30 Apr Exposing the Hidden Hook: A Key to Resisting Temptation

Posted at 10:30h in Sermon Supplements by

Passage: James 1:12-17 (ESV)

“12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”

Memory Verse: James 1:17 (ESV)

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”

In the world we live in today, it’s not uncommon to see people downplaying the severity of sin. We often hear phrases like, “It’s just a little white lie,” or, “It’s not that big of a deal.” However, the Bible makes it clear that sin is dangerous and should not be taken lightly. In this blog post, we will explore the dangers of sin as illustrated in the book of James and the key points drawn from Thomas Brooks’ Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices.

The Dangers of Sin in James 1:12-17

James 1:12-17 warns us about the dangers of sin and encourages us to remain steadfast under trial. The passage begins by reminding us that those who endure trials will receive the crown of life, a reward promised by God to those who love Him (James 1:12). This verse sets the stage for the following discussion on temptation and sin.

James makes it clear that God is not the source of temptation (James 1:13). Instead, we are tempted when we are lured and enticed by our own desires (James 1:14). This means that the root of temptation and sin lies within ourselves, in our own sinful nature. Sin starts as a desire, and when that desire is acted upon, it gives birth to sin, which in turn leads to death when fully grown (James 1:15).

The passage concludes with a powerful reminder of the source of all good and perfect gifts: God Himself (James 1:17). This truth stands in stark contrast to the dangers of sin and encourages us to turn to God for help, guidance, and deliverance from temptation.

Guarding Against the Subtleties of the Enemy’s Deceptive Tactics

Satan, the father of lies (John 8:44), employs various deceptive tactics to draw us away from Christ and lead us into captivity. One of the primary ways the enemy operates is through lies. He plants seeds of doubt, fear, and insecurity in our minds, seeking to undermine our faith in Christ and our identity as children of God. These lies can manifest in different ways, such as thoughts of unworthiness, self-condemnation, or a belief that God is distant or uncaring. When we believe these lies, we may begin to act out sinfully, allowing the enemy to gain a foothold in our lives (Ephesians 4:27).

The only way Satan can gain influence in the lives of believers is through the door we open ourselves through our sin. It is crucial, then, that we identify the lies we are believing and the sinful behaviors that result from them. By recognizing these lies, we can take active steps to renounce them, kick the enemy out of our “house,” and walk in the light of God’s truth.

Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices

Thomas Brooks (1608-1680), a Puritan preacher and author, wrote a book called Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices that provides valuable insights into the dangers of sin and the tactics used by Satan to deceive us. Here are some key points from his book that can help us better understand and guard against the dangers of sin:

Satan’s devices to draw us into sin: 

Brooks identifies several tactics used by Satan to tempt us into sin, such as presenting the bait and hiding the hook, minimizing the consequences of sin, and using false reasoning to justify sinful actions. By understanding these tactics, we can be better equipped to resist temptation.

  1. Presenting the bait and hiding the hook: Satan is an expert at disguising temptation as something attractive and appealing, like a skilled fisherman hiding a hook within an enticing bait. In this way, he lures us into engaging in sinful behavior without revealing the destructive consequences that follow. It’s crucial that we stay vigilant and discerning, recognizing that what may initially appear as harmless or even pleasurable can ultimately lead to our spiritual demise.
  2. Minimizing the consequences of sin: Another tactic Satan uses to tempt us is downplaying the consequences of sin. He may whisper in our ear that a particular sin isn’t really that bad, or that everyone else is doing it, so it’s not a big deal. This strategy aims to numb our conscience and make us feel comfortable with our sinful choices. However, we must remember that the wages of sin are severe and far-reaching, affecting not only our relationship with God but also our emotional, mental, and physical well-being.
  3. Using false reasoning to justify sinful actions: Satan is a master manipulator and will use twisted logic and reasoning to make sinful actions seem justifiable. He may try to convince us that our circumstances warrant a particular sin, or that we deserve to indulge in sinful behavior as a reward for our hard work. This deceptive reasoning can be difficult to recognize, as it often contains a grain of truth that makes it seem plausible. To combat this, we must ground ourselves in the Word of God and allow it to guide our thoughts and actions, ensuring that we don’t fall victim to Satan’s lies.

