I've been reading Russell Moore's book Tempted and Tried and I must say, it's one of my favorite books on the topic of temptation. Recently, I spoke at a monthly gathering we call "Man Church" and taught from James with influence from Dr. Moore's book, then I decided to write about it. As I meet regularly with several of the men I disciple, the subject of temptation is at the forefront of our conversations. In short, I hope this post helps you with some theological perspective as it has me and my boys.

In his book, Dr. Moore writes that "temptation starts with a questions of identity" and then adds how it can lead to a confusion of our desires and ultimately to a place we don't remember how we got to or simply regret. In the first chapter of James, he teaches that "each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desires. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death (James 1:14-15)."

Here are two things I want you dwelling on: (1) your desire and (2) your satisfaction in Jesus. First, when James refers to our "desires," he is implying that which we wish to impose our will upon, albeit someone or something; coveting. Secondly, when you and I decide to follow through with our sinful desire (the porn website you visited, your anger, your whatever) we are finding satisfaction in someone or something that isn't Jesus. Simply, we have "drawn away" from our identity.

Ask yourself: Who Am I?

Ask yourself that question out loud right and then preach the gospel to yourself. I want you to preach the beautiful message that reminds you that Jesus came down to earth fully God and fully man to dwell among us; lived the life we cannot live and dying the death that we deserve; who knew no sin, but became sin by taking on the Father's wrath on your behalf so that we might be saved. You have been saved by the blood of Christ and have been made new. Preach this over and over. Everyday.

James knew what he was talking about when he called himself a slave to God (James 1:1) knowing that this meant it was going to effect every single facet of his life. More so, James knew that in an effort to move forward in difficult times, he was going to need a faith that produced endurance and character (James 1:2-3); faith that relies on what Jesus has done (preach the gospel to yourself again). Later, James adds that as we move forward and we lack wisdom that we should ask for it, but to ask in faith and without doubt (James 1:5-6); a faith that rests in knowing who Jesus is (preach the gospel again!). You and I find ourselves in the middle.

Our identity rests in the person and work of Jesus. We, through the blood of Jesus, are made new not patched (2 Corinthians 5:17). Let me submit to you that temptation is going to be an opportunity to either sin or to worship. Temptation will begin with a question: who are you?

"It is no longer I have who live, but Christ who lives in me and the life I live in the flesh I live by faith in the son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me." (Galatians 2:20)