January 9, 2005

Ready or Not?
Speaker: Jimmy Lee
Part 2 of Xealot Series

James 1:12-18
¹²God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. ¹³And remember, no one who wants to do wrong should ever say, "God is tempting me." God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else either. ¹⁴Temptation comes from the lure of our own evil desires. ¹⁵These evil desires lead to evil actions, and evil actions lead to death. ¹⁶So don't be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. ¹⁷Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God above, who created all heaven's lights. Unlike them, he never changes or casts shifting shadows. ¹⁸In his goodness he chose to make us his own children by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his choice possession.

• Xealots are called to persevere. (v.12)

• God is never to be blamed for trials. Blaming is to B-Lame. (v.13, Rick Warren)

The Problem of Temptation:

• Temptation comes from within. (v.14)

• Temptation works like a disease: Evil Desire Evil Action Death (v.15)

How do Xealots overcome temptation?

• Don’t be misled! Realize that sin is nothing but a cheap substitute. (v.16)

• Abide in the truth of who God is and who you are. (v.17-18)

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