The remedies against Satan’s devices 

Brooks also offers several remedies against Satan’s devices, which can help us in our struggle against sin. These remedies include:

  1. Exposing the hidden hook: To counteract Satan’s tactic of presenting the bait and hiding the hook, we need to develop discernment and a deeper understanding of the true nature of sin. By immersing ourselves in the Word of God and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can learn to recognize the destructive consequences hidden beneath sin’s alluring exterior. Through prayer and wisdom, we can resist the temptation to take the bait and instead choose the path of righteousness. Remember, we are to do what the word of God says to do. We are not to do what God’s Word clearly forbids. And we’re to seek godly council and scriptural wisdom for everything else. 
  2. Recognizing the true consequences of sin: In response to Satan’s attempts to minimize the consequences of sin, we must remind ourselves of the biblical truth that sin has severe and lasting effects. Consider David who was caught in adultery (2 Samuel 11-12). While he was forgiven by God, there were lasting generational consequences of his sinful choices. By reflecting on the teachings of Scripture, we can gain a proper understanding of the gravity of sin and the profound impact it has on our lives. This awareness will help us resist the temptation to downplay sin’s consequences and strengthen our resolve to pursue holiness.
  3. Rejecting false reasoning with the truth of God’s Word: To combat Satan’s use of false reasoning to justify sinful actions, we need to anchor ourselves in the truth of God’s Word. By studying and meditating on Scripture, we can equip ourselves with the knowledge and understanding needed to refute Satan’s lies and expose his twisted logic. 
  4. In addition, surrounding ourselves with a community of believers who are grounded in biblical truth can provide support, encouragement, and accountability as we seek to resist the enemy’s deceptive tactics.

Conclusion

The dangers of sin should never be underestimated. As James 1:12-17 reminds us, sin originates from our own desires and, when fully grown, leads to death. However, God is the giver of every good and perfect gift and has provided us with the tools we need to resist and overcome temptation.

Still, it’s essential for believers to remain vigilant against the subtle and insidious tactics employed by Satan, who seeks to deceive us and lead us into sin and captivity. We must be proactive in recognizing and resisting his devices. However, we should not forget the hope and victory we have in Jesus Christ through the doctrine of Christus Victor and the good news of the Gospel.

The doctrine of Christus Victor reminds us that Jesus Christ, through His life, death, and resurrection, has triumphed over sin, death, and the powers of darkness. As believers, we share in this victory, and we can stand firm against the enemy’s schemes, knowing that Jesus has already defeated Satan and his demonic forces.

By placing our faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we receive forgiveness of sins, eternal life, and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is our Helper, empowering and guiding us in our battle against the enemy and our pursuit of holiness. Through the Holy Spirit, we can live in freedom from sin, walk in the light of God’s truth, and resist the enemy’s deceptive tactics. In doing so, we can stand firm against the enemy’s lies and experience the abundant life that God has called us to live.

As we face the dangers of sin, let us remember the words of our Memory Verse, James 1:17: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” May we continually turn to God, the giver of all good gifts, as we seek to resist sin and live lives that are pleasing to Him.

Sermon & Sandwiches

It’s valuable to discuss a sermon after the fact because it helps solidify the message in our minds and allows for deeper understanding and application of the spiritual truths presented. Engaging in conversation about the sermon also helps keep our faith active and alive, strengthening our relationship with God and each other. Here are some conversation starters to get the discussion going:

  1. What part of the passage from James 1:12-17 spoke to you the most, and why do you think it resonated with you?
  2. In what ways have you noticed Satan presenting the bait and hiding the hook in your own life, and how can we support each other in resisting those temptations?
  3. How can we remind ourselves of the true consequences of sin when we’re tempted to minimize them or downplay their severity?
  4. What are some false reasonings you’ve encountered that may lead to justifying sinful actions, and how can we use Scripture to counteract these lies?
  5. How have you experienced the power of the Holy Spirit in your life, helping you resist temptation and live in the freedom and victory Christ offers?
  6. Considering the Memory Verse, James 1:17, how can we cultivate gratitude for the good gifts God has given us and use them to resist temptation and grow in our faith?

