What To Do WhenTempted

James 1:14-15
But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
How does temptation work? What does sinful temptation consist of? Temptation is an age old problem that has plagued man from the time he was in the garden. James is showing us two very important aspects of temptation we must all consider: first, it is being drawn away from God. Second it is being enticed by one’s own lust.
For him that knoweth to do right and doth it not to him it is sin. We can all tell ourselves it is ok or it will not matter but if our actions thoughts and desires draw us away from God then it is wrong. It does not matter where our affection lie, on a rock star, country music legend, a football team or even a family member if those affections are allowed to come between us and the single-minded pursuit of God’s glory then we have made an error.
Before you judge that statement or get upset and turn off your mind think about what it means. It does not mean we are to cease to care for or serve others; it does mean that even our closest relationships and most committed labors must all be grounded in, and flowing out of, our love for Christ. If we do what we do would Christ be pleased should be our guide.
Notice it is our own lust that draws us away from God. That is not to say every lust (strong passion or desire) is wrong. Whether the lust is good or bad is entirely dependent on how it is perceived and qualified. Is it the lust of men, of the world, of the flesh? Are they our own desires /passions, or did they come from God to be used for His Glory? If they are self-motivated or self-originated then it is safe to say those lust are sinful. On the other hand if God gives us the overwhelming desire and passion for a specific calling then we are not to conclude that would draw us away from Him. On the contrary if it is from God you can rest assured it will only draw you closer to Him.
Every person is tempted by their passions or selfish pursuits to be drawn away from God. That is a tool Satan uses to defeat God’s people. If he can get your mind off God he wins. The lust of the flesh the pride of life is but a few things used to get you away from God. We are all tempted every day to do something we know deep down we should not do.
Romans 8: 5-8 “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.”

When Jesus was tempted by the devil what did He do? Quoted Scripture and the told the devil to get behind him. Matthew 4: 10, “Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” As God’s kids we also have the same power to tell the devil to take a hike.