20 Bible Verses to Combat Anxiety

20 Bible Verses to Combat Anxiety

We have been living through a pandemic for a whole year.  For almost 13 months, we've seen news updates about the pandemic which always spark debates because this thing has everyone in a tizzy.  The politics surrounding the pandemic is unbelievable and opinions stretch as far right and as far left as you can possibly get. There aren't a whole lot of people like me in the middle just trying to do the right thing.  There are a lot of other things in the news these days that also might add to our anxious thoughts.  If the COVID-19 pandemic or anything else going on in your life has you feeling anxious, let me encourage you to turn off the TV, get off of social media, set some time aside, and turn to the only One who can ease your anxiety.  I know you're busy.  Everybody is busy doing something but resolve to set aside some time, whether it be 15 minutes or 2 hours.  Just unplug, take a deep breath, and open up your Bible.  Take a few minutes to consider the following Bible verses to combat anxiety.  Read them.  Study them.  Meditate on them.  Underline them in your Bible or highlight them with your favorite color highlighter.  Come back to them again and again and again.  God is the only real source of relief and peace during turbulent times.  Turn your eyes, your heart, and your mind to Him and to Him alone so that you can leave your anxious thoughts at the feet of Jesus and find true peace over your situations.

Bible Verses to Combat Anxiety

1. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. - Psalm 94:19

2. Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up. - Proverbs 12:25

3. The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. - Psalm 34:17

4. But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” - Jeremiah 17:7-8

5. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. - 2 Timothy 1:7

6. But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. - Isaiah 40:31

7. Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. - Hebrews 11:1

8. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. - John 14:27

9. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:6-7

10. Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. - Psalm 55:22

11. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. - Proverbs 3:5-6

12. Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. - Luke 12:22

13. I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. - Psalm 34:4

14. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. - 1 Peter 5:7

15. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 8:38-39

16. Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. - Matthew 11:28-30

17. Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. - 2 Thessalonians 3:16

18. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. - Philippians 4:13

19. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened and do not be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. - Joshua 1:9

20. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. - Jeremiah 29:11

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20 Bible Verses to Combat Anxiety

The world is offended.  Seriously, some days I feel like everyone is offended over any given number of offenses.  Small offenses or bigger ones, it really doesn't matter.  All that seems to matter is everyone's opinions and everyone is right.  Everyone suddenly becomes an expert over any given number of topics and if anyone doesn't agree with them, then "anyone" is wrong.  But I have a confession to make.  I'm easily offended.  I'm not so much offended over differing opinions or views.  That's just life.  Everyone is unique with differing God-given skills and talents.  That's the way God created us.  I'm not offended over the uniqueness that God created in all of us.  I'm easily offended when someone criticizes ME or something I've said or done.  It has been often said that I can't take a joke.  Well, I can as long as the said joke doesn't criticize a person's character.  In my personal case, I'm easily offended when someone brings to my attention that I have acted in error or performed a task that doesn't measure up to my criticizer's standards.  I carry my heart on my sleeve.  I don't like criticism even if it is intended as constructive criticism.  This is a serious problem for me because this character flaw (one of many) causes me to react negatively instead of responding positively.  Sometimes my reactions cause rifts in my relationships with others, especially those closest to me who always endure the "privilege" of hearing my said reactions.

What does the Bible say about being easily offended.

As a result of my very recent reaction to the criticism of something I did, I did something I should have done a long time ago.  I went to God's Word to explore what the Bible says about being easily offended.  I know what God says about being easily offended in general, but I wanted a list of Bible verses to turn to when I become easily offended in the future.  It will happen again and "truth be told," it will happen to you too.  No one really likes to hear someone else bring to our attention a character flaw (we all have them) or criticize something we have said or done.  

I've been working on a prayer strategy like I learned about in the movie, War Room.  I will soon have a war room (part of a closet) in my home.  I also bought an ammo box that will become my battle box.  My prayer requests will be attached to my closet wall much like Clara's closet in War Room.  My battle box will be geared more toward my growth in my relationship with Jesus.  I've decided that these verses about being easily offended will be placed in my battle box.  Whenever I feel offended, I'll go to my battle box.  I'll go to war against Satan and his intention to destroy my relationship with my Lord and with the people around me.  

 Now, let's get to those verses.

What does the Bible say about being easily offended?

Do not take to heart all the things that people say, lest you hear your servant cursing you. Your heart knows that many times you yourself have cursed others. - Ecclesiastes 7:21-22                               (Wow, this one stepped on my toes.  How often have I been critical of others?  Probably more than I realize.)

And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil. - 2 Timothy 2:24

The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent. - Exodus 14:14

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The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult. - Proverbs - 22:16

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. - 1 Peter 5:8

Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the good sense of your words. - Proverbs 23:9 (Let's not be fools and despise the wise words of others.) 

