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Devotional Thoughts | James Pt. 3
Trials and Temptations
As we continue to look at the letter James wrote to the Early Church, let me remind you of the contextual setting as is recorded in the Book of Acts. Following the birth of the church there was a period of explosive growth with thousands coming to faith. The followers of Christ were still living and worshipping in Jerusalem. James, the author of this letter was the leader of the Jerusalem church. Following the stoning of Stephen, one of the first deacons of the church, and the first martyr, there arose persecution of the church resulting in many believers fleeing Jerusalem to the surrounding regions and nations. As the pastor of the Jerusalem church, James had a burden for those who fled the persecution and wrote this letter of encouragement.
With that background, let's now consider the encouragement and instruction given to these early members of the church. As we do so, let's glean truths which are applicable for the believers today.
James 1:12-18 (NASB)
12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust.
15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. 18 In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures.
As we begin this week’s devotion, we find ourselves returning to the theme of trials James addressed in verses 2 - 5. The fact is all of us endure seasons of trials and temptations in this life. It is important that we understand the fact that we experience trials or temptations does not indicate there is a flaw or defect in our faith. The Apostle Paul said - 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NASB)
13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.
Since God, our Father knows our frame, remembering that we are dust, Psalm 103, and since trials are to be endured, and overcome, and since the Crown of Life is awarded those who pass the trials, let us remember, God is the One who gives us strength, and is our Deliverer from the trials of life.
We of course want to know why we are tried or tempted. Some have said the Lord sent the trial or the temptation their way to "test" them. However, that is contrary to what the Scripture teaches. James reminds the church which was scattered among the nations that God cannot be tempted by evil, and that He does not tempt anyone. We need to remind ourselves of this today, as we are inundated with temptations everyday.
If God is not the source of the temptation, then where does it originate? First, I would remind the listener Satan is the tempter. He tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden, and he tempted Jesus in the wilderness. However, we must take responsibility for ourselves regarding the matter of temptation. According to James, each one, (not just a few but all), is carried away and enticed by his own lust.
Temptation begins as a thought, when the thought is allowed to grow in our mind and heart, it moves from being a thought to an action which is sin, which then leads to death.
Illustration: David and Bathsheba -
One of my college professors illustrated this passage from James by saying: "You can't keep a bird from flying over your head, but you can stop it from building a nest in your hair.
James warns the believer not to be deceived. The Apostle Paul used the same words as he instructed the believers in Galatians 6:7 (NASB) 7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.
In James 1:17-18 James affirms some wonderful truths for the early church, truths we can hold onto today.
Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.
In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures. God has a plan for the believers of the early church. Even though the way for them was difficult, his plan was realized. As a result we are here today, and the plan continues to unfold, as we join the multitude of believers who stand in faith.
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By WhyMilbankTrials and Temptations
As we continue to look at the letter James wrote to the Early Church, let me remind you of the contextual setting as is recorded in the Book of Acts. Following the birth of the church there was a period of explosive growth with thousands coming to faith. The followers of Christ were still living and worshipping in Jerusalem. James, the author of this letter was the leader of the Jerusalem church. Following the stoning of Stephen, one of the first deacons of the church, and the first martyr, there arose persecution of the church resulting in many believers fleeing Jerusalem to the surrounding regions and nations. As the pastor of the Jerusalem church, James had a burden for those who fled the persecution and wrote this letter of encouragement.
With that background, let's now consider the encouragement and instruction given to these early members of the church. As we do so, let's glean truths which are applicable for the believers today.
James 1:12-18 (NASB)
12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust.
15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. 18 In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures.
As we begin this week’s devotion, we find ourselves returning to the theme of trials James addressed in verses 2 - 5. The fact is all of us endure seasons of trials and temptations in this life. It is important that we understand the fact that we experience trials or temptations does not indicate there is a flaw or defect in our faith. The Apostle Paul said - 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NASB)
13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.
Since God, our Father knows our frame, remembering that we are dust, Psalm 103, and since trials are to be endured, and overcome, and since the Crown of Life is awarded those who pass the trials, let us remember, God is the One who gives us strength, and is our Deliverer from the trials of life.
We of course want to know why we are tried or tempted. Some have said the Lord sent the trial or the temptation their way to "test" them. However, that is contrary to what the Scripture teaches. James reminds the church which was scattered among the nations that God cannot be tempted by evil, and that He does not tempt anyone. We need to remind ourselves of this today, as we are inundated with temptations everyday.
If God is not the source of the temptation, then where does it originate? First, I would remind the listener Satan is the tempter. He tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden, and he tempted Jesus in the wilderness. However, we must take responsibility for ourselves regarding the matter of temptation. According to James, each one, (not just a few but all), is carried away and enticed by his own lust.
Temptation begins as a thought, when the thought is allowed to grow in our mind and heart, it moves from being a thought to an action which is sin, which then leads to death.
Illustration: David and Bathsheba -
One of my college professors illustrated this passage from James by saying: "You can't keep a bird from flying over your head, but you can stop it from building a nest in your hair.
James warns the believer not to be deceived. The Apostle Paul used the same words as he instructed the believers in Galatians 6:7 (NASB) 7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.
In James 1:17-18 James affirms some wonderful truths for the early church, truths we can hold onto today.
Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.
In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures. God has a plan for the believers of the early church. Even though the way for them was difficult, his plan was realized. As a result we are here today, and the plan continues to unfold, as we join the multitude of believers who stand in faith.