James 1:9-18: Where Temptation Actually Comes From

James 1:9-18: Where Temptation Actually Comes From

From Thy Strong Word from KFUO Radio by KFUO Radio

May 5, 2026 · 57 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the origins of temptation and the distinction between God's actions and human desires as explained in James 1:9-18.

James shuts down one of the oldest excuses in the book: "God is testing me." God cannot be tempted with evil and He tempts no one. Each person is lured and enticed by his own desire, and desire gives birth to sin, and sin brings forth death. Every good gift comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James draws the line between what God sends and what your own heart manufactures. The Rev. Peter Burfeind, pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Union City, MI and Agnus Dei Lutheran Church in Marshall, MI, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study James 1:9-18. To learn more about Our Savior and Agnus Dei Lutheran Churches, visit facebook.com/oursaviorunioncity and agnusdeimarshall.com. Luther called it an “epistle of straw,” but then preached from it for the rest of his life as the Word of God. In this series, host Pastor Phil Booe and guest pastors walk verse by verse through the Letter of James, written by the brother of our Lord, the leading pastor of the Jerusalem church, and a man who thought Jesus had lost His mind until the resurrection proved otherwise. James writes to scattered Christians who are suffering, squabbling…

People in this episode

Host: Rev. Dr. Phil Booe

Guest: Rev. Peter Burfeind

Topics covered

  • temptation
  • sin
  • faith
  • desire
  • God's gifts
  • Christian suffering

Keywords

  • temptation
  • sin
  • faith without works
  • James 1:9-18
  • Christianity
  • God's gifts
  • desire
  • suffering

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Our Savior Lutheran Church, Agnus Dei Lutheran Church, KFUO Radio

Books & works: Letter of James

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