A Study On Romans Chapter 7:19-23
and James Chapter 1:13-15
For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin, which is in my members.
How many times have we heard the same words: Why did God do this to me? Why did God allow that to happen? Why would God do this? It goes on and on. Time after time we hear people blame their problems on God, rather than give Him the glory for strengthening our faith in Him. Why does this happen? There are probably as many reasons as there are words in the bible. But in reality, it comes down to a handful of biblical reasons why we blame God. Unbelief and mistrust are probably two of the biggest ones out there. How can a person stand in faith when they are drowning in an ocean of unbelief and mistrust? Its just like James says in chapter one, verse 6, 7 and 8. If we pray with doubt, we become unstable, double minded and our minds and prayers are like waves on the sea. Satans deception is also a key factor, he comes to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10), and he does that through deception and unbelief. If we dont trust in God, we will blame God. Read Romans 7:19-23, hopefully this will help you understand better those questions we hear from others whore blaming God for their problems rather than seeking Him and trusting Him, even clarify things for yourself if youre the one blaming God for being stretched out of your comfort zone.
James 1:13-15
13 - Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.
So what does God say about falling into temptation, trials and tribulation? Look at James 1:13, if you profess that you have been tempted by God, you better start rethinking a little. God cannot be tempted by evil, thats clearly evident when we read about the temptation of Christ (Matthew 4:1-11). To even think that God would use evil to tempt us is against His own commandments, and isnt right thinking on our part no matter how we look at it. He will not tempt you with things evil. Why not? Lets look at the next verse
14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.
We are drawn away by our OWN desires, not Gods. OUR OWN MINDS! There are a million ways to be drawn away; a thought or an image that we entertain. A worry or burden that takes up all of our time. Knowingly indulging in anything that we know is wrong. It is our mindsets and thought processes that draw us away from God. Its not something God has or hasnt done. To say a temptation, trial or tribulation that is evil is born of God does not give Him glory; it exposes our own lack of knowledge, faith, trust, or all three. When this happens we need to seek after Him first and foremost (Matthew 7:7-8). We need to get that knowledge within our hearts, to really know what God says for us to do when things overtake us. Anything not glorifying God is taking us out of His desire and into our own.
15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.
So what happens when we take that temptation to the next level? It goes from a desire, a thought or feeling, to an action. Oh, maybe just this once, I cant stop doing this bad thing, God isnt watching The list of reasons why we give in and birth a sin from a temptation is endless. When we give in to the desire and it becomes sin, thats when we become separated from God (Isaiah 59:2). Spiritual death, a chasm between God and us, theres only one-way back from that, true repentance and forgiveness.
How do we get through all these temptations and issues in our lives and still keep our eyes focused on God? Lets look at some of His most powerful and revealing promises to us.
John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
Jesus says to have peace, He says we WILL have tribulation, not maybe. He says to be of good cheer, He has overcome the world. Meditate on that for a moment. HE HAS OVERCOME THE WORLD. That doesnt say that He will, or He might, it says He HAS. If Jesus has already overcome the world, whatre we worried about? If we live according to His will, we have nothing to worry about, not a thing! So be of good cheer, He has already made the way! (John 14:6)
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
Talk about a powerful promise! Every temptation that you endure is common! Not unique to you, they are COMMON to man. Now look at the promises: God is faithful, He will not allow you to be tempted beyond anything you can handle. That means when things get tight, God will step in and give you a doorway of escape. Do you think God would allow you to be defeated by Satan? Think again if you do, because He wont. Our own wrong decisions in life can make it appear we are defeated by our enemy, but not beaten (2 Corinthians 4:8-10). God will ALWAYS make a way of escape for us, always. Its up to us to recognize that escape route and make the decision to take it. When we do take His escape, well be able to bear the temptation and come through it with our faith strengthened and our trust in God that much stronger.
James 1:12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
We are truly blessed when we endure temptation without giving in to it. We get a blessing of approval from God when we do (Matthew 25:21). Were promised the crown of life because God loves us. Thats an awesome promise to receive after we walk through the fires.
