Read James 1 – 5
Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 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. James 1:13-15 KJV
The first thing we learn about the source of temptation is that it never comes from God. God never tempts anyone with evil. He may test to prove value, as He did with Abraham (Genesis 22), but He never tempts with evil, and He never tempts us to do evil. This is based upon the character of God. He is holy, He is righteous, and He is pure. Because of who God is, He cannot be tempted with evil, and because of who God is, He will not tempt us with evil either. The second thing we learn about the source of temptation is that it comes from within us. The word lust simply means desire. The source of temptation starts with a strong desire within us. Although we often blame the outward enticement for our inward battle with temptation, doing so will never help us win the battle. To enjoy victory over temptation the inward source not the outward enticement must be dealt with.
Lord, it seems amazing to me that any would accuse you of tempting them to do evil, yet I know some do. Certainly that seems the worst attempt to escape personal responsibility for sin. Help me always be honest with you and with myself concerning the temptations I face and the sins I commit.
A question to ponder: If the source of temptation starts within us, then is it ever appropriate to shift responsibility for our sins to something or someone else?
