THE ENEMY WITHIN

JAMES 1:13–17

But each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed

(James 1:14).

James 1:14 sets up an important distinction, the distinction between internal and external temptation. Let’s say that you meet someone on the street who whispers in your ear, “Let’s get together tonight and go on a killing spree in the mall.” Chances are this temptation would not register with you at all. Most of us do not have an inward desire to go on a killing spree. This is only an outward temptation.

But let’s say that you are a Christian man who used to read pornographic magazines. You are waiting somewhere and a copy of Playboy happens to be on a table next to you. Nobody else is in the room. Chances are that you will feel an inward pull to peruse this pornographic magazine. After all, it’s only “soft-core” porn. And nobody will know. This is an inward temptation.

God uses external temptations to strengthen us. Sometimes our flesh, the enemy within, responds to these external temptations. Internal temptations come from our flesh in order to destroy us. God stands ready to help us fight these internal temptations.

Verse 15 says that “desire” (internal temptation) gives birth to sin, and sin matures and gives birth to death. James’s picture here is one of gradual maturation of evil. If we resist temptation day by day, we will gradually grow in goodness and strength; but when we give in to temptation and begin to practice a sin, that sin will grow and grow until finally it destroys large parts of our life. James warns: Don’t let it get started.

This internal desire is the result of Adam’s sin. Adam’s sin is a mystery, for how can a sinless being decide to sin against God? There was nothing in Adam’s heart to entice him away from God. Our situation is easier to understand. We have inherited Adam’s sinful nature, and we desire to sin.

In fact, apart from God’s grace, we only sin continually. The good deeds that we do are but “splendid vices,” as Augustine put it. Good deeds done apart from God are only a nicer-looking form of arrogance and self-sufficiency. When we are saved, God reorients us and creates in us a desire to please Him. We feel our helplessness, and we cling to Him for grace and sufficiency.

CORAM DEO

Matthew 26–28

As you look at yourself, do you see sins that have gradually matured and gotten worse? Perhaps lust, bitterness, or pride? James says that these things lead to death. Ask God to show you the places in your life where sin has gotten a foothold. Start fighting them today through prayer and action.

For further study: Rom. 6:1–12 • 1 Cor. 5:6–8 • Gal. 5:7–9

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october