James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
When things seem like theyre falling apart, take joy in the fact that through the trials of life your faith is being strengthened and perseverance is being developed. When your perseverance is complete, you will lack for nothing, you will be mature and complete. Are you lacking in something? Ask God first, Hell give to you freely so that you can endure and come through your trials and temptations with Him firmly in your sight.
2 Corinthians 1:4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
God comforts us in our tribulation, meditate on that for a moment. Through the comfort He gives us, we can comfort others going through tribulations. But not just comfort, the very same comfort that He gives us we can give to others. God comforts us When it feels like everything has gone wrong God comforts us.
Some scriptures to meditate on when in times of trial and temptation:
Ephesians 6:13 - Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
2Timothy 2:3 - You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
1Corinthians 16:13 - Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.
2Timothy 1:7 - For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
1Timothy 6:11-12 - But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
1Thessalonians 5:16-24 - Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.
2 Thessalonians 3:3, 5 - But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.
Titus 2:11-14 - For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.
Hebrews 2:18 - For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.
Hebrews 4:16 - Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 10:23 - Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 11:1 - Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:6 - But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
James 4:7 - Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
1 Peter 1:3-9 - Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith--the salvation of your souls.
1Peter 3:14 - But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. "And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled."
1 Peter 5:6-11 - Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
1John 2:1 - My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
1John 2:25 - And this is the promise that He has promised us; eternal life.
1John 5:4 - For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world; our faith.
1John 5:14 - Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
1John 5:18 - We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him.
Revelation 2:7 - "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God."
Revelation 2:17 - "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it."
Revelation 2:26-27 - "And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations; He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter's vessels'; as I also have received from My Father;"
Revelation 3:5 - "He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels."
Revelation 3:10 - "Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth."
Revelation 3:12 - "He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. And I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name."
Revelation 3:20 - "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me."
Revelation 3:21 - "To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne."
Revelation 21:4 - "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."
Revelation 21:6-7 - And He said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son."
Key words to do concordance and internet study on:Faith, Righteous, Patience, Grace, Love, Godliness, Kindness, Goodness, Gentleness, Stand, Deceive...and anything else God puts on your heart to use as a study.
and James Chapter 1:13-15
For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin, which is in my members.
How many times have we heard the same words: Why did God do this to me? Why did God allow that to happen? Why would God do this? It goes on and on. Time after time we hear people blame their problems on God, rather than give Him the glory for strengthening our faith in Him. Why does this happen? There are probably as many reasons as there are words in the bible. But in reality, it comes down to a handful of biblical reasons why we blame God. Unbelief and mistrust are probably two of the biggest ones out there. How can a person stand in faith when they are drowning in an ocean of unbelief and mistrust? Its just like James says in chapter one, verse 6, 7 and 8. If we pray with doubt, we become unstable, double minded and our minds and prayers are like waves on the sea. Satans deception is also a key factor, he comes to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10), and he does that through deception and unbelief. If we dont trust in God, we will blame God. Read Romans 7:19-23, hopefully this will help you understand better those questions we hear from others whore blaming God for their problems rather than seeking Him and trusting Him, even clarify things for yourself if youre the one blaming God for being stretched out of your comfort zone.
James 1:13-15
13 - Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.
So what does God say about falling into temptation, trials and tribulation? Look at James 1:13, if you profess that you have been tempted by God, you better start rethinking a little. God cannot be tempted by evil, thats clearly evident when we read about the temptation of Christ (Matthew 4:1-11). To even think that God would use evil to tempt us is against His own commandments, and isnt right thinking on our part no matter how we look at it. He will not tempt you with things evil. Why not? Lets look at the next verse
14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.
We are drawn away by our OWN desires, not Gods. OUR OWN MINDS! There are a million ways to be drawn away; a thought or an image that we entertain. A worry or burden that takes up all of our time. Knowingly indulging in anything that we know is wrong. It is our mindsets and thought processes that draw us away from God. Its not something God has or hasnt done. To say a temptation, trial or tribulation that is evil is born of God does not give Him glory; it exposes our own lack of knowledge, faith, trust, or all three. When this happens we need to seek after Him first and foremost (Matthew 7:7-8). We need to get that knowledge within our hearts, to really know what God says for us to do when things overtake us. Anything not glorifying God is taking us out of His desire and into our own.
