“The Temptations We Face“, by Rev. Mike Holly

Sermon Series: The Lord’s Prayer

Our Scripture reading for today states that we are lured and enticed by our desires. These desires are usually leading us toward doing things that we are not supposed to do. It is not often that we hear about people being tempted to do good things, is it? No, we often hear about temptation being that which we ought not do. Paul wrote in one of his letters that he is lured and enticed to do the very things he should not do. We are in the same boat as Paul.
Dealing with temptation requires us to be honest about these very things that we are lured and enticed into doing. Take a moment to reflect on the temptation. If you were to give in, how would your life be affected? How would the lives of those you love be affected? Often, if we map out the possible consequences of our actions, these temptations become less and less enticing.
God desires good for each and every one of us. We pray “lead us not into temptation” and we infer “lead us toward good things.” Lead us to still waters. Lead us to healthier relationships. Lead us into blessing others. Ask yourself this: If you were to put your life into the hands of God, where would He lead you?

~Mike Holly

The Word

James 1:12-18

Blessed is anyone who endures temptation. Such a one has stood the test and will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. No one, when tempted, should say, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil and he himself tempts no one. But one is tempted by one’s own desire, being lured and enticed by it; then, when that desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and that sin, when it is fully grown, gives birth to death. Do not be deceived, my beloved.

Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. In fulfillment of his own purpose he gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would become a kind of first fruits of his creatures.

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