The Book of James

Enduring Temptation

Lesson #3 for October 18, 2014

Scriptures: [James 1:12-21; Psalm 119:11; Genesis 3:1-6; Titus 3:5-7; Romans 13:12; Ephesians 4:22][i].

1.    This lesson is all about temptation! When was the last time we had a Sabbath school lesson entirely about temptation? Have you ever heard an entire sermon about temptation?

We all have experienced it. We resolve not to give in to temptation, but in the heat of the battle, our resolve melts and-much to our own sense of shame and self-loathing-we fall into sin. Sometimes it seems that the more we focus on not sinning, the more powerless against temptation we feel, and the more hopeless our condition appears. We wonder if indeed we are saved at all. It’s hard to imagine any serious Christian who hasn’t wondered about his or her own salvation, especially after having just fallen into sin. Adult Sabbath School Bible Study Guide for Sabbath, October 11.

2.    We believe that temptation precedes and often leads to sin. So, shouldn’t we be focusing more on temptation instead of focusing so much attention on sin and subsequent forgiveness? Traditionally, the church has tended to focus on sin and what can be done about sin after it has occurred. That is too late! We need to focus on temptation and how to curb the temptations and, therefore, avoid sin, thus changing our lives so our lives can be more like that of Jesus. (DA 671.2)

3.    James 1:12-15ii suggest that God can help us overcome every kind of temptation. But, where do temptations usually come from?

4.    Read James 1:13-15iii. We must admit that most temptations come from within. Is sin always preceded by temptation? Or, do some sins just come naturally without even the necessity of being preceded by temptation? If we could recognize temptation quicker and more directly, would it be easier to avoid sin? Do we always recognize temptation?

5.    Both temptation and sin start in the mind. We only sin because we choose to do so. No one can force us to sin. (Romans 6:16-18iv)

6.    Would it be true that if we could avoid temptation, we could avoid sin? Read Ephesians 6:17[v]; Psalm 119:11vi; and Luke 4:8vii. How does God’s Word protect us against temptation?

7.    We need to be honest about a few points before we answer that question. It is not a sin to be tempted. Jesus was severely tempted. But, He did not sin. The problem is not the temptation but how we respond to it. Because Jesus was so in tune with His Father, He immediately recognized temptation when it came; and He rebuffed it. Never did the Devil find an advantage in Him. Did Jesus ever have to overcome a bad habit? Did Jesus ever suffer temptations from within? How does focusing on the life of Jesus protect us from temptation and sin? Could we get so familiar with the story of Jesus that when tempted we would immediately recognize the hazard and the danger and, like Jesus, turn a deaf ear to the Devil? Remember that temptation does not become sin until we yield to it.

8.    James 1:13-15 tell us that temptation leads to sin which, in turn, leads to death. Each of the verbs there is connected with giving birth. Are we going to allow temptation to give birth to sin in our lives? The Devil would love to take control of our lives until he can destroy us.

9.    Look at the first sin on this earth. Trace the story of Eve from the point where she left Adam until she ate the fruit. At what point did she actually sin? When was she tempted? What was her sin? Was eating fruit inherently evil? No! The basic root for sin is turning our trust away from God and placing it with the Devil. The Devil has been exceedingly successful with his deceitful methods. He not only deceived one third of the angels, (Revelation 12:4,7-9viii) but also he has won most of the people living on this planet.

10.    When we are tempted, what is our response? Why is sin attractive to human beings? What is it in us that responds to Satan’s temptations? Is there some defect in us based on how God made us that makes us susceptible to Satan’s temptations? No! But, God has given us choice.

11.    Ellen White had some very direct words to say about temptation and its results.

By earnest prayer and living faith we can resist the assaults of Satan, and keep our hearts unspotted from pollution.

The strongest temptation is no excuse for sin. However great the pressure brought to bear upon the soul, transgression is our own act. It is not in the power of earth or hell to compel any one to sin. The will must consent, the heart must yield, or passion cannot overbear reason, nor iniquity triumph over righteousness.—Ellen G. White, “Christian Privileges and Duties,” Signs of the Times, October 4, 1883, par 4; Mar 225.6; OFC 331.5.

12.    Read James 1:16-17ix. What is the relationship between these two verses and the previous three verses? Who is the Father of lights? (Genesis 1:14-18[x]) What are the most important gifts that God has given you? (Compare James 1:17xi with John 3:3xii.)

