Episode 146 - "Endure trials, resist temptation!" - James 1:12-15

James 1:12   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. 13 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. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

Let’s begin this study with a look at verse 12. Clearly, this verse continues with the theme of “trials.” James began in verses 2-5 with the instruction that the purpose of trials is to test our faith. The testing of our faith is to produce steadfastness, with the ultimate purpose of God perfecting our character for His purposes. In short, God’s purpose in allowing us to experience trials is in our best interest. 

James tells us in verse 12 that the person who “remains steadfast under trial” is blessed. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the church of Ephesus, writes that God is “blessed.” It seems that if James' understanding and use of the word “blessed” are the same as Paul’s, James is suggesting that the person who has remained steadfast under trial is demonstrating that God is actively working in that person’s life. The blessed God is conforming this steadfast believer’s life to reflect God’s character. That would be consistent with the idea that God used these trials to make us complete. Furthermore, when the believer has withstood the test, “he will receive the crown of life.” (v. 12) What does this mean? The imagery of a crown in this time and culture likely refers to a victor’s crown, a symbol of accomplishment. It might be easy to interpret this simply as receiving eternal life. However, since this is speaking of believers who have already received eternal life, it would seem that this is a reward from God beyond the gift of eternal life. Regardless of the specifics, it is a commendation by God upon the believer for withstanding the trial. 

In verse 13, the topic shifts to that of temptation. This seems like a natural and important qualification by James because it’s during trials that we may be tempted to sin. For instance, under difficult circumstances, someone may want to curse God. When God allowed Job to be tested by the devil, Job’s wife encouraged Job to “curse God and die.” (Job 2:9) Job’s response to her was, “Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?” (Job 2:10) Job understood that it was God’s sovereign right to allow him to experience “evil” or trials in life as much as it was to give him the many blessings Job and his wife had received.

James has already established that God’s purpose in allowing us to experience trials in life is always for our good. Therefore, when he says, “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” (v. 13), James is clarifying that God never is seeking to make people sin. God is not sadistic. 

James continues by explaining that temptation comes when a person is “lured and enticed by their own desire.” (v. 14) This is the challenge we face in trials. Our flesh does not want to experience pain. Our pride does not want us to be humbled. Our pride and selfish desires provoke us to blame God when we should seek God’s help to endure the trials.

Notice how James draws a sharp contrast between trials and temptations in verse 15. Enduring trials results in a “crown of life.” Giving in to temptation results in death. 

Speaking about this last statement, I don’t believe James is suggesting that when a believer sins, they lose their salvation or eternal life. It was sin in the Garden of Eden that led to death. Obeying God leads to life. James’ point is to highlight the difference between enduring trials by trusting God rather than allowing temptation to arise within us and leading us to rebel and blame God.

Prayer: Lord, grant us strength and faith each day to trust that what you allow in our life is for our good.