Title: Tests are a harbinger of blessings
Contents
Temptation is a harbinger of blessings (James 1:12-18)
1. We must be filled with the Holy Spirit.
(1) Being filled with the Holy Spirit does not mean that you may or do not need to receive it, but all believers must receive it. Because it is the active command of the Lord (Ephesians 5:18).
(2) God works through those who are filled with the Holy Spirit.
2. To overcome temptation, we must be filled with the Holy Spirit (verse 12).
(1) We Christians have trials.
(2) To overcome temptation, we must pray. Because blessed are those who endure temptation (verse 12). If we pray and be filled with the Holy Spirit, we can see God's blessings and challenge the impossible. Because God gives you power.
3. In order not to be led and deceived by greed, we must be filled with the Holy Spirit (verses 13-15).
(1) God does not tempt anyone to overthrow (verse 13). The reason we fall into temptation is because of the lust that is within us (verses 14-15). If we do not give up greed, trials will not leave us.
(2) Christians can overcome their greed if they are filled with the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we must guard our hearts above all else (Proverbs 4:23).
4. In order not to be deceived by the devil, we must be filled with the Holy Spirit (verses 16-18).
(1) Generally, things in the world are splendid at first, but eventually fade and end. We must not be deceived by Satan's delusions of approaching us with these schemes (verse 16).
(2) The light of every good gift and perfect gift comes down from the Father from above (v. 17). The work of the Holy Spirit comes 'from heaven' (Acts 2:2-3). The purpose of giving the Holy Spirit is that when the Holy Spirit comes, we can come to know Christ better and testify of Christ. That is why we must save our souls (verse 18). Man is born again of water and the Spirit (John 3:5).
⑶ The work of the Holy Spirit has its own characteristics. The word 'rapid and strong wind' shows the urgency of the Holy Spirit's work and the strength of the Holy Spirit's power. To say, 'I saw tongues splitting like fire' means separation. The tongue symbolizes the Word. The work of holy distinction is accomplished through the Word.
As Christians, we need to be guided by the Holy Spirit because we live by the Holy Spirit. Otherwise, Satan tempts us in one way or another to deceive and deceive us. You must receive the filling of the Holy Spirit. Only then will we not only overcome temptations and not be deceived by Satan, but we will surely receive blessings by overcoming temptations.