13.    Let us be very clear. God wants everyone to be saved. Of course, we recognize that not everyone is going to be saved. Far too many of us have fallen to Satan’s temptations. So, what is God’s answer? Read Titus 3:5-7xiii; 1 Peter 1:23xiv; and James 1:18xv. Is being born again or being born by the Spirit a complete solution to the problem of temptation? How is salvation connected to the new birth? (See John 3xvi.)

14.    Agreeing with Jesus, several of the Gospel writers have connected salvation with the new birth. What is necessary for God to deal with sin (Romans 8:3xvii) and to bring us back into harmony with Himself? First, we must understand how we got into this trouble. Read Genesis 2-3xviii. By proving unequivocally who told us the truth in the beginning, Jesus’s life and death answered Satan’s questions in the great controversy and have made it clear whose side we need to be on if we want to be saved.

15.    Read James 1:19-20xix. How are these verses related to the prior ones? Is the life of one who has been born again always supposed to be under good control? If we lose our temper, have we banned the Holy Spirit from our minds?

16.    Why do our words so often get us into trouble? Words can be used in many ways. They can be very helpful, and they can be incredibly destructive. Is it possible for people living in our day to hear the direct voice of God guiding them?

When every other voice is hushed, and in quietness we wait before Him, the silence of the soul makes more distinct the voice of God. He bids us, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Ps. 46:10.—Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, 363.3; ST, August 27, 1896 par. 8; MH 58.3; compare FE 440.2.

17.    What would happen if we always offered a silent word of prayer before entering into any major discussion with others? How much of our conversation is God-directed? How often do we get in trouble with our words? Read Proverbs 15:1xx; Isaiah 50:4xxi; Ephesians 4:29; 5:4xxii; and Colossians 4:6xxiii. What did the crowds who followed Jesus and listened to Him think about His words? Words can be very powerful, but they can also be dangerous. There is certainly no place for Christians to use vulgar language. We should avoid those who use such words. Since we can never take back words that we have spoken, it is always best to ask for God’s guidance whenever we are going to say anything of major significance.

18.    Read James 1:21xxiv. How do you understand this verse? What happens if God implants His word in our hearts? Is that the same as being born of the Spirit? How do we put away all impurity and separate ourselves from wickedness? The word translated “put away” can also mean to remove clothing. (See Romans 13:12xxv; Ephesians 4:22,25xxvi; Colossians 3:8xxvii; Hebrews 12:1xxviii; 1 Peter 2:1xxix; Acts 7:58xxx; Isaiah 64:6xxxi; James 2:2xxxii; and Zechariah 3:3-4xxxiii.) What is Zechariah 3 suggesting should happen to the our old, filthy rags representing our sins? Get rid of them!

19.    Notice the contrast between Zechariah’s picture and the popular Christian image that we just need to cover our dingy, old, soiled garments of sin with Christ’s righteousness! Does anyone in real life just cover up his old clothes with clean clothes? Is Zechariah’s metaphor another way of saying we need to be reborn? What does it mean to put on Christ’s righteousness? If we put on Christ’s righteousness and do our best with the Holy Spirit’s help to live like Jesus, dying daily to our old sinful ways, wouldn’t that be like a new birth?

20.    But, let us remember that we cannot do this on our own. The new birth is always the work of the Holy Spirit. Just as we are not responsible for our first birth, we are not responsible for the new birth. But, in the case of our new birth, we have a choice. We can allow God to implant the Holy Spirit in our lives, or we can refuse to allow Him to do so.

The plan of redemption contemplates our complete recovery from the power of Satan. Christ always separates the contrite soul from sin. He came to destroy the works of the devil, and He has made provision that the Holy Spirit shall be imparted to every repentant soul, to keep him from sinning.—Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 311.2.

If you have accepted Christ as a personal Saviour, you are to forget yourself, and try to help others. T alk of the love of Christ, tell of His goodness. Do every duty that presents itself. Carry the burden of souls upon your heart, and by every means in your power seek to save the lost. As you receive the Spirit of Christ-the Spirit of unselfish love and labor for others-you will grow and bring forth fruit. The graces of the Spirit will ripen in your character. Your faith will increase, your convictions deepen, your love be made perfect. More and more you will reflect the likeness of Christ in all that is pure, noble, and lovely.—Ellen G. White, Christ’s Object Lessons, pp. 67.3-68.0; LHU 274.4.

