Overcoming Temptation
James 1:12-18

I. The Substance of Temptation (v.12)
A. We should be happy or satisfied when have endured trials. (v. 12a)
B. Spiritual maturity brings a much greater quality of life with God. (v.12b)
a. They will receive the crown of life:
1. Some Christian commentators hold that the crown of life is given to believers at the bema judgment, after the rapture. (Literal)
2. Other Christian commentators hold that the crown of life is given in this life, after a period of testing or trials. (Figuratively)
3. Both are correct or in view:
b. The greater quality of life is connected to personal holiness. [Heb. 12:11]

II. The source of temptation (v.13-14)
A. God tempts no one (v.13) peirazo (verb) - peirasmos (noun)
a. The Bible uses these terms to describe tests, trials, and temptation. What determines a trial or test from God or a solicitation to commit evil is determined by the context of how it is used. God uses trials and tests to shape our character but never solicits anyone to engage in sin or evil. Temptation comes from within [Example: Gen. 3:1-7](v.14)
B. Temptation comes from within (v.14)
a. Temptation in the Mind (Gen. 3:1-7; Col. 2:8)

III. The steps of temptation (v.15-16)
A. Temptation, when given over, sets a course that leads to death (v.15)
a. Death in the Bible:
1. Physical death - may be defined as the end of physical life through the separation of the soul and body. (Heb 9:27; Rm 5:12)
2. Spiritual death - is a state of the natural man being alienated from God and results in the “second death.” This form of death is the everlasting punishment of the wicked (Rev. 21:8), and “second” in respect to natural or temporal death.
3. Experiential death – This is a state of being where the believer lives according to the principles and practices that are contrary to God’s Word or living according to the flesh. The principle of avoiding experiential death is to live according to a biblical life and worldview, by means of the Spirit, through the renewing of the mind with a result that godly living or “life and not death” follows. (Rom. 6:16, 8:6; Eph. 4:17-24,5:6-8, 5:18; 2 Peter 1:1-10; 1 Cor. 3:2-4)
b. James’ Conclusions regarding the analogy
B. Do not let anything deceive you [Col. 2:8] (v.16)

IV. The Solution for Temptation (v.17-18)
A. God is the source of goodness and we can trust in Him (v.17)
B. God’s Word is the source of strength in temptation, application of it requires: (v.18)
a. Dedication- in that we live it.
b. Discernment- in that we know it.
c. Dependence- in that we rely upon it.
C. Questions to ask when tempted.
a. Is what I am considering to do violate any of God’s moral commands?
b. Is what I am considering to do benefit or bring reproach on my ministry with other people?
c. Is what I am considering to do bring glory to God?
d. Can I recognize the difference between a true test (from God) and a solicitation to commit evil?
e. In cases involving a solicitation to commit evil you should:
1. Flee from idolatry and youthful lust (1 Cor. 10:14; 2 Tim. 2:22)
2. Flee from sexual temptation (Gen 39:12; Gal 5:16)


Point to ponder:
1. Spiritual maturity will make us skilled in discerning both tests and temptations and allow us the fortitude to overcome them both.


Earl D. Radmacher, Ronald Barclay Allen, and H. Wayne House, Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Commentary (Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers, 1999), 1663.
David R. Anderson, Triumph through Trials: The Epistle of James (Grace Theology Press, 2013), 36.
Zane C. Hodges, Arthur L. Farstad, and Robert N. Wilkin, The Epistle of James: Proven Character through Testing (Irving, TX: Grace Evangelical Society, 1994), 26.
John F. Walvoord, “Revelation,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton: Victor Books, 1985), 935.
Charles R. Swindoll, Revelation, vol. 15, Swindoll’s Living Insights New Testament Commentary (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2014), 44.
Greg L. Bahnsen, Presuppositional Apologetics: Stated and Defended, ed. Joel McDurmon (Nacogdoches, TX: Covenant Media Press, 2008), 246.
John MacArthur and Richard Mayhue, eds., Biblical Doctrine: A Systematic Summary of Bible Truth (Wheaton: Crossway, 2017), 460.
David Anderson as quoted by George E. Meisinger, “The Underpinning of Experiential Sanctification Romans 6:1-23,” Online. Accessed July 6, 2020. https://www.deanbibleministries.org/dbmfiles/notes/2011-ChaferConf-Meisinger-paper_App.pdf
William Varner, James, ed. H. Wayne House, W. Hall Harris III, and Andrew W. Pitts, Evangelical Exegetical Commentary (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012), 161.