We’re all tempted. Even Jesus was tempted in every way (Hebrews 4:15), which mean temptation in and of itself isn’t sin (2 Corinthians 5:21). The issue isn’t if we’re tempted, the issue is what to do when we’re tempted. What exactly is temptation and what do we need to do when faced with it in our lives? A passage in James helps us understand:
James 1:14-15 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.
Temptation
Temptation is a strong urge or desire to do or to have something that you know is wrong or unwise to do or have.
This is one of Satan’s most potent weapons against us. As we see in James, temptation comes from our own desires, and the enemy knows our desires. He will prey on those desires and bring temptations into our path to derail us. This is exactly what the serpent did to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3). He used desires they had and turned them into something sinful. He seized on their desires and tempted them to rebel against God.
This is what Satan does to us in our marriages. We all desire to be loved and to connect at a deep level with someone. But, when our spouse fails to love us the way we need to be loved, we’re tempted to look elsewhere or to question if we’ve ever loved our spouse in the first place. If not properly addressed, that temptation will breed more desire and ultimately lead to sinful acts like having an affair or walking away from the marriage. If we remain unrepentant in those acts, we’ll experience death in our relationship as we trample upon God’s goodness and grace to us.
How to Combat Temptation
- Identify the sinful desires in your heart.
- Submit those desires to God’s word 2 Corinthians. 10:4-5
- Talk with a trusted friend or mentor about your temptations.
- Be honest with your spouse about your temptations.
- Seek counseling.
We all struggle with temptation. When it comes, we must respond with God’s truth, resist the devil, and submit ourselves to God and to the community of believers who have our best interest in mind.
James 4:7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
- Watch the video together or invite someone to summarize the topic.
- What is your initial reaction to this video? Do you disagree with any of it? What jumped out at you?
- What are some common temptations couples face in this day and age? How have you seen temptation derail marriages in your life?
- Read James 1:14-15. Identify all the steps this passage says leads to sin and spiritual death. What does this passage say about the progression toward sin?
- What do you think James means by spiritual death? What are some typical consequences for people who decide to continue in their sinful acts?
- How has the enemy tried to tempt you regarding your marriage? Explain.
- Read 2 Corinthians 10:4-5. Why is it important to submit every thought or desire against God’s word? What is likely to happen if you don’t deal with your desires and temptations?
- Write a personal action step based on this conversation.