21.    So, if we allow Jesus to come into our lives and cooperate with the Holy Spirit in the new birth, how do we come to regard sin? Consider the following words.

God does not regard all sins as of equal magnitude; there are degrees of guilt in His estimation, as well as in that of man; but however trifling this or that wrong act may seem in the eyes of men, no sin is small in the sight of God. Man’s judgment is partial, imperfect; but God estimates all things as they really are.

The drunkard is despised and is told that his sin will exclude him from heaven; while pride, selfishness, and covetousness too often go un-rebuked. But these are sins that are especially offensive to God; for they are contrary to the benevolence of His character, to that unselfish love which is the very atmosphere of the unfallen universe. He who falls into some of the grosser sins may feel a sense of his shame and poverty and his need of the grace of Christ; but pride feels no need, and so it closes the heart against Christ and the infinite blessings He came to give. (Steps to Christ 30.1) Compare Luke 18:9-14xxxiv.

22.    And what happens if we have our own little pet sins which we keep repeating?

Even one wrong trait of character, one sinful desire, persistently cherished, will eventually neutralize all the power of the gospel. Every sinful indulgence strengthens the soul’s aversion to God. The man who manifests an infidel hardihood, or a stolid indifference to divine truth, is but reaping the harvest of that which he has himself sown. In all the Bible there is not a more fearful warning against trifling with evil than the words of the wise man that the sinner “shall be holden with the cords of his sins.” Proverbs 5:22. (SC 34.1)

23.    Do we really believe that “Then their evil desires conceive and give birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” (James 1:15, GNB) Could Seventh-day Adventist

Christians living this close to the second coming allow their own evil desires to do this to them? As human beings, we can be very clever at rationalizing sin. But, God has provided a way of escape. How often do we use it? (Ephesians 6:17xxxv; 1 Corinthians 10:13xxxvi)

24.    Why is it so much easier for most people to spend an hour watching television or surfing the Internet or even reading a novel than it is to spend an hour reading the Bible or the writings of Ellen White? Do we clearly recognize what benefits are available as a result of spending time with God and His Word?

A nickel per verse-that was the deal young Barry’s mother made with him and his brother. For every Bible verse memorized, they were five cents closer to their goal of buying a big Snickers candy bar or Sugar Babies, a soft, chewy milk caramel candy. In order to reach their goals faster, the boys combed through their Bibles, looking for the shortest verses to memorize! But one day, memorizing Scripture became more than just a way to buy candy.

“ ‘When I was 13,’ ” remembers Barry, “ ‘I memorized Proverbs 1:10, “My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.” That very day, two young men from my neighborhood asked me to “help them get back at someone.” I felt the power of Proverbs 1:10 reverberating in the corners of my spirit, and on the strength of that verse, I refused to go with them.

“ ‘They didn’t just get back at someone, they murdered someone,’ ” Barry said.

“ ‘Their sad saga was played out on the evening news and the judicial conclusion was life in prison. One of the gentlemen, in fact the gentleman who asked me to go along said, “But, I didn’t do it, the other guy did it.” But it didn’t make any difference; they both received the penalty of life in prison. This means that had I gone along with them, even if I had stood there quoting Scripture, I would have received the same penalty’ ” (Barry Black, quoted by Arcadia Kust, “Senate Chaplain Barry Black Speaks at Christ Church of Oak Brook,” Doings Weekly, July 23, 2012, http://burrridge.suntimes.com/news/13950434-418/senate-chaplain-barry-black-speaks-at-christ-church-of-oak-brook.html).

Because of the power of that verse and of his determination to claim and follow it, rather than living out his life behind bars, Dr. Barry Black serves as the sixty-second chaplain of the U.S. Senate.—Adult Teacher’s Sabbath School Bible Study Guide, page 37-38.

25.    We look with horror on the possibility that a young boy could do something foolish and spend his life in jail. But, in reality, how does that compare with Christians who fritter away their lives in “little sins” and end up losing eternal life?

26.    Could you make a list of the evil desires in your own life? Have you experimented with God’s ways of overcoming those evil desires? How much time each week do we spend getting better acquainted with Jesus and working on our faith relationship?

