God can't be tempted with evil

James  1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.  1:13 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:  1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 

Temptation is something we all face. It's woven into the fabric of human experience. Whether it's the temptation to lie, cheat, or act out of selfishness, we are constantly battling forces that pull us away from God's will. 

However, there is a crucial truth that was highlighted in the  passage of our scripture verse today : while we may face temptation, God is not the source of it. "God cannot be tempted with evil, and He Himself tempts no one." This profound statement is critical for us to understand in our walk with Christ.

Going deeper in the word, we will examine three core points that affirm that God cannot be tempted with evil 

1. The nature of God's holiness and purity.

2. The origin of temptation within ourselves.

3. The hope we have in God’s promise of reward to those who endure.

1. God's Holiness: He Cannot Be Tempted with Evil

God is completely holy, pure, and righteous. Evil is not something that can influence Him, nor is it something He can entertain.

Why is this important? Often, in moments of struggle or hardship, we may be tempted to think, "Why is God doing this to me?" or "Why is He allowing this evil in my life?" But Scripture tells us that God is not the author of evil. He is light, and in Him, there is no darkness (1 John 1:5). 

God’s unblemished character means He can never be tempted by evil, and He does not tempt us to sin. While He may test our faith, as He tested Abraham or Job, these tests are designed to refine and strengthen us, not to lead us into sin. The source of temptation is not from above, but from within.

2. The Origin of Temptation: Our Own Desires

Each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire" (v. 14). This points to the heart of the matter. Temptation does not originate from God; it originates from the sinful desires within us.

We live in a fallen world, where our hearts are often drawn toward things that are contrary to God’s will. This is the reality of sin. We are tempted when our desires become disordered, when we long for things that are outside of God's plan for us. These desires lure us into a trap, like bait on a hook.

This is why Scripture repeatedly calls us to examine our hearts and to seek God's help in purifying our desires. We need to be aware of what is driving us. Is it greed, pride, or lust? These desires, when left unchecked, lead us down a path of temptation and ultimately to sin.

3. The Hope: God's Promise to Those Who Endure

Despite the reality of temptation, we are offered  a word of hope. In verse 12, it says, "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life." What a powerful promise! God recognizes the trials we face, and He blesses those who persevere. 

This crown of life represents eternal life, the ultimate reward for those who love God and remain faithful. Though temptation may come, and though we may struggle, we have a God who sees our efforts to stand firm. We are not alone in the battle, and our endurance will be rewarded.

The crown is not given to those who never experience temptation. It is given to those who, in the face of temptation, choose to cling to God, trust in His strength, and walk in obedience. This is the victory of faith.

In conclusion, God is holy. He cannot be tempted by evil, and He does not tempt us to sin. When we face temptation, let us remember that the source lies within our own hearts, not in the character of God. But even in the face of our own weaknesses, we have hope. God has promised a crown of life to those who endure, and He provides the strength we need to overcome.

God bless you. 

Prayer key:

1. Lord, thank you for the blessing of your word today in Jesus Christ name. 

2. Lord, grant me the grace to overcome any temptation that comes my way in Jesus Christ name. 

3. Lord, help me stand firm in faith the last day in Jesus Christ name. 

4. Thank you Lord for answered prayers in Jesus Christ name. Amen.