Daily Bible Reading – 9.28.2021
James 1:13-15, When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
Although James does not deny Satan’s role as we will see later this week, he emphasizes here the human element in succumbing to temptation. In contrast to Greek writings, where people protested that temptation was irresistible, biblical teaching recognizes that we are responsible for our choices.
Temptation is powerful because of our own evil desires. Human beings are fallen spiritually and morally. We have a bent toward sinning. Jesus said it this way,
Matthew 15:19, For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.
The unredeemed heart is full of devilish thoughts that lead to evil words and actions. So, if we allow our minds to journey down the path to satisfy our sinful inklings, such thoughts will eventually conceive and give birth to sin. If we do not stop the thoughts, evil wins out. We will be guilty of sin.
If sin is left unchecked and unconfessed, it will continue to grow and take over and cause spiritual and eternal death.
This is why we need a redeemer. It is why Jesus not only saves us from the problem of sin but also from the power of sin. Through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit given at redemption, we begin the lifelong process of transformation of becoming brand new people where the desires fed by our sinful nature diminish and have less and less hold upon us.
Instead of thinking about how to please our sinful desires, we think about how to please Jesus. We think differently. The channels of our minds have been switched heavenward to think the beautiful thoughts of God.
Questions to Consider:
How have you seen the power of your thoughts play out in your life? What helps you change the channel to positive and holy thoughts?
Weekly Memory Verse:
James 4:7, Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.