James 1:13-14, “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.”

Many Christians are seeking an escape from the blame of their sins. Some go far enough to blame God for their failures. Every believer should know the source and the sequence of temptations. We also need to be mindful of the supplies to overcome temptations.

Temptations does not come from God according to verse 13. However, in verse 14, we find that temptations come from within the human nature and it takes root in the will of man.

The sequence of temptation is that it starts with a conception of man’s lust. Then sin stays after it is born in the heart of man. Sin stops with the death of man. James 1:15, “Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”

God supplies three truths to help us overcome temptation. First is to heed God’s warnings. James 1:16, “Do not err, my beloved brethren.”

Second, we need to trust in God’s character. James 1:17, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”

Last of all, get in on God’s purpose for your life. James 1:18, “Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.”