We live in a world of tremendous temptation but God is never the source of temptation (v13). God is pure; He hates sin and evil and never wants to promote it in someone’s life. When we’re tempted God is never to blame.

The reason why we’re tempted so much and so often give in to it is because of the sinful desires that lurk in our fallen hearts (v14). By nature we’re not good people and that is why evil can so easily continue to conquer us.

James wants us never to see temptation as a trivial thing (v15). Temptation leads to sin and sin leads to death. Paul teaches, “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6 v23). Sin earns people physical, spiritual and eternal death.

Temptation and sin are to feared and we must flee from them. The only place to flee to for safety is to the crucified and resurrected Christ. Are there temptations and sins in your life that you’re treating far too casually? Read through the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20 v1-17) and the list of the acts of the sinful nature (Galatians 5 v19-21) to help you answer this question.

God the Father is the perfect and good God (v16-18). He does not play games or lead His people into sin but rather He leads His people into a life fruitful with holiness. Is your life displaying an increased holiness by God’s grace?