In this week’s ending thoughts, we will look at what God’s word teaches concerning our plans and list-making. James gives us wisdom instruction on how the child of God should live out our daily life and our perspective on the future. Have you heard someone say these words, “The devil made me do it.” I know I have. I am also guilty of blaming Satan and others for my sin. In James 1:13, James confronts some who might go so far as to blame God for their temptation to sin. Genuine faith accepts responsibility for his sins and repents.
- Satan temps
- God tests
- We sin
The Blame Game
It is human nature to want to blame others for our sins. Temptation solicits us to blame others, which is wrong. Sometimes we blame God. James warns against this kind of thinking.
When any temptation arises, we should go to God and ask for wisdom. But more often than not, we
give in to our lustful desires
become impatient
complain
and blame.
The blame game started in the garden of Eden with our father, Adam. He blamed God and Eve for his sin. “The woman You gave to be with me, she gave me from the tree, and I ate.” Read Genesis 3:8-13.
Instead of owning up to his sin, he blamed. The account of Adam and Eve is our first recorded example of James 1:15.
“Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.”
Adam and Eve were:
- Tempted
- Carried away and enticed by their lust
- Their lust gave birth to sin
- Sin brought forth death
God Does Not Tempt Anyone
“Let no one say when he is being tempted, I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He himself does not tempt anyone.” James 1:13
God tempts no one. He sends trials to test, refine, and prove our faith for good. Temptation, however, is the opposite.
Temptation is seduction to evil and solicitation to wrong, leading to sin.
Satan tempts everyone. But even he is not to blame for our sin.
We Are Tempted and Carried Away by Our Lusts
We bear the responsibility before God for our sinful nature. Our lusts tempt, entice, and carry us away. James 1:14. “We lust and do not have, so we commit murder. We are envious and cannot obtain, so we fight and quarrel.” James 4:2.
Lust is a powerful desire for something. It could be sex, money, fame, and fortune. The list can go on and on.
Lust is not a fruit of the Spirit; it is a deed of the flesh. Look at what John says about lust in 1 John 2:16:”
“For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life is not from the Father, but is from the world.”
Every Good and Perfect Gift is From God
Do not be deceived, my sisters. Every good thing is given, and every perfect gift is from above. James 1:16-17.
These good and perfect gifts come to you and me from a very good and perfect God. James lines up his teaching with what God says about Himself in other places in Scripture.
Malachi 3:6 says, “For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.
We can rest in and rely on God to give good things to His children. Our trials and sufferings are meant for good.
Brought Forth By the Word of Truth
Let these words stop you and cause you to wonder, be amazed, and Praise! In the exercise of God’s Sovereign will, by His divine act, He brought us forth, regenerated our dead hearts.
“God saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity.” 2 Timothy 1:9
“They will be my people, and I will be their God.; and I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear me always, for their own good and for the good of their children.” Jeremiah 32:38-39
“Moreover I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36: 26-27.
God’s grace gift of salvation is His good and perfect gift to a depraved, wretched man. We’re held in His hands, protected and sanctified until the coming of the day of the Lord!
Genuine Faith Accepts Responsibility for His Sin and Repents
Blame for sin cannot be laid at the feet of God, Satan, or our neighbor. It is ours and ours alone to bear. Genuine faith knows his sins and, like the tax collector, will not raise his eyes to heaven. But instead beats his chest and says, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” Luke 18:13.
It is time to pack up the blame game. No longer to be played. God is gracious, and if you call to Him in true repentance, He will forgive!
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. 1 John 1:9-10.
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