A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back. - Proverbs 29:11

For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. - 1 John 2:16

For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. - Hebrews 12:11

But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. - 1 Corinthians 8:9

You shall be hidden from the lash of the tongue, and shall not fear destruction when it comes. - Job 5:21

A stone is heavy, and sand is weighty, but a fool's provocation is heavier than both. Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy? Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy. - Proverbs 27:3-6

Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense. - Proverbs 19:11

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger. - James 1:19

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. - James 1:12

A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle. - Proverbs 18:19

Now let's take this one step further.  When we are criticized by others, whether it was meant to be harmful or not, we have to learn to forgive others when they have committed an offense against us.  The said offense might have been words alone or perhaps the hurtful words were attached to a hurtful action.  Either way, forgiveness is a vital part of our spiritual growth.  Forgiveness is sometimes hard for me (another character flaw -  I have many), but the Bible has a lot to say about forgiveness.  Come back soon for a list of Bible verses about the topic of forgiveness.  In the meantime, consider checking out the following resources about forgiveness.

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What does the Bible say about being easily offended?

A God Centered Worldview Based on the Scriptures

A God centered worldview is centered in the person of Jesus Christ and through the scriptures.

The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon titled A God Centered Worldview.  You are invited to watch, listen, and worship with us here.

The Scripture. | August 25, 2019 | Pastor Jeff Crook from Christ Place Church on Vimeo.

A God Centered Worldview

We must be confident in the scriptures for our worldview to be right.  Scripture is self authenticating by history, geography, and the spiritual fruit in life when scriptural truths are applied.

Scripture is self testifying.

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness. - 2 Timothy 3:16

The scriptures are breathed out by God.

So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. - 2 Peter 1:19-21

  The Scripture is God's Word to us.  It must meet certain criteria.  It must be:

*divinely inspired.
*infallible.
*authoritative.
*truthful.
*foundational to right belief.

Did Jesus believe all Scripture was divinely inspired?  Jesus quoted scripture Matthew 22.

He said to them, “Then how does David in the Spirit call Him ‘Lord,’ saying, 

‘The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at My right hand,
Until I put Your enemies beneath Your feet”’? - Matthew 22:43-44

Did Jesus believe Scripture was infallible?

Jesus answered them, “Has it not been written in your Law, ‘I said, you are gods’? - John 10:34

Did Jesus believe Scripture was authoritative?

But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’” - Matthew 4:4

Jesus said to him, “On the other hand, it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” - Matthew 4:7

Then Jesus said to him, “Go, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.’” - Matthew 4:10

Did Jesus believe Scripture was truthful?

Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. - John 17:17

Did Jesus believe Scripture was foundational? 

And you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life. - John 5:40

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. - John 14:26

But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you.  All things that the Father has are Mine; therefore I said that He takes of Mine and will disclose it to you. - John 16:13-15

Why do we have the Holy Spirit?  The Holy Spirit:

*reminds us of the things God tells us.
*teaches us.
*tells us what is yet to come.

When we can see how the Old Testament and the New Testament compliment each other, we see the credibility of Scripture and we begin to see the world through the Master's view.

For our worldview to be right, we must stay in Scripture. 

Don't let a personal situation be the foundation for your worldview.  For example, don't let the fact that you have a homosexual loved one be the foundation for what you believe about homosexuality.  Our worldview must be rooted and grounded in the truth of Scripture, not our personal circumstances.

We must not compromise.

What we are exposed to affects our worldview.  As a people, we are addicted to the media.  We tend to blame young teens for spending too much time on their electronic devices.  However, people between the ages of 25-60 are the most frequent checkers of media devices. 

Our pastor notes John Piper's 6 Reasons We Check Media More Than Scripture:

1.  Novel candy.  We love to see what's new.
2.  Ego candy.  We like to know what people are saying about us (likes, shares, etc.)
3.  Entertainment.  We like cute quotes, etc.
4.  Boredom.
5.  Responsibility avoidance.  Spending more time on our phones means we spend less time in our real world circumstances.
6.  Hardship avoidance.

We get into mega-trouble when we seek to avoid our responsibilities and hardships.  This is one reason so many believers are caving.

People who are not reading Scripture are reading YOU.

Be confident in your Bible.



Regarding Scripture, be careful saying it if you are not staying in it.

Read all posts in this View-master Series here.

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Jesus Feeds the 5,000 (from the Christ in Every Place Series)

The following are my Bible study notes bases on my pastor's sermon.

