Temptation is a human experience, not caused by God, who is not able to be tempted and does not tempt anyone. Instead, temptation arises from our own desires, which, if indulged, leads to sin and ultimately death. The pathway to sin involves lust, longing, lingering, and loss. However, God is the source of all good and perfect gifts, unchanging and trustworthy. Through His truth, He enables us to overcome temptation.

Week 3 of our James series explores the theme of temptation through the lens of Jesus' experience in the wilderness (Luke 4:1–13) and the teachings of James (James 1:12–15). The core message is that every divine opportunity is met with Satanic opposition, but through steadfastness and reliance on God, victory is possible. Temptation isn’t sin; Satan targets our vulnerabilities. Ultimately, Jesus’ sinless life and death empower believers to overcome temptation (Hebrews 2:17–18).

James’ book distills the practical wisdom of Jesus into concise, actionable insights, likened to a modern Proverbs. It urges listeners to "count it all joy" amid trials, as these challenges test faith and foster steadfastness. He gives three key commands for navigating hardships: Perspective—finding joy by trusting God’s purpose in trials; Patience—allowing trials to build character through perseverance; and Prayer—seeking God’s wisdom with unwavering faith. We are challenged to lean fully on God’s generous, loving nature to transform suffering into spiritual growth.