Trials and Temptations James 1:1-18 Part 1

 


Read James 1:1 – 18

The book of James was most likely written to the early Jewish believers. This is partially due to the use of the phrase, “The Twelve Tribes.” It is believed to have been written by Jesus’s brother James, prior to 50 A.D. because there is no reference to the controversy over Gentile circumcision, but also, because of it’s use of certain Hebrew and Greek words.

James writes and addresses the readers as brothers to show that although he has many rebukes for them, he is admonishing them in brotherly love.

In verse 2 James directly refers to Christ’s teachings in Matthew 5:11 when he tells the reader, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds…” James goes on to say that the reason for joy is that trials test your faith and develop perseverance. We must learn perseverance in order to attain maturity of faith. God wants us to draw close to Him and when we go through trials we learn to rely on God and learn where our focus should be. Not on the trial you are going through but on the goodness of God and the eternal reward when He returns.

James reminds us that when we are going through things we should turn to God and seek wisdom; God will always provide it for the earnest believer. Wisdom will help you see the “joy” in the midst of the trial. The wisdom we should seek is not just man’s information but insight into the wisdom God gives us in His Word.

The next few verses seem to again refer directly to Christ’s teaching in Matthew 21 and Mark 11. Mark 11:22-24 says, “And Jesus answered them, ‘Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, “Be taken up and thrown into the sea”, and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” James compares the doubter to a wave in the sea. Someone who doubts can be swayed by those around him and is “double-minded”. They will be uncertain and hesitant in their decisions. God wants us to have confidence in Him and to trust that, in love, He will give us all we need. Ephesians 4:12-14 says, “to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we reach unity in faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.” The Bible clearly teaches us that God wants us to grow in maturity of faith and to trust God’s Word. We must have confidence when we pray for the things He promises He will provide.

Verse 9 and 10 may seem confusing but rather simply put, the Christian who suffers from poverty and the trials that come with it are to be proud and joyful in these trials as they can bring him closer to God. On the other hand, there are trials and temptations that come with wealth so the rich man, too, can be brought closer to God by the trials that could weigh him down. The rich man will have to fight many temptations and can easily be destroyed by them. Like a flower burnt by the sun, his faith can easily be burned up and die. He must be humble and not think highly of himself or take credit for the gifts God has given him. The Bible is full of references to how difficult it will be for rich men to keep their faith and be saved.

Looking at verse 12, we again see a reference to the beatitudes in Matthew 5, but also back to verse 4. Here we see another reason we must persevere. Those who persevere are blessed and will receive the crown of life God has promised. An interesting note is that the word used for crown is a Greek word that was used for the wreath placed on the head of victorious athletes or military leaders. Just like they received the wreath on their head after making it to the finish line or the end, so, we too, will be crowned upon the completion of our earthly “race”.

Along our journey we will be tempted and as sinful beings we often try to blame others for our sins. Verse 13 tells us that not only can God not be tempted; He also does not tempt anyone. We cannot blame God for our sin. 1 John 2:16 says, “For all that is in the world – the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life – is not from the Father but is from the world.” Satan and the world will try to tempt us, but God never will. Our text goes one step further when it says, “but each one is tempted, when by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.” The world may try to tempt us, but it is our own sinful desires that lead us to sin. Once we give in to the evil desires, we commit sin and sin will ultimately lead to an eternal death.

On the other hand, we can easily be deceived into prideful thinking and believe we attained the good things in our lives. We must remember that “Every good and perfect gift is from above.” (James 1:17a). God is unchangeable and is the only source of good. It is only through God’s saving grace that we, like the early Christians, are reborn. Just as the first fruits of the field indicated that the harvest would be plentiful, so the early Christians indicated that many Christians would come afterwards that would also be reborn.

James clearly writes to teach the readers about Christ’s teaching. He warns that there will be temptations and trials but if we persevere, we will become mature in faith and receive the gift of salvation. We must confidently pray for wisdom as we are the source of our own evil desires, not doubting, but trusting in God. God is the source of all good; our own hearts and the world around us are inclined to evil. So, pray for wisdom and seek God first in times of trial and temptation. If you ask for wisdom, in faith, God will grant you what you need to fight against temptation and make it through the trials.


1. Think about perseverance. What does this look like? When going through trials what is your attitude? 

2. God promises us wisdom if we ask for it, think of a prayer you can pray when in the midst of trials to ask God for what He promises in His word so you'll be prepared when trials do come.

3. What can you do to grow in maturity of faith?

4. What can you be joyful about in the midst of trials? What can you focus on that will help you through the trials?

5. Are there sins in your life that you blame on others? Do you accept responsibility for your sinful desires and sins?

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