Whose Fault When Tempted

The sermon begins from James 1:12-15, clarifying the fundamental distinction between trials and temptations. Although the Greek word peirasmos can mean both, the difference lies in their source and purpose. Trials come from God to help His people grow in faith and become mature and complete. Temptations come from Satan, the world, and the flesh to entice people to sin, separating them from God and destroying both physical and spiritual life.

The distinction is determined by how we respond. If we respond to trials with obedience and trust in God, we will grow spiritually. But if we respond with disobedience, trials become temptations leading to sin and death. James' words show the progression: desire conceives and gives birth to sin; sin, when full grown, gives birth to death. Guilt is never God's fault, because He cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone to commit sin.

A common problem is that people often blame circumstances, society, family, environment, or even God when they sin. From the story of Adam and Eve in Genesis, we see them attempting to shift blame: Eve blamed the serpent, Adam blamed Eve and even God (regarding the wife God gave him). But Scripture clearly teaches that God punished both for their own sin, not because of circumstances. The history of Israel in the wilderness provides 13 recorded instances of people blaming Moses, Aaron, and even God when facing difficulties. Yet these were their own failures due to lack of faith and disobedience.

The sermon reinterprets the true meaning of the prayer in Matthew 6:13 "Lead us not into temptation." The word peirasmos can mean either trial or temptation, but this prayer does not mean God will lead us into sin. Rather, it is asking for protection from trials that exceed our capacity to endure, so we do not fall. The Holy Spirit may lead Jesus into the wilderness to be tested, but it is the devil who tempts Him to commit sin. When tempted, we must ask God to deliver us from the evil one, but ultimately responsibility for our actions rests with ourselves.

In conclusion, the sermon emphasizes that avoiding responsibility for sin is humanity's favorite game. Every time we blame circumstances, society, family, or anything else, we are saying that God bears responsibility because He created all these things. But Scripture clearly teaches that no temptation exceeds human capacity, and God always provides a way out of temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13). Therefore, the answer about guilt for sin lies with ourselves, and we must take responsibility.