<h3>Study # 9<br />October 22, 1997<br />Harlingen, Texas<BR /><a href="https://www.biblical-thinking.org/DOC-Jas/audio.php?name=James19971022.mp3">(Download Audio)</a></h3>

Thesis: Temptation can only be effectively resisted by knowledge that is keyed to the love/faith complex. 
 
<ul><li>I. What is the Objective of Temptation/Trial? 
	<ul><li>A. With temptation, the objective is to sidetrack a walk by the Spirit where love, joy, peace, etc. are being manifested. 
	<li>B. With trial, the objective is to reinforce the process of the walk by the Spirit to enhance the consistency of the walk. 
	</ul>
<li>II. How Do We Know When We Are Being Tempted or Tried? 
	<ul><li>A. When a noticeable level of dissatisfaction arises in our life for any cause. 
		<ul><li>1. This will show up immediately at the emotional level because the soul is where dissatisfaction registers and emotion is how it registers.
		<li>2. The assumption here is that we have not already allowed the lack of peace and gratitude to be the norm. 
		</ul>
	<li>B. When we are in a 'problem-solving' mode, or in a 'critical-vent' mode. 
		<ul><li>1. If we are in a problem-solving mode, we are already acknowledging a lack of satisfaction AND our belief that we have the answer. This can be the &quot;mountains of arrogance&quot; mode. 
		<li>2. If we are in a critical-vent mode, we are already into a lack of satisfaction AND a recognition that we can do nothing about it. This can be the &quot;valleys of despair&quot; mode. 
		</ul>
	</ul>
<li>III. What is Automatic to the Reality of Temptation/Trial? 
	<ul><li>A. We begin to cast about for relief from the dissatisfaction. 
	<li>B. We begin to evaluate possible solutions for their workability from our perspective [this is the test of our faith]. 
	</ul>
<li>IV. What are We Supposed to Do? 
	<ul><li>A. First, we are to insist on the biblical validity of any choice of action so that we can face Jesus at the Judgment Seat without embarrassment. 
	<li>B. Second, we are to count on the inevitable benefit of being subjected to the process. 
		<ul><li>1. Our knowing is supposed to be deeper than simply having heard that something is true. 
			<ul><li>a. Sometimes our knowing means we have heard the claim and we dislike it and its implications. 
			<li>b. Sometimes our knowing means we have heard the claim, have no real problems with it, but wouldn't stake much on it. 
			<li>c. The knowing to which James referred is a knowledge in which we have workable confidence. 
			</ul>
		<li>2. Our knowing is supposed to include an understanding of the process called the 'testing of our faith'. 
			<ul><li>a. The testing of our faith includes... 
				<ul><li>1) Having articles of faith subjected to the tension of the absence of fulfillment. 
					<ul><li>a) Articles of faith are supposed to be grounded in our understanding of words from God. 
					<li>b) Articles of faith are supposed to be maintained in the face of the tension of unfulfillment unless... 
						<ul><li>i) A better understanding is put forth that harmonizes with what is understood as God's words. 
						<li>ii) The time expires without the fulfillment. 
						</ul>
					</ul>
				<li>2) Having alternative, sub-biblical, options presented for our consideration. 
				<li>3) Having to choose to remain committed to the articles of faith. 
				</ul>
			<li>b. The testing of our faith also includes... 
				<ul><li>1) Being validated as correct by God's in-time action of fulfillment. 
				<li>2) Being reinforced in our confidence so that next time we have less difficulty with the process. 
				</ul>
			</ul>
		</ul>
	</ul>
</ul>

Let endurance work is an exhortation to refuse to take an out that is sub-biblical, and to accept the present with thankfulness and grace.