Young Adults' Group

Blessed Is The Man Who Endures Temptation

by Pastor Mark
July 23, 2020

The danger of the temptation to sin

In this world, numerous temptations can cause us to fall. The Apostle James sought to address this problem that the Jewish brethren were facing. Even though they were scattered abroad, no matter where they were, the temptation to sin was still a very real problem.

Some were even blaming God for the temptations that they had experienced, “Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”;” (James 1:13) It was a misconception. It is not in the nature of God to cause anyone to be enticed to sin. He is a holy God and cannot do such an evil act, “for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.” (James 1:13) It is impossible for God to be tempted. Neither is it possible for Him to lure a man to do evil. Such temptations do not originate from God. The problem truly lies within ourselves.

Comprehending the work of temptations as a growth process of sin

1. Temptation begins with our desires… “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.” (James 1:14) When our desires lure us away, we fall into temptation. The source of the temptation is the evil desires of our heart. They would entice us to fall into sin.

2. Temptation gives birth to sin… “Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin;” (James 1:15) James used the imagery of a baby being conceived to describe the desire of our heart. When we allow our desire to be conceived, it would be born as sin. If we allow our desire to be kindled further, we would encourage the growth process of sin.

3. Temptation matures into death… “and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” (James 1:15) When sin has become fully grown, we would end up with death. We would become spiritually dead. Let us comprehend how our desires can lead to sin and death.

The blessing of enduring

“Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” (James 1:12)

1. The blessed state of having endurance

It would be wise for us to learn to endure temptation by overcoming our desires. The word “endurance” means “to persevere”. We need to persevere against the temptations of this world. The man of endurance is considered a truly blessed man. There would be special honour given to him. This blessed state would bring us much encouragement and joy.

2. The blessing of being approved

The word “approved” means to be “tried and accepted”. When we persevere, we would have proven ourselves well and be specially accepted by the Lord. The Lord would be pleased with us. It would indeed be such a great honour for us as His children.

3. The blessing of receiving the crown of life

In overcoming temptation, we would also receive the crown of life, a special blessing from the Lord. It is indicative of a wonderfully blessed life, given to those who love the Lord. We can be assured of these blessings as the Lord has promised them to us. Let us be challenged to endure temptation and not give in to our desires that we may be specially blessed.

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