May 11 – James 1:9-18
Process of Temptation
We learn a lot regarding the place of the rich and the poor before God in verses 9-12. Both poverty and riches bring enormous pressure on a person to focus on the world rather than on Christ. James encourages the poor to boast about their high status in Christ. In contrast, James encourages the rich to boast in their humiliation by realizing that their wealth is temporary and that it brings them no advantage before God, and by helping them identify with the poor in their affliction.
Given the context, James seems to be saying that the challenges of poverty and wealth may be one of the greatest “trials” for Christians, as would be suggested by his immediate emphasis on the “blessed” status of those who remain steadfast under trial. The reward for those who endure receive a “crown on life.” The reward for faithful perseverance is eternal life, with all its abundant blessings. The temptation in life is to believe that God alone is not enough. James shows us how testing/trials can become places of temptation. One of the primary reasons God brings trials into our lives is to help us become more like Jesus. (See Philippians 3:10-11). This is how followers of Jesus grow but it is important to note that God never tempts us to sin because he never desires his people to sin. Christians should never blame God when they do wrong since God cannot be tempted with evil, and he is unreservedly good, he would never entice human beings to sin or seek to harm their faith.
Temptation, according to James, has the power to draw us away from spiritual maturity in Christ, it can rob us of confidence in the gospel.. That’s why Peter tells us from 1 Peter 5:-8-9 to be “sober-minded”, to be alert that our great enemy, the devil, seeks to devour us by tempting us to think that there is good apart from Jesus. Tempted to believe the lie that he is not good enough. Temptation, when its intended cycle is completed, gives birth to sin, which matures over time and bears death. This dramatic depiction shows the terrible result when one gives into temptation.
Tim Keller writes “Tests come from God, but temptation or the enticement to sin comes from what’s inside of our hearts. Every trial is a test that can move you toward the crown of life, but it can also push you toward death. To deal with temptation we must deal with our underlying desires and reorient them to a new love”
James makes a profound observation that every good gift and every perfect gift comes from God. We have to see God’s goodness that in our trials, God is not tempting us to sin, but difficulties in life are intended to strengthen and perfect us and make us more like God. God’s intentions for them are always for good. God is unchanging in his character and therefore in his giving of good, unlike the variation of the night changing to day or the shifting shadow caused by the sun or moon. Here is the good news from verse 18, God brought us forth by the word of truth. This speaks to the reality of spiritual salvation, with “us” meaning believers, the “word of truth” being the gospel, and “birth” (that is, from the womb) being a metaphor for the new birth.
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Discussion questions
– Could someone read James 1:1-8 for us?
– What stands out to you in the passage?
– What particular temptations and spiritual dangers would a person in “humble circumstances” face? How might you overcome these temptations and dangers?
– What particular temptations and spiritual dangers does a “rich” person face? How might you overcome them?
– This passage distinguishes between “trials” and “temptations.” What do you think the difference is between the two?
– James says that we get “enticed” by sin. Another writer has said that, in temptation, “Satan shows the bait and hides the hook.” Still another says,“Every temptation is accompanied by the lie, ‘You need this to be happy.’” Have you found this to be true in your own experience? Explain.
– What is the end product of falling into temptation? How does this serve as a warning to you?
– What truths do you cling to most after you have fallen into temptation and sin?
– What motivations does this passage give for standing firm under tests and temptations? Do they motivate you to walk in obedience? Why or why not?
– What temptations are you facing now where you need strength to endure and trust God’s goodness? Take time to pray for one another in these areas.