Sermon Central
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Trials And Temptations Series
Contributed by Kelly Randolph on Feb 17, 2003 (message contributor)
Summary: This message encourages believers to understand the nature of trials and their results.
When tempted to sin, if we could only see the real filth we would be kissing, we wouldn¡¦t be near as attracted to it.
TS ¡V Temptations often accompany trials. But don¡¦t blame God for temptation. He doesn¡¦t tempt you. In contrast to the evil temptation seeks to create note what James says next.
III. God gives only good and perfect gifts (vv. 16-18).
A. Don¡¦t be deceived into thinking that God would be the
Mastermind of evil in your life.
B. God gives only good and perfect gifts.
1. In the original, the first term highlights the act of
giving. The second term refers to the gift given.
2. So, every act of giving and every gift given by
God is perfect.
C. God is the unchanging Father of lights.
1. Father of lights refers to God as creator of the
starry host of the universe. The sun, moon, stars,
planets.
2. God does not change. There is no shifting shadow
with Him. He is consistent and constant.
3. The implication is that His gifts are consistently
good and perfect in keeping with His nature.
D. The greatest gift is the new birth.
ILL/APP: Because of the new birth, we are able to deal with temptation and sin. We are new in Christ and have the spiritual weapons to fight against temptation and sin.
Before his conversion, Augustine carried on an illicit affair with a loose woman. After he was saved, he was walking down the street one day and she saw him. She called out to him and he kept walking. She began to run after him but he kept his eyes straight ahead. Finally, she cried out, ¡§Augustine, it is I!¡¨ He replied, ¡§Yes, but it is no longer I.¡¨
Because of the new birth, there is a new ¡§I¡¨ an new person. That new person is able to resist temptation in the power of Christ.
CONCLUSION:
Are you going through a trial right now? Beware of the temptation to sin that will accompany it. Beware of your own desires which the tempter may arouse to lure you into sin. Remember that sin will lead to death and destruction.
Avail yourself of God¡¦s good and perfect gifts. Fill up on them. Set your desire on them. Then you will be in position to respond properly to trials and temptations.
