Funny how we blame the Lord......but, it's true.

Proverbs 19:3 The foolishness of a man twists his way, And his heart frets against the LORD.

Here we see something about man, and what man can do to himself.

In fact, the truth contained in this verse is explained to us in great detail in the New Testament book of James.

The foolishness of man twists his way. In other words, it’s what’s in a man’s self that actually twists or troubles his own life. But, what he winds up doing is blaming the Lord for the troubles that he has brought on himself.

James 1, explains it clearly to us.

James 1:13 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.

James 1:14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.

James 1:15* Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

The Lord tells us here not to blame God as the source of our being tempted to sin. God Himself cannot be tempted, and He does not tempt anyone to sin.

The cause of temptation comes from within man himself. It’s when he is drawn away by his own lusts, or desires. And then, when he gives into those desires, that’s when he sins. And sin when it’s full grown or gone through it’s process if you will, brings death.

So, sin is the problem within man, and that’s why God sent Jesus Christ into the world. It was not to condemn man, but rather to save man. Sin came into the world through one man, Adam, and it’s been passed along to all men who have ever been born. Thus, we are born sinners.

But, we can be born again, ( this does not mean we will never sin, or never have problems with sin ) but, it does mean we have a new life in Christ, we are forgiven, set apart to God, purchased by Him, and made joint heirs with Christ.

And, it means that we can live a different kind of life then we lived before we were saved. We have God’s Holy Spirit in our lives, to be our strength, and to teach us the truth, to guide along the right way, the way of God, and find God’s help and victory day by day in our lives.

So, rather the blame God, we can thank Him for what He has done for us.

Thank You Father. You are the giver of good gifts, and You have given us salvation through faith in Your Son Jesus Christ. We are indebted to You, and could never ever pay You back for what You have done for us. Nor do You ask us to pay You back. But, You do call us to, call upon You and take the cup of salvation, that is to walk with You. In Jesus name, amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier

Calvary Chapel Visalia

Application/Promises.

1. God’s Word makes things clear to us.

2. God’s Word explains to us what things we need to know.

3. God helps us to get unconfused as it were.

4. God’s Holy Spirit is the one who really teaches us.

5. God also helps us by forgiving us, and giving us hope.