Jesus Feeds the 5,000 

After these things Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee (or Tiberias). ² A large crowd followed Him, because they saw the signs which He was performing on those who were sick. ³ Then Jesus went up on the mountain, and there He sat down with His disciples. ⁴ Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was near. ⁵ Therefore Jesus, lifting up His eyes and seeing that a large crowd was coming to Him, said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these may eat?” ⁶ This He was saying to test him, for He Himself knew what He was intending to do. ⁷ Philip answered Him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, for everyone to receive a little.” ⁸ One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him, ⁹ “There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are these for so many people?” ¹⁰ Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. ¹¹ Jesus then took the loaves, and having given thanks, He distributed to those who were seated; likewise also of the fish as much as they wanted. ¹² When they were filled, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the leftover fragments so that nothing will be lost.” ¹³ So they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten. ¹⁴ Therefore when the people saw the sign which He had performed, they said, “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.” - John 6:1-14

I always thought the 5,000 people who were there to listen to Jesus that day were there because they were familiar with His teachings and wanted to learn more about Him.  I always thought these people were "Jesus-followers" who wanted to gain wisdom from Jesus.  However, we learn in verse two of in the 6th chapter of John that they were there because of the things Jesus had done for them.  

By Grauesel - Photo taken by Grauesel, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=192570

A large crowd followed Him because they saw the signs which He was performing on those who were sick. - John 6:2

The 5,000 people who were there that day were not there to bring themselves under the lordship of Jesus Christ.  Later in this chapter, Jesus tells them that no one can come to Him unless it has been granted him by the Father.  When Jesus told them this, many stopped walking with Him.

It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life. ⁶⁴ But there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who it was that would betray Him. ⁶⁵ And He was saying, “For this reason I have said to you, that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted him from the Father.” ⁶⁶ As a result of this many of His disciples withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore. - John 6:63-66

 Jesus knew which people believed Him and which ones did not, and yet He loved them.

³⁴ When Jesus went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and He felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things. - Mark 6:34

Philip was being tested in this situation.  (verse 6)

Why are people tested?  People are tested  to see what is in their hearts.  

² You shall remember all the way which the Lord your God has led you in the wilderness these forty years, that He might humble you, testing you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. - Deuteronomy 8:2

God already knows what is in our hearts, but I know that when I am tested, I can see what is in my heart.  Sometimes I'm unpleasantly surprised.  Philip was looking at this situation with human eyes.  He wasn't trusting Jesus.

God stands with us.  He knows our situation.  He knows about our financial circumstances, our broken relationships, etc.  He knows it all.

¹⁷ But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued out of the lion’s mouth. - 2 Timothy 4:17

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The little boy in this story had two small fish and five barley loaves.  Yet, with 2 small fish and 5 small loaves of bread, Jesus fed 5000 people.

What is small and insignificant in our lives is big and significant in God's hands.

If it concerns you, it concerns Him.

You have taken account of my wanderings;
Put my tears in Your bottle.
Are they not in Your book? - Psalm 56:8

 May we never lose dependency on Jesus to give us fresh bread.

Rarely is God early.  He is never late.

Philip tells Jesus in verse 7 of John 6 that even if they buy 200 denarii  of bread, the people would get a little bread but there still wouldn't be enough for everyone.  Money could not buy enough bread, but Jesus fed everyone and had food left over.

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed. - 2 Corinthians 9:8

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What do we need to personally experience from this miracle?

1.  The love and compassion of Christ is needed in every place.

2.  Our inadequacy is an opportunity  to experience God's adequacy.

⁹ And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. - 2 Corinthians 12:9

3.  What do you need to put in the hands of Jesus today?

You'll find all my posts in this series here.

 

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Do you ever feel hopeless?  I know I do from time to time.  When I feel hopeless, I turn to the Bible.  The Bible gives me hope.

  The following are my notes taken during my pastor's sermon.

The scripture passage from "Hope in the Word" is 1 Thessalonians 2:13.

For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe. - 1 Thessalonians 2:13

The Thessalonians welcomed the Word of God.

Hope in the Word - The Bible Gives Us Hope

1.  God's Word is God's Word.

When we read the scriptures out loud, we are hearing words from God.  We are hearing God speak.

And according to Paul’s custom, he went to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures. - Acts 17:2

When we speak and explain the Word, it changes people's lives.

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness. - 2 Timothy 3:16

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For no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. - 2 Peter 1:21

Did you know that the first public school was opened for the purpose of teaching the Bible?

The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever. - Isaiah 40:8

Image Credit:  Tessa Rampersad - Public Domain Image - via Freely Photos

The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon.