27.    Memorizing Scripture has almost become a lost art. Is it time for us to resurrect that lost skill? There is a free app available on the Internet that can be very helpful in memorizing Scripture. Go to http://Scripturetyper.com to get the details. If you do not have a computer, try putting passages of Scripture or perhaps paragraphs from Ellen White on flash cards and memorizing them.

28.    Hasn’t the time come for Christians to abandon their evil desires and stand firmly on holy ground? Is that really possible?

© 2014, Kenneth Hart, MD, MA, MPH. Permission is hereby granted for any noncommercial use of these materials. Free distribution of all or of a portion of this material such as to a Bible study class is encouraged.

i-James 1:12 Happy are those who remain faithful under trials, because when they succeed in passing such a test, they will receive as their reward the life which God has promised to those who love him. 13 If we are tempted by such trials, we must not say, "This temptation comes from God." For God cannot be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But we are tempted when we are drawn away and trapped by our own evil desires. 15 Then our evil desires conceive and give birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. 16 Do not be deceived, my dear friends! 17 Every good gift and every perfect present comes from heaven; it comes down from God, the Creator of the heavenly lights, who does not change or cause darkness by turning. 18 By his own will he brought us into being through the word of truth, so that we should have first place among all his creatures. 19 Remember this, my dear friends! Everyone must be quick to listen, but slow to speak and slow to become angry. 20 Human anger does not achieve God's righteous purpose. 21 So get rid of every filthy habit and all wicked conduct. Submit to God and accept the word that he plants in your hearts, which is able to save you.

Psalm 119:11 I keep your law in my heart, so that I will not sin against you.

Genesis 3:1 Now the snake was the most cunning animal that the Lord God had made. The snake asked the woman, "Did God really tell you not to eat fruit from any tree in the garden?" 2 "We may eat the fruit of any tree in the garden," the woman answered, 3 "except the tree in the middle of it. God told us not to eat the fruit of that tree or even touch it; if we do, we will die." 4 The snake replied, "That's not true; you will not die. 5 God said that because he knows that when you eat it, you will be like God and know what is good and what is bad." 6 The woman saw how beautiful the tree was and how good its fruit would be to eat, and she thought how wonderful it would be to become wise. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, and he also ate it.

Titus 3:5 he saved us. It was not because of any good deeds that we ourselves had done, but because of his own mercy that he saved us, through the Holy Spirit, who gives us new birth and new life by washing us. 6 God poured out the Holy Spirit abundantly on us through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that by his grace we might be put right with God and come into possession of the eternal life we hope for.

Romans 13:12 The night is nearly over, day is almost here. Let us stop doing the things that belong to the dark, and let us take up weapons for fighting in the light.

Ephesians 4:22 So get rid of your old self, which made you live as you used to - the old self that was being destroyed by its deceitful desires.

ii-James 1:12 Happy are those who remain faithful under trials, because when they succeed in passing such a test, they will receive as their reward the life which God has promised to those who love him. 13 If we are tempted by such trials, we must not say, "This temptation comes from God." For God cannot be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But we are tempted when we are drawn away and trapped by our own evil desires. 15 Then our evil desires conceive and give birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

iii-James 1:13 If we are tempted by such trials, we must not say, "This temptation comes from God." For God cannot be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But we are tempted when we are drawn away and trapped by our own evil desires. 15 Then our evil desires conceive and give birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

iv-Romans 6:16 Surely you know that when you surrender yourselves as slaves to obey someone, you are in fact the slaves of the master you obey - either of sin, which results in death, or of obedience, which results in being put right with God. 17 But thanks be to God! For though at one time you were slaves to sin, you have obeyed with all your heart the truths found in the teaching you received. 18 You were set free from sin and became the slaves of righteousness.

v-Ephesians 6:17 And accept salvation as a helmet, and the word of God as the sword which the Spirit gives you.

vi-Psalm 119:11 I keep your law in my heart, so that I will not sin against you.

vii-Luke 4:8 Jesus answered, "The scripture says, "Worship the Lord your God and serve only him!' "

viii-Revelation 12:4 With his tail he dragged a third of the stars out of the sky and threw them down to the earth. He stood in front of the woman, in order to eat her child as soon as it was born. 7 Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, who fought back with his angels; 8 but the dragon was defeated, and he and his angels were not allowed to stay in heaven any longer. 9 The huge dragon was thrown out - that ancient serpent, named the Devil, or Satan, that deceived the whole world. He was thrown down to earth, and all his angels with him.

