Don’t Take the Bait!

Don’t Take the Bait!

The word temptation in Scripture can mean either a trial or a solicitation to evil. James 1:13-16 uses the word temptation in the latter sense and provides the details to the downward spiral of temptation:

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. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren.

After emphasizing that God is not the source of temptation and should not be blamed for it, James gives two stages each with a sequence of points in the downward spiral of temptation. 

Stage One: The Temptation Itself

In this passage James delineates three points involved in temptation itself. 

First, there is an enticing bait. The word enticed is the idea of catching with deceptive bait. Just as in fishing many baits offer a “meal” but deceptively hide the hook, so the enemy offers a teasing lure that hides the consequences. 

Second, there is a targeted lust. The text says that in temptation each person is drawn away because of his or her own lust. We develop propensities toward certain sins by caving in to them. 

Third, there is a drawing power. The words drawn away highlight a real drawing power toward the enticing bait. Without this drawing power temptation would not be temptation. Where does this pull come from? If we are regenerated so that our spirit consists of God’s divine nature implanted into us (2 Cor. 5:17; Eph. 4:24; 1 John 3:9), what is the source of this drawing pull? Paul said twice that it’s not us, but sin dwelling in us (Rom. 7:17, 20). Not “sins” but “sin.” Though in Christ we die unto sin (Rom. 6:2, 10) and are at our cores separated from indwelling sin, the old sin master entity still resides in and seeks to operate in our soul and body levels. The enemy counts on deceiving us through this “pull” (Eph. 2:2-3). 

In this first stage there is the opportunity to not take the bait. Temptation itself is not sin. Jesus was tempted, yet without sin (Heb. 4:15). Temptation is not in our control. The word enticed is in the passive voice. It’s not something we do; it’s something that is done to us. That’s why Jesus said, Pray that you don’t enter into temptation. Don’t take the bait! Though you feel the pull of being drawn away, look to Jesus, taking Him as the way to escape (1 Cor. 10:13). He is faithful in His availability and dependability. 

In this first stage of temptation it is vital to have a relationship with Jesus so you take Jesus as your way of escape—your exit. If you don’t take the exit you will enter into temptation. 

Stage Two: Entering Temptation 

In the downward spiral of temptation, James delineates several more points that unfold the entrance into temptation beyond the three points of temptation itself. 

Fourth, lust conceives. The word conceived uses the analogy to reproduction. As we will see in the next point, this quickly leads to birthing or committing sin. But sometimes there is time between entering the temptation and committing the act of sin. Yet, entering the temptation is what Jesus warned us not to do. Therefore, choosing to follow after the bait is sin too. This is when temptation seems overwhelming. This is when it seems like you don’t have a choice. It’s because when you did have a choice, you made the wrong choice. If things are of a nature that the full outworking of the act of sin has not yet played out, the only hope is to abort the conception through honesty and faith in the cleansing powering the blood of Jesus (1 John 1:7, 9). 

Fifth, the conception births sin. Lust conceived brings forth sin. There is a birth. The act of sin is played out. The law of God is broken. For sin transgresses the law (1 John 3:4). 

Sixth, sin grows. The words sin, when it is finished means sin when it has fully matured. Sin grows. Small compromises lead to greater compromises. Greater compromises lead to ingrained habits. 

Finally, grown sin brings death. Death. Separation. Every time we yield to the old master of indwelling sin, we, in a sense, join up with that entity within us that is totally separated from God, and, therefore, totally separated from life (Rom. 8:6). There is a deathliness to the downward spiral of sin as we take sides with that which is not the life of God. Ultimately, there is a sin unto death (1 John 5:17). What deception sin brings! 

If you have entered the temptation to any degree, then the desperate need is to walk in the light. Get honest and side with God by calling sin what it is without making excuses. The blood of Jesus cleanses every time! When you get honest, take by faith the clean heart that God promises (1 John 1:9). 

But far better still—just don’t take the bait to begin with! 

What deception sin brings! So following the downward spiral James urges, Do not err, my beloved brethren. Then James emphasizes the real truth that can help keep us from being deceived (James 5:17):

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.

Everything good comes from God. Know this. And because every good gift comes from God, don’t be deceived by the baiting lies of the enemy. Don’t take the bait!