He has told you, O man, what is good;
And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justice, to love kindness,
And to walk humbly with your God? – Micah 6:8

Have you ever asked the question, “What does God want from me?” Life can get busy, overwhelming, and confusing. We might find ourselves caught up in the busyness of this life and wonder if we are making a difference. During our toughest times, we might be inclined to scream to Heaven and plead with Him, “What do You want from me?!” We can find answers in the scriptures. There are many things He wants from us while we are here on this earth. Here are just three of those things.

3 Things God Wants from You

God wants you to:

Leave a legacy.

When days get darker, Christians need to shine brighter. The older you get, the more Satan attacks your life.

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. – 2 Timothy 3:16-17

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For it is He who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. – Philippians 2:13

 Love with kindness.

Don’t throw rocks. Throw ropes! Too often, we are inclined to condemn those who fall into the snares of a sinful lifestyle. We cannot condone sin. Sin is sin. However, we need to be more mindful of the fact that we all sin and that we are supposed to love one another. Instead of “throwing a stone,” we need to “throw a rope” and help people overcome and get out of a sinful situation.

See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled. – Hebrews 12:15

 Walk in humility.

You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time. – 1 Peter 5:5-6 

 

No Fragile Faith (Faith Stories Series)

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Scripture Passage:  Hebrews 11

 The following are my notes taken during my pastor's sermon.

No Fragile Faith

God wants us to have a strong, resilient faith. 

How to Fuel Your Faith

1.  Get in the Word.

2.  Realize you either just came out of a trial or you are in the middle of one.  Use that trial to build up others.

Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.  For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. - Hebrews 10:35-36

When we are allowed to stay in difficult circumstances, it is to mature our faith.

Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. - 2 Timothy 3:12

Strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” - Acts 14:22

We were never promised a life without problems.  We were promised His presence IN our problems.

*Faith allows us to experience God's power.

*Faith trusts God's purposes.

Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?  Just as it is written,

“For Your sake we are being put to death all day long;
We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. - Romans 8:35-37

Who is among you that fears the Lord,
That obeys the voice of His servant,
That walks in darkness and has no light?
Let him trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God. - Isaiah 50:10

 If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world. - CS Lewis

Temptation: A Study on the Book of James

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The following are my notes based on my pastor's sermon titled "Temptation:  A Study on the Book of James."

Walk in the fear of the Lord. Be afraid of sin. Sin is destructive. Don’t get hooked on sin. It is not a sin to be tempted, but temptation is sin presented.

Today’s Bible study lesson on the book of James is taken from James 1:13-18.

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures. – James 1:13-18

 The Facts About Temptation (verses 13-16)

Facts are our friends. Truth is beneficial. Temptation is a lie. Facts are truth. Accept personal responsible for temptation and sin.

Temptation is always present. (verse 13)

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God;” for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. – James 1:13

We blame God when we are tempted, but God does not tempt anyone. We blame God. We blame others. We blame everyone but ourselves. We fail to take personal responsibility for temptation. In the Garden of Eden, Adam blamed Eve.

The man said, “The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me from the tree, and I ate.” – Genesis 3:12

 Temptation is a process.  (verses 14-15)

But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. – James 1:14-15

The Bible teaches us that God does not tempt anyone, but rather we are tempted when we get carried away and enticed by our own lust.

Lust means “desire.”

Temptation is an “inside job.”

For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man.” – Mark 7:21-23

Temptation comes from within.

Temptation doesn't tell the truth. (Verse 16) Temptation and sin over-promise, but under-delivers.

Don’t be deceived. Don’t be a spiritual moron.

Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. – James 1:16

 The Focus Needed to Overcome Temptation (Verses 17-18) 

Stop resisting sin. Instead, overcome it. When you’ve learned to overcome sin, you won’t have to resist it.

No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. – 1 Corinthians 10:13

God pours out good. Why would we want to continually subject ourselves to Satan’s lies?

Focus on the goodness of God. (Verse 17)

Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. – James 1:17

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God never changes. Trust Him. What He gives is good. With temptation, we never get enough. What God gives is sufficient. What God gives is more than enough.

For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord gives grace and glory;
No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly. – Psalm 84:11  

Feed on the Word of Truth. (Verse 18)

In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the Word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures. – James 1:18

Recognize lies and reject them. To keep from being hooked, feed on the Book (The Bible).

Starve the flesh, but feed the spirit.
Fellowship with other believers. (2 Timothy 2:22)

Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. – 2 Timothy 2:22 

Sin thrives in secrecy. We don’t overcome temptation alone. Confide in another believer.
Flee temptation every time it pursues you. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. – 1 Corinthians 10:13

The more we say “yes” to God, the easier it is to say “no” to temptation.

Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. – James 4:7

The next time sin rings your doorbell, send Jesus to the door.

You'll find all my posts on this study of the book of James here.