13 No one undergoing a trial should say, “I am being tempted by God.” For God is not tempted by evil, and He Himself doesn’t tempt anyone. 14 But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desires. 15 Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death.
Each person is tempted or attracted to sin by first being drawn away from truth and virtue. This verse speaks to each of us individually and personally as we each have different “things” that draw us away based on our personalities, our nature, our environment. Our own weaknesses entice us to our own lustful desires and Satan knows exactly how to draw us away. Most of the time it is a subtle suggestion that then leads down a slippery slope if we are not careful. Our desires begin with a thought generally, maybe even a passing thought, that can then lead to undesirable action. That is why taking EVERY thought captive is important as this passage in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5:
3 For though we live in the body, we do not wage war in an unspiritual way, 4 since the weapons of our warfare are not worldly, but are powerful through God for the demolition of strongholds. We demolish arguments 5 and every high-minded thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God, taking every thought captive to obey Christ.
Do you know what your weaknesses are? How do you protect yourself against them?
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Jas 1:13–15). (2 Co 10:3-5). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
