James (W2D1) The Blame Game
Week 2. Monday: The Blame Game
PRAY: Ask God to speak to you from His Word.
READ: James 1:13
13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;
UNDERSTAND: get a deeper understanding of the key words
Tempted. The same word is used here for trials (v.1-12) and temptation. Trials are external. Temptations are internal. Both require faith --trusting that God’s way is the best way. To tempt is to entice to do something wrong, unwise or immoral by promise of pleasure or gain.
When tempted. Temptations will come. They are unavoidable. Temptations are not sin, even Jesus was tempted. It is how we choose to handle temptations that matter.
No one should say. We do not need to play the “blame game” when it comes to temptation. We will lose the battle every time if we rationalize and blame other people, things or situations for our sins.
Cannot be tempted. God is perfect. His very nature does not allow for sin. It is an impossibility. God is completely good.
Nor does he tempt. God often tests his people in order to strengthen their character (see Abraham Genesis 22; Israel in Exodus 16:4; Hezekiah in 2 Chronicles 32:31). However, knowing that God is all good all the time makes it impossible for him to tempt or entice anyone to do wrong or compromise their faith.
APPLY: What is this passage calling me to do?
Have you ever been in a situation where you wanted to or did blame God?
How does placing blame reduce our responsibility?
Write down a few areas where you tend rationalize or blame and not take full responsibility for your words, thoughts or actions.
PRAY: Spend some time thanking God for how good He is. Ask Him to help you identify areas in your life where you tend to not take full responsibility for your actions.