The Daily Devotion

Here are five daily homework assignments for further study based on the blog post:

Monday:

Read and meditate on the passage from James 1:12-17. Write down your thoughts and observations about the dangers of sin, the process of temptation, and God’s role as the giver of good gifts. Reflect on how these truths apply to your own life and experiences.

Tuesday:

Study Satan’s deceptive tactics as discussed in the blog post, specifically presenting the bait and hiding the hook, minimizing the consequences of sin, and using false reasoning to justify sinful actions. Identify one or two areas in your life where you might be vulnerable to these tactics and create a plan to counteract them using Scripture and prayer.

Wednesday:

Read and reflect on the story of David and Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 11-12. Consider the consequences of David’s sin and how it affected his life and those around him. Write down any insights you gain about the dangers of sin and the importance of guarding against temptation.

Thursday:

Explore the remedies against Satan’s devices outlined in the blog post, which include exposing the hidden hook, recognizing the true consequences of sin, and rejecting false reasoning with the truth of God’s Word. For each remedy, find two or three Scripture verses that relate to the concept and write them down for memorization and meditation.

Friday:

Spend time in prayer, asking God to increase your discernment and understanding of the true nature of sin. Ask for the Holy Spirit’s guidance in resisting temptation and overcoming the enemy’s deceptive tactics. Reflect on the doctrine of Christus Victor and the victory we have in Jesus, and praise God for the good and perfect gifts He provides to help us live lives pleasing to Him.

Kid’s Connection

It’s important to help our children understand the concepts of temptation, sin, and God’s good gifts in an age-appropriate way. This discussion guide will provide you with essential truths from the blog post and offer simple explanations, questions, and activities to help you engage with your kids on these topics.

Essential Truths:

  1. Temptation comes from our own desires, but God helps us resist it.
  2. God is the giver of every good and perfect gift.
  3. Satan uses tricks to make sin seem appealing, but sin leads to negative consequences.

Discussion Points and Questions:

  1. Temptation and Sin:
  • Explain that temptation is when we want to do something wrong or against what God wants for us.
  • Talk about how everyone faces temptation, but it’s important to remember that God is always there to help us resist it.
  • Ask your kids if they can think of a time when they were tempted to do something wrong. How did they handle it?
  1. God’s Good Gifts:
  • Discuss how every good thing in our lives comes from God.
  • Share examples of good gifts from God, such as love, joy, peace, and our talents.
  • Ask your kids to think about some of the good gifts they have received from God and how they can use these gifts to help others and honor Him.
  1. Satan’s Tricks and the Importance of Discernment:
  • Explain that Satan is the enemy who tries to trick us into doing wrong things.
  • Talk about how Satan can make something bad seem good, but it’s important to be careful and discerning.
  • Ask your kids if they can think of a time when something seemed good but turned out to be bad. What can they learn from that experience?

Activities:

  1. Bible Verse Treasure Hunt: Choose age-appropriate Bible verses related to resisting temptation and God’s good gifts. Write each verse on a small piece of paper and hide them around your home. Have your kids search for the hidden verses and read them together once they are all found.
  2. Role-Play Scenarios: Create simple scenarios in which your kids might face temptation, such as lying to avoid getting in trouble, cheating on a test, or being mean to someone. Role-play these situations with your kids, discussing the right and wrong choices and seeking God’s help in resisting temptation.

By engaging your children in conversations and activities that explore temptation, sin, and God’s good gifts, you can help them develop a strong foundation of faith and understanding. Remember to be patient and empathetic as you guide them in learning and applying these essential truths to their lives.