ix-James 1:16 Do not be deceived, my dear friends! 17 Every good gift and every perfect present comes from heaven; it comes down from God, the Creator of the heavenly lights, who does not change or cause darkness by turning.

x-Genesis 1:14 Then God commanded, "Let lights appear in the sky to separate day from night and to show the time when days, years, and religious festivals begin; 15 they will shine in the sky to give light to the earth" - and it was done. 16 So God made the two larger lights, the sun to rule over the day and the moon to rule over the night; he also made the stars. 17 He placed the lights in the sky to shine on the earth, 18 to rule over the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God was pleased with what he saw.

xi-James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect present comes from heaven; it comes down from God, the Creator of the heavenly lights, who does not change or cause darkness by turning.

xii-John 3:3 Jesus answered, "I am telling you the truth: no one can see the Kingdom of God without being born again."

xiii-Titus 3:5 he saved us. It was not because of any good deeds that we ourselves had done, but because of his own mercy that he saved us, through the Holy Spirit, who gives us new birth and new life by washing us. 6 God poured out the Holy Spirit abundantly on us through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that by his grace we might be put right with God and come into possession of the eternal life we hope for.

xiv-1 Peter 1:23 For through the living and eternal word of God you have been born again as the children of a parent who is immortal, not mortal.

xv-James 1:18 By his own will he brought us into being through the word of truth, so that we should have first place among all his creatures.

xvi-John 3:1 There was a Jewish leader named Nicodemus, who belonged to the party of the Pharisees. 2 One night he went to Jesus and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher sent by God. No one could perform the miracles you are doing unless God were with him." 3 Jesus answered, "I am telling you the truth: no one can see the Kingdom of God without being born again." 4 "How can a grown man be born again?" Nicodemus asked. "He certainly cannot enter his mother's womb and be born a second time!" 5 "I am telling you the truth," replied Jesus, "that no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. 6 A person is born physically of human parents, but is born spiritually of the Spirit. 7 Do not be surprised because I tell you that you must all be born again. 8 The wind blows wherever it wishes; you hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it is going. It is like that with everyone who is born of the Spirit." 9 "How can this be?" asked Nicodemus. 10 Jesus answered, "You are a great teacher in Israel, and you don't know this? 11 I am telling you the truth: we speak of what we know and report what we have seen, yet none of you is willing to accept our message. 12 You do not believe me when I tell you about the things of this world; how will you ever believe me, then, when I tell you about the things of heaven? 13 And no one has ever gone up to heaven except the Son of Man, who came down from heaven." 14 As Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the desert, in the same way the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. 16 For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to be its judge, but to be its savior. 18 Those who believe in the Son are not judged; but those who do not believe have already been judged, because they have not believed in God's only Son. 19 This is how the judgment works: the light has come into the world, but people love the darkness rather than the light, because their deeds are evil. 20 Those who do evil things hate the light and will not come to the light, because they do not want their evil deeds to be shown up. 21 But those who do what is true come to the light in order that the light may show that what they did was in obedience to God. 22 After this, Jesus and his disciples went to the province of Judea, where he spent some time with them and baptized. 23 John also was baptizing in Aenon, not far from Salim, because there was plenty of water in that place. People were going to him, and he was baptizing them 24 (This was before John had been put in prison.) 25 Some of John's disciples began arguing with a Jew about the matter of ritual washing. 26 So they went to John and told him, "Teacher, you remember the man who was with you on the east side of the Jordan, the one you spoke about? Well, he is baptizing now, and everyone is going to him!" 27 John answered, "No one can have anything unless God gives it. 28 You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, "I am not the Messiah, but I have been sent ahead of him.' 29 The bridegroom is the one to whom the bride belongs; but the bridegroom's friend, who stands by and listens, is glad when he hears the bridegroom's voice. This is how my own happiness is made complete. 30 He must become more important while I become less important." 31 He who comes from above is greater than all. He who is from the earth belongs to the earth and speaks about earthly matters, but he who comes from heaven is above all. 32 He tells what he has seen and heard, yet no one accepts his message. 33 But whoever accepts his message confirms by this that God is truthful. 34 The one whom God has sent speaks God's words, because God gives him the fullness of his Spirit. 35 The Father loves his Son and has put everything in his power. 36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever disobeys the Son will not have life, but will remain under God's punishment.

