(The following is the November 1 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read James 1 and pay close attention to verses 13-15.)
What or who is the source of our temptations to sin? One obvious answer is that our own evil desires tempt us. Christians still battle with the flesh throughout our earthly lives. It’s also fair to say that other people tempt us to sin. We likely recall times when we succumbed to the luring of others to do things contrary to God’s Word or in violation of our conscience. Scripture also speaks of Satan doing what he can to thwart our faithfulness to Christ: “Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour” (1 Pet. 5:8). Regardless of who initiates the activity, we bear the responsibility for our behavior.
God, however, never tempts us to sin. “No one undergoing a trial should say, ‘I am being tempted by God,’ since God is not tempted by evil, and he himself doesn’t tempt anyone. But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desire. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death” (vv. 13-15). God doesn’t want us to sin; He wants what is best for us. It would be contrary to his holy nature to entice anyone to sin. God does test us on occasion, but that’s different than tempting. Such trials are not enticements to sin but opportunities to test the depth of our faith and trust in him.
Ultimately, we should mostly blame ourselves and our evil desires for our temptations. By taking responsibility for them, we acknowledge our continuing need for a Savior and the glorious forgiveness we have in Christ, who, while we were still sinners, died for us (Rom. 5:8).
Next Step:
When and where do you most frequently face temptations? What role do your own evil desires play in that happening? How can you avoid putting yourself in such situations in the future?
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