Temptation, The Bait
Lesson 2: Temptation — The Hook in the Bait
Where It All Begins
“Each person is tempted…” — James 1:14
No one is exempt.
No one is immune.
If you’re breathing, you’ll be tempted.
This is how sin starts:
Not with action—
But with opportunity.
Temptation Is Not Sin
Let’s be clear.
Temptation is not sin.
Jesus was tempted.
But He never sinned. (Hebrews 4:15)
The presence of temptation
is not failure—
but the moment of decision.
Where Does It Come From?
“Let no one say, ‘I am being tempted by God.’” — James 1:13
God is not your tempter.
He tests, but He never tempts.
He refines, not deceives.
Temptation comes from:
The world – offers it.
The flesh – wants it.
The devil – whispers it.
What Does It Look Like?
Temptation comes wrapped in beauty.
It comes as something good, reasonable, harmless.
Just one glance.
Just one click.
Just one conversation.
Just one compromise.
Just one…
is the devil’s favorite number.
It’s a Setup
“He is lured and enticed…” — James 1:14
That’s fishing language.
You are the fish.
Sin is the bait.
Satan hides the hook.
The goal?
Catch. Control. Kill.
The Bait Is Custom-Fit
Temptation is tailored to your desires.
The enemy studies you.
You don’t get tempted by what you hate.
You get tempted by what you secretly crave.
That’s why it works.
Your Desires Pull You In
“…by his own desire…” — James 1:14
Temptation doesn’t work without help from inside.
The devil provides the bait.
Your heart sets the hook.
It Starts Small
Temptation never says,
“This will destroy your life.”
It says:
“You deserve this.”
“No one will know.”
“Just this once.”
“It’s not that bad.”
And just like that—
we’re swimming toward the hook.
But God Is Not Silent
You are never without a way out.
“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.
God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability,
but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape,
that you may be able to endure it.” — 1 Corinthians 10:13
God is faithful.
Temptation is real—
but so is the exit.
There Is Always a Door
When temptation shows up—
so does a way out.
You can flee.
You can shut the laptop.
You can silence the phone.
You can walk away.
You are never trapped.
What Does the Escape Look Like?
Sometimes it’s:
A Scripture recalled.
A friend’s call.
A conviction in the gut.
A whisper from the Spirit.
A literal open door.
Take it.
Don't hesitate.
Temptation Has a Clock
The longer you look at it,
the louder it gets.
The longer you delay,
the weaker your will.
Kill it early—
or it will drag you farther than you planned to go.
You’re Not the Only One
“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common…”
You’re not weird.
You’re not worse.
You’re not alone.
But you are responsible.
How Jesus Handled It
In the wilderness:
Tempted by Satan.
Three attacks.
Three responses.
All Scripture. (Matthew 4)
He didn't negotiate.
He didn’t explain.
He didn’t stall.
He quoted truth and stood firm.
So should we.
Don’t Flirt. Flee.
You don’t fight fire with flirtation.
You flee.
You run like Joseph. (Genesis 39:12)
Temptation isn’t to be reasoned with.
It’s to be escaped.
Summary
Temptation is the first step in sin’s cycle.
It’s not sin—but it’s serious.
It lures you with desire.
It hides the hook.
It always promises more than it delivers.
But God always provides a way out.
Take the door.
Every time.
