation.
A.
We will consider in detail the passage in James
1:13-15
B.
Hopefully we will become better suited to deal
with temptation when it comes our way
I.
The temptation of Christ (Matt. 4:1-10)
A.
Was Jesus really tempted?
1.
The word temptation means to try to test ones
faith, virtue or character by enticement to sin
2.
There had to have been n
appeal (desire) in Jesus
a.
He was hungry
b.
He would receive the kingdoms
c.
He needed to be dependent upon the Father
B.
Jesus was not carried away with the temptation
1.
The idea behind being drawn away is that Jesus was
not lured out through the enticement
2.
Drawn away in James
a.
Something that appeals to the desires of the fish
or animal
b.
To which they are drawn to and leave the avenue of
restraint toward sin
3.
Jesus may have had a desire for these things but
knew not to give into enticements to fulfill these desires in an unlawful way
II.
James 1:13-15 the temptation of man
A.
Man is drawn away by his own desires
1.
There is something within man to which the
enticement appeals
2.
Man is lured away from the safety of self
restraint because of appeal to his unsatisfied desires
3.
The fish is hungry and unconcerned about the hook;
it doesn’t even see the hook because it is concealed by the lure or bait
4.
Sin is presented as harmless, satisfying and
endless pleasure
B.
Man is drawn away without any real thought of the
consequences
1.
The fish does not consider the fact that it will
be dinner
2.
The mouse takes the cheese without any thought of
being crushed
3.
Man often gives into his desires through unlawful
means without regard for the consequences
C.
Man recognizes the need to be one with God and
soon finds out that what he did was not acceptable
1.
Begins to make excuses
a.
This woman (Gen. 3:12)
b.
The people (Exo.
32:22-23; 1 Sam. 15:21)
c.
The Devil made me do it!
2.
Begins to justify his actions (I am only human; This is how God made me!)
3.
He does not simply say, “Yes, I did it, so what”
(Unless, he has no conscience)
D.
Desire is not sin; to go against God’s will to
fulfill those desires is sin
1.
Colossians 3:17
2.
1 Corinthians 10:31
III.
Must exercise spiritual birth control
A.
Helps to curb our desires (leads to conception)
1.
Contentment (1 Tim. 6:6)
2.
Sober thinking (Phi. 4:8)
3.
Staying in the will of God (1 John 3:6-9)
B.
Spiritual abortion may be necessary
1.
Once conception has taken place must prevent the
birth (Repent)
2.
This birth always results in the death of the
birth parent
a.
Purge away the sin (1 John 1:7, 9)
b.
Failure to do so will result in death (Rom.
Conclusion: We must realize that we are
responsible for our sins. No one ever makes us sin. When we are tempted, it is
an appeal to a desire we have within. When we leave our desires unchecked and
unrestrained, the chances of giving into enticement and being drawn away are
drastically increased. We must understand our nature and ourselves if we hope
to escape the death that comes with giving birth to such.