15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.
So what happens when we take that temptation to the next level? It goes from a desire, a thought or feeling, to an action. Oh, maybe just this once, I cant stop doing this bad thing, God isnt watching The list of reasons why we give in and birth a sin from a temptation is endless. When we give in to the desire and it becomes sin, thats when we become separated from God (Isaiah 59:2). Spiritual death, a chasm between God and us, theres only one-way back from that, true repentance and forgiveness.
How do we get through all these temptations and issues in our lives and still keep our eyes focused on God? Lets look at some of His most powerful and revealing promises to us.
John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
Jesus says to have peace, He says we WILL have tribulation, not maybe. He says to be of good cheer, He has overcome the world. Meditate on that for a moment. HE HAS OVERCOME THE WORLD. That doesnt say that He will, or He might, it says He HAS. If Jesus has already overcome the world, whatre we worried about? If we live according to His will, we have nothing to worry about, not a thing! So be of good cheer, He has already made the way! (John 14:6)
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
Talk about a powerful promise! Every temptation that you endure is common! Not unique to you, they are COMMON to man. Now look at the promises: God is faithful, He will not allow you to be tempted beyond anything you can handle. That means when things get tight, God will step in and give you a doorway of escape. Do you think God would allow you to be defeated by Satan? Think again if you do, because He wont. Our own wrong decisions in life can make it appear we are defeated by our enemy, but not beaten (2 Corinthians 4:8-10). God will ALWAYS make a way of escape for us, always. Its up to us to recognize that escape route and make the decision to take it. When we do take His escape, well be able to bear the temptation and come through it with our faith strengthened and our trust in God that much stronger.
James 1:12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
We are truly blessed when we endure temptation without giving in to it. We get a blessing of approval from God when we do (Matthew 25:21). Were promised the crown of life because God loves us. Thats an awesome promise to receive after we walk through the fires.
James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
When things seem like theyre falling apart, take joy in the fact that through the trials of life your faith is being strengthened and perseverance is being developed. When your perseverance is complete, you will lack for nothing, you will be mature and complete. Are you lacking in something? Ask God first, Hell give to you freely so that you can endure and come through your trials and temptations with Him firmly in your sight.
2 Corinthians 1:4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
God comforts us in our tribulation, meditate on that for a moment. Through the comfort He gives us, we can comfort others going through tribulations. But not just comfort, the very same comfort that He gives us we can give to others. God comforts us When it feels like everything has gone wrong God comforts us.
Some scriptures to meditate on when in times of trial and temptation:
Ephesians 6:13 - Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
2Timothy 2:3 - You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
1Corinthians 16:13 - Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.
2Timothy 1:7 - For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
1Timothy 6:11-12 - But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
1Thessalonians 5:16-24 - Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.
2 Thessalonians 3:3, 5 - But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.
Titus 2:11-14 - For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.
Hebrews 2:18 - For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.
Hebrews 4:16 - Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 10:23 - Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 11:1 - Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:6 - But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
James 4:7 - Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
1 Peter 1:3-9 - Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith--the salvation of your souls.
1Peter 3:14 - But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. "And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled."
1 Peter 5:6-11 - Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
1John 2:1 - My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
1John 2:25 - And this is the promise that He has promised us; eternal life.
1John 5:4 - For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world; our faith.
1John 5:14 - Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
1John 5:18 - We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him.
Revelation 2:7 - "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God."
Revelation 2:17 - "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it."
Revelation 2:26-27 - "And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations; He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter's vessels'; as I also have received from My Father;"
Revelation 3:5 - "He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels."
Revelation 3:10 - "Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth."
Revelation 3:12 - "He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. And I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name."
Revelation 3:20 - "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me."
Revelation 3:21 - "To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne."
Revelation 21:4 - "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."
Revelation 21:6-7 - And He said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son."
Key words to do concordance and internet study on:Faith, Righteous, Patience, Grace, Love, Godliness, Kindness, Goodness, Gentleness, Stand, Deceive...and anything else God puts on your heart to use as a study.
Glad you liked it. 
