Looked, Hooked, Cooked

I will be preaching this Sunday on temptation. I have been picking up some thoughts along the way that I wanted to share with you.

• Sin begins with the fallen desire of the heart
• We all have a nature that is drawn evil
• The primary agent in our desire to sin is not the outward temptation but our inner disposition
• The outer circumstances of life are full of temptations
• Temptation is not sin

We can't blame our sin on . . .

• God
• Circumstances
• Satan

1:14 But every man is tested when he is turned out of the right way by the attraction of his desire. 1:15 Then when its time comes, desire gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is of full growth, gives birth to death.

James 1:14-15 BBE

"We must be extremely careful of what is placed in front of us that we think will satisfy our inner yearning. Don't be hooked by what you can see, the bait. There is something hidden which can translate your inner desire into sin." -Spiros Zodhiates

David in his sin with Bathsheba is a good example of this principle.

• He looked-David couldn't help seeing Bathsheba but he could help taking the second look
• He was hooked-The lingering look only saw the beauty of the woman not the pain sin would inflict
• He was cooked-He committed sin with Bathsheba and that act would haunt the rest of his life