Overcoming Sins
13When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
16Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. 17Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
Listening and Doing
19My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. 21Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
Bee's Thoughts:
One speaker said that "Sins are fun, otherwise people won't sin. However, after the fun comes the miseries and even death." Just like what James above said.
Why did James suddenly change his topic from "sins" to "gift"? Perhaps to show that God gives us gifts so that we will use them wisely and not to sin?
How can we "be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry"? By "humbly accept the word planted" in us as we read it daily. That's why regular devotions are so important. They keep us away from sins, and lift us up just like my experience in "The New Me".
Dear Lord,
Thank You for Your words that can help me overcome sins and all things not good for me. Thank You for lifting me up through Your precious words daily. I pray that I will continue to hide Your words in my heart that I may not sin against You.
In Jesus namr I pray. Amen.
Tommy's Thoughts:
It is easy to find excuses and blame others, things or situation for our wrongdoing. We think we’ve no choice, couldn’t help it and were pressured into it by our circumstances. In a way, we somehow shifted the blame from ourselves and continue to give in to temptations; never try to turn to God for strength to resist them.
Temptation comes from our own evil desires, not from God (v14). Sin grows destructively when we allow it to have its way by dwelling on and act upon any evil thought we may have. But as Christian, we need to accept the responsibility for all our wrongs, confess them and ask God for forgiveness. And, when we choose to obey God by resisting temptation, God has promised to give us the wisdom and strength to overcome and escape them (1 Corinthian 10:13).
Dear Father, thank You for teaching me to be responsible for all my own action, never push blame to others or situations, but instead to seek Your forgiveness and to be repented. Lord, teach me to seek Your strength and guidance through Your Word and the Holy Spirit within me to overcome any temptation coming my way. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.
