Temptations and Trials

Introduction:

James:

There are several men named James mentioned in the New Testament, but reliable tradition assigns this book to the one called James the Just, the half-brother of Jesus (Matthew 13:55) and the brother of Jude (Jude 1), who led the church in Jerusalem (Acts 15:13).

Other men mentioned in the Bible named James include:

James, brother of John and son of Zebedee, the first apostle martyred and also known as James the Less (Matthew 10:2, Mark 15:40, Acts 12:2).James the son of Alphaeus, another of the twelve disciples (Matthew 10:3).James, the father of the “other” apostle Judas (Luke 6:16).

Yet the writer of this letter is the same James who received a special resurrection appearance of Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:7).

1 Corinthians 15:7 NKJV

7 After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles.

This was probably the cause of his conversion, because up to that time the brothers of Jesus seemed unsupportive of His message and mission (John 7:5).

When he did follow Jesus, he followed with great devotion. An early history of the church says that James was such a man of prayer that his knees had large and thick calluses, making them look like the knees of a camel.

It also says that James was martyred in Jerusalem by being pushed from a high point of the temple. Yet the fall did not kill him, and on the ground he was beaten to death, even as he prayed for his attackers.

Theme:

James’s primary theme is living out one’s faith, being a doer and not just a hearer of the word. This theme is developed in view of the social conflict between rich and poor and the spiritual conflict between faction in the church. James rebukes his readers for their worldliness and challenges them to seek divine wisdom in working out these problems and getting right with God.

Purpose:

The audience is certainly Jewish Christians (1:1)

James 2:2 (NKJV)

2 For if there should come into your assembly (synagoge) a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes,

The dispersion is probably meant to be both literal as well as metaphorical, then these a group of Jewish Christians house churches outside of Israel, which fits the situation of persecution and poverty in the letter.

As a result of the troubles, conflict has entered the churches, and they have splintered into fighting factions. More importantly, some have fallen into a worldly lifestyle and have failed to put their faith into practice, which results in them being “double-minded,” wavering between God and the world.

Key Themes:

God is seen as a gracious giver, the unchanging Creator, merciful and compassionate, a Judge, the one and only God, a jealous God, a gracious God, and a healing God.

Wisdom comes “from above” and enables one both to withstand trials and to bring peace rather than discord.

God allows tests and trials, but temptation comes not from God but from self and Satan. The required response is patient endurance.

The primary trial James tackle is poverty and oppression from the rich.

Future judgement and rewards prevalent through the book.

The power of the tongue to destroy or to bring peace, heavy focus in the middle of the book.

There is a mandate to go further than just hearing the Word of God to living it out in daily conduct.

Prayer is the proper response to trials, but it cannot be self-seeking. Prayer is a crucial aspect for life. God also has great power to heal, both physically and spiritually.

Faith, in regards to both works and justification, doesn’t contradict but supplements Paul’s teaching. James and Paul are truly united in teaching that justification comes only by the grace of God through faith but will of necessity result in works.

II. Temptations and Trials: The Basic Facts, 1:2–27

A. The Needed Attitude Toward Trials and Temptation: Joy, 1:2–4

1. Embrace Trials with Joy (1:2)

Understanding that trials test your faith.

Seeing trials as opportunities for growth.

Romans 5:3–4 NKJV

3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope.

2. The Testing of Faith Produces Perseverance (1:3)

Perseverance as a crucial element of spiritual maturity.

Trials build endurance in believers.

1 Peter 1:6–7 NKJV

6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,

3. Let Perseverance Finish Its Work (1:4)

Maturity and completeness in faith.

Becoming well-rounded and lacking nothing spiritually.

Hebrews 12:1–2 NKJV

1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Yet, trials can prove a wonderful work of God in us.

“I have looked back to times of trial with a kind of longing, not to have them return, but to feel the strength of God as I have felt it then, to feel the power of faith, as I have felt it then, to hang upon God’s powerful arm as I hung upon it then, and to see God at work as I saw him then.”–Spurgeon

B. The Way to Conquer Trials and Temptation, 1:5–12

1. Ask for Wisdom (1:5)

Seeking God’s wisdom to navigate through trials.

God gives generously to all without finding fault.

Proverbs 2:6 NKJV

6 For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;

2. Believe and Not Doubt (1:6-8)

Faith without doubting leads to stability.

The double-minded person is unstable in all their ways.

A wave of the sea is a fitting description of one who is hindered by unbelief and unnecessary doubts.

A wave of the sea is without rest, and so is the doubter.

A wave of the sea is unstable, and so is the doubter.

A wave of the sea is driven by the winds, and so is the doubter.

A wave of the sea is capable of great destruction, and so is the doubter.

3. Perspective on Wealth and Humility (1:9-11)

The humble exalted and the rich humbled.

The transient nature of earthly wealth.

1 Timothy 6:17–18 NKJV

17 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share,

4. The Crown of Life (1:12)

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial.

Promise of the crown of life to those who love God.

Revelation 2:8–10 (NKJV)

8 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write,

‘These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: 9 “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

C. The Origin of Trials and Temptation, 1:13–18

1. God is Not the Source of Temptation (1:13)

God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone.

1 Corinthians 10:13 NKJV

13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

2. Understanding Temptation (1:14-15)

Temptation comes from our own evil desires.

Desire leads to sin, and sin leads to death.

Galatians 6:7–8 NKJV

7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.

God sometimes allows great tests to come to His people, even some who might be thought of as His favorites.

We think of the hard command He gave to Abraham (Genesis 22:1), and the affliction He allowed to come to Job (Job