xvii-Romans 8:3 What the Law could not do, because human nature was weak, God did. He condemned sin in human nature by sending his own Son, who came with a nature like our sinful nature, to do away with sin.

xviii-Genesis 2:1 And so the whole universe was completed. 2 By the seventh day God finished what he had been doing and stopped working. 3 He blessed the seventh day and set it apart as a special day, because by that day he had completed his creation and stopped working. 4 And that is how the universe was created. When the Lord God made the universe, 5 there were no plants on the earth and no seeds had sprouted, because he had not sent any rain, and there was no one to cultivate the land; 6 but water would come up from beneath the surface and water the ground. 7 Then the Lord God took some soil from the ground and formed a man out of it; he breathed life-giving breath into his nostrils and the man began to live. 8 Then the Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the East, and there he put the man he had formed. 9 He made all kinds of beautiful trees grow there and produce good fruit. In the middle of the garden stood the tree that gives life and the tree that gives knowledge of what is good and what is bad. 10 A stream flowed in Eden and watered the garden; beyond Eden it divided into four rivers. 11 The first river is the Pishon; it flows around the country of Havilah 12 (Pure gold is found there and also rare perfume and precious stones.) 13 The second river is the Gihon; it flows around the country of Cush. 14 The third river is the Tigris, which flows east of Assyria, and the fourth river is the Euphrates. 15 Then the Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to cultivate it and guard it. 16 He told him, "You may eat the fruit of any tree in the garden, 17 except the tree that gives knowledge of what is good and what is bad. You must not eat the fruit of that tree; if you do, you will die the same day." 18 Then the Lord God said, "It is not good for the man to live alone. I will make a suitable companion to help him." 19 So he took some soil from the ground and formed all the animals and all the birds. Then he brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and that is how they all got their names. 20 So the man named all the birds and all the animals; but not one of them was a suitable companion to help him. 21 Then the Lord God made the man fall into a deep sleep, and while he was sleeping, he took out one of the man's ribs and closed up the flesh. 22 He formed a woman out of the rib and brought her to him. 23 Then the man said, "At last, here is one of my own kind - Bone taken from my bone, and flesh from my flesh. "Woman' is her name because she was taken out of man." 24 That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united with his wife, and they become one. 25 The man and the woman were both naked, but they were not embarrassed.

Genesis 3:1 Now the snake was the most cunning animal that the Lord God had made. The snake asked the woman, "Did God really tell you not to eat fruit from any tree in the garden?" 2 "We may eat the fruit of any tree in the garden," the woman answered, 3 "except the tree in the middle of it. God told us not to eat the fruit of that tree or even touch it; if we do, we will die." 4 The snake replied, "That's not true; you will not die. 5 God said that because he knows that when you eat it, you will be like God and know what is good and what is bad." 6 The woman saw how beautiful the tree was and how good its fruit would be to eat, and she thought how wonderful it would be to become wise. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, and he also ate it. 7 As soon as they had eaten it, they were given understanding and realized that they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and covered themselves. 8 That evening they heard the Lord God walking in the garden, and they hid from him among the trees. 9 But the Lord God called out to the man, "Where are you?" 10 He answered, "I heard you in the garden; I was afraid and hid from you, because I was naked." 11 "Who told you that you were naked?" God asked. "Did you eat the fruit that I told you not to eat?" 12 The man answered, "The woman you put here with me gave me the fruit, and I ate it." 13 The Lord God asked the woman, "Why did you do this?" She replied, "The snake tricked me into eating it." 14 Then the Lord God said to the snake, "You will be punished for this; you alone of all the animals must bear this curse: From now on you will crawl on your belly, and you will have to eat dust as long as you live. 15 I will make you and the woman hate each other; her offspring and yours will always be enemies. Her offspring will crush your head, and you will bite her offspring's heel." 16 And he said to the woman, "I will increase your trouble in pregnancy and your pain in giving birth. In spite of this, you will still have desire for your husband, yet you will be subject to him." 17 And he said to the man, "You listened to your wife and ate the fruit which I told you not to eat. Because of what you have done, the ground will be under a curse. You will have to work hard all your life to make it produce enough food for you. 18 It will produce weeds and thorns, and you will have to eat wild plants. 19 You will have to work hard and sweat to make the soil produce anything, until you go back to the soil from which you were formed. You were made from soil, and you will become soil again." 20 Adam named his wife Eve, because she was the mother of all human beings. 21 And the Lord God made clothes out of animal skins for Adam and his wife, and he clothed them. 22 Then the Lord God said, "Now these human beings have become like one of us and have knowledge of what is good and what is bad. They must not be allowed to take fruit from the tree that gives life, eat it, and live forever." 23 So the Lord God sent them out of the Garden of Eden and made them cultivate the soil from which they had been formed. 24 Then at the east side of the garden he put living creatures and a flaming sword which turned in all directions. This was to keep anyone from coming near the tree that gives life.

