Plain Talk about Temptation

In this message from the “Hands-on Christianity” series, Chuck Swindoll explores James 1:13–18, offering a practical strategy for handling one of humanity’s most common struggles: temptation. Swindoll begins by debunking the excuse “the devil made me do it,” explaining that James places the responsibility for sin squarely on the individual. He asserts that the real threat does not originate externally, but lurks within the “shifting shadows” of the human heart.

Swindoll outlines four foundational facts about temptation: it is inevitable, it is never prompted by God, it follows a consistent pattern (lust plus bait equals sin), and it flourishes on deceptive thinking. Using the imagery of a fisherman, Swindoll illustrates how the enemy uses specific “bait” to lure believers away from God by appealing to their unique internal desires.

The message warns that yielding to temptation results in a “death existence”—a life filled with guilt, boredom, and frustration rather than the fulfillment sin promises. Swindoll concludes by offering a path to victory: we must refuse to be deceived, choose to dwell on the “good gifts” from the Father of Lights, and counter evil thoughts with the Word of Truth.

Message Key Facts:

• The “Colossal Child”: Swindoll uses the historical example of Mark Anthony (Marcus Aurelius Antoninus). Despite being the “silver-throated orator of Rome” and a powerful warrior capable of conquering the world, his tutor called him a “colossal child” because he was unable to resist temptation.
• The Fishing Analogy: James uses a fisherman’s term for “enticed,” which means to lure by bait. Just as a fisherman won’t catch a bass with a clothespin, the enemy knows exactly which specific “bait” appeals to an individual’s unique internal desires (lust).
• God’s Role vs. Our Responsibility: Swindoll explains that while God tests faith, He never tempts with evil. James uses the Greek preposition apo (indirect agency) to clarify that God is not even indirectly responsible for setting up a temptation; the responsibility lies with the individual.
• The “Death Existence”: When James 1:15 says sin brings forth “death,” Swindoll interprets this not necessarily as physical death or loss of salvation, but as a “death existence”—a negative lifestyle characterized by guilt, anxiety, boredom, and a lack of peace.
• The Wasp and the Cadillac: Swindoll closes with a tragic illustration of a man who crashed his new Cadillac and died because he was stung by a tiny wasp while driving. This illustrates how small, undisciplined thoughts (“the wasp”) can lead to a disastrous destiny.
• Sowing and Reaping: The progression of temptation is summarized by the quote: “If you sow a thought, you will reap an act. If you sow an act, you will reap a habit. If you sow a habit, you will reap a character. If you sow a character, you will reap a destiny.”
• Augustine’s Counsel: The sermon opens with advice from Augustine: “When tempted to plunge into the old life, say to thyself, ‘Thou fool, dost not thou know that thou art carrying God around with thee?'”

Message References:

• James 1:13–18: The primary text, outlining the origin of temptation, the birth of sin, and the goodness of God.
• Philippians 4:8: The prescription for victory by dwelling on whatever is true, honest, just, pure, and lovely.
• Psalm 119:9: “How shall a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Thy word.”
• John 12:32: Jesus uses the word “draw” (“I will draw all men to Me”), which is the same Greek root used in James for being “carried away” or drawn by lust.

Message Speaker:

Pastor Chuck Swindoll