Good morning. The book of James is rightly considered to be an excellent example of the practical teaching of righteousness. It is a book that “tells it like it is” in language so plain that the commands and insights are inescapable. The first chapter of James gives us insight into trials, temptations, and truth. In verses 12-18 James tells us of the realities of sin and of the blessing of perseverance in the face of trials. I would like to take a closer look at these verses to stimulate our thoughts on an important topic. All verses referenced are from this 12-18 passage of James.
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 1:12
Trials are what the enemy throws against the faithful from the outside. Trials are the circumstances of life, often difficult and challenging. It is always possible to give in to such trials, abandoning Christian character and ways to instead embrace worldly thoughts and actions. We are told in this verse that remaining steadfast earns the reward. This is God’s promise to all of those who love Him.
Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 1:13
Does it sound ridiculous to suggest that we are tempted by God? Think of the ways this may be true. Just as trials are what the enemy throws at the faithful from the outside, temptations are what he throws at the faithful from the inside. Temptations are brought against us in that difficult to control playground that rests right between our ears. Does God tempt us? Of course not, but the enemy would love to convince us that He does. That way of thinking leads us right into the trap of escaping accountability, “it isn’t my fault, he-she-they-it made me do it”.
But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. 1:14-15
James is saying that it isn’t God who entices, it is our own desire. Temptation is made powerful in accordance with the strength of our lusts. True to his very practical teaching method, James describes the process: desire is the lure; when desire is accommodated it conceives and gives birth to sin; when sin matures it brings death. One thing leads to another, and if we give in to the process, we die an eternal death.
But hold on! Now for some good news: Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 1:16-17
Don’t let the devil fool you, he (the devil) never gives you anything that will end up good. Everything that is truly good, helpful, and beneficial for today and for eternity, is from God and God alone. This has always been and will always be the truth. Oh, how our enemy has tried to convince us otherwise!
Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. 1:18
The Word of God is a gift He gives. It is by God and God alone that we are blessed with divine truth. It is His intention that we, when we have accepted, embraced, and obeyed His will as is revealed in His Word, will lead the world into a better understanding of His truth.
Reading this passage unbroken is a powerful statement of trials, temptations, steadfast determination, and divine blessing:
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
The bottom line is you can do it. You can win the victory any day and every day. We simply have to refuse to blame others; be accountable for our choices; and look to God for all that is good, right, and helpful.
I write this thought one week into the New Year. It is at this one-week mark that our New Year resolutions tend to fade. But if we will give it to God and remember the process of failure as well as the process of righteousness, we can do it!
Vern