Sermon Series: The Book of James
Primary Topic: Temptation
Scripture:

• James 1:13–18

• 1 John 1:5–6

• Romans 1:24–26, 28–32

• Galatians 6:7–8

• Matthew 7:7–11

God never tempts us—but He does use temptation to shape us into people who reflect His light and rely on His grace

James 1:13–18 

13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;
14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.
15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters.
17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

In this message of the Book of James series, Pastor Brett Lutz unpacks James 1:13–18, confronting the myth that God tempts believers. James is clear—temptation doesn’t come from God but from within our own hearts. Using vivid imagery, James illustrates the spiritual lifecycle of temptation: desire gives birth to sin, and sin, when full-grown, leads to death.

Pastor Brett explains that our human inclination is to deflect blame, even onto God, but Scripture firmly roots temptation in personal desire. He contrasts this with God’s character, using passages like 1 John 1:5–6 and Matthew 7:7–11 to show that God is light, unchanging, and the giver of every good and perfect gift.

God’s desire isn’t to trap us but to transform us. James reminds us that through the “word of truth,” God has brought us forth as His “firstfruits”—a reflection of His redemptive power. Pastor Brett challenges the church to lean into God during trials, press into community, and resist isolation and idleness, where temptation often takes root. He closes with a pastoral encouragement to live as people who walk in God’s light, trust His timing, and delight in His perfect will.

What internal desires most often lead you into temptation?

How does knowing that God gives only good and perfect gifts shape your view of Him?

Have you experienced seasons where God used your trials or temptations to grow your faith?

What does it look like to be part of God’s “firstfruits” today?

Are there rhythms of idleness in your life that invite temptation? How might you replace those with intentional habits of worship or service?