James 1:13-17

James’ letter is as up-to-date as any bestselling book currently being sold in a 21st century bookstore. This is the day of relativism which simply means that many people believe there are no absolutes. In his discussion of relativism as it relates to temptation, James addresses three important points:

The Cause of Temptation (vv. 13-14): Temptation comes from two places; an internal source (desire) and an external source (deception). When our internal desire to do wrong connects with outward enticement, sin is born in our lives.

The Course of Temptation  (v. 15): The course of temptation is progressive. It goes from root to shoot to fruit. The effective way to deal with temptation is to deal not with the fruit or the shoot, but the root.

The Caution of Temptation  (vv 16-17): It is possible for Christians to be deceived and get off course. James warns us to be sure we are not deceived about sin, the Savior or salvation.

We can overcome temptation because as 1 John 4:4 tell us, "The One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."