xix-James 1:19 Remember this, my dear friends! Everyone must be quick to listen, but slow to speak and slow to become angry. 20 Human anger does not achieve God's righteous purpose.

xx-Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer quiets anger, but a harsh one stirs it up.

xxi-Isaiah 50:4 The Sovereign Lord has taught me what to say, so that I can strengthen the weary. Every morning he makes me eager to hear what he is going to teach me.

xxii-Ephesians 4:29 Do not use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you.

Ephesians 5:4 Nor is it fitting for you to use language which is obscene, profane, or vulgar. Rather you should give thanks to God.

xxiii-Colossians 4:6 Your speech should always be pleasant and interesting, and you should know how to give the right answer to everyone.

xxiv-James 1:21 So get rid of every filthy habit and all wicked conduct. Submit to God and accept the word that he plants in your hearts, which is able to save you.

xxv-Romans 13:12 The night is nearly over, day is almost here. Let us stop doing the things that belong to the dark, and let us take up weapons for fighting in the light.

xxvi-Ephesians 4:22 So get rid of your old self, which made you live as you used to - the old self that was being destroyed by its deceitful desires. 25 No more lying, then! Each of you must tell the truth to the other believer, because we are all members together in the body of Christ.

xxvii-Colossians 3:8 But now you must get rid of all these things: anger, passion, and hateful feelings. No insults or obscene talk must ever come from your lips.

xxviii-Hebrews 12:1 As for us, we have this large crowd of witnesses around us. So then, let us rid ourselves of everything that gets in the way, and of the sin which holds on to us so tightly, and let us run with determination the race that lies before us.

xxix-1 Peter 2:1 Rid yourselves, then, of all evil; no more lying or hypocrisy or jealousy or insulting language.

xxx-Acts 7:58 threw him out of the city, and stoned him. The witnesses left their cloaks in the care of a young man named Saul.

xxxi-Isaiah 64:6 All of us have been sinful; even our best actions are filthy through and through. Because of our sins we are like leaves that wither and are blown away by the wind.

xxxii-James 2:2 Suppose a rich man wearing a gold ring and fine clothes comes to your meeting, and a poor man in ragged clothes also comes.

xxxiii-Zechariah 3:3 Joshua was standing there, wearing filthy clothes. 4 The angel said to his heavenly attendants, "Take away the filthy clothes this man is wearing." Then he said to Joshua, "I have taken away your sin and will give you new clothes to wear."

xxxiv-Luke 18:9 Jesus also told this parable to people who were sure of their own goodness and despised everybody else. 10 "Once there were two men who went up to the Temple to pray: one was a Pharisee, the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood apart by himself and prayed, "I thank you, God, that I am not greedy, dishonest, or an adulterer, like everybody else. I thank you that I am not like that tax collector over there. 12 I fast two days a week, and I give you one tenth of all my income.' 13 But the tax collector stood at a distance and would not even raise his face to heaven, but beat on his breast and said, "God, have pity on me, a sinner!' 14 I tell you," said Jesus, "the tax collector, and not the Pharisee, was in the right with God when he went home. For those who make themselves great will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be made great."

xxxv-Ephesians 6:17 And accept salvation as a helmet, and the word of God as the sword which the Spirit gives you.

xxxvi-1 Corinthians 10:13 Every test that you have experienced is the kind that normally comes to people. But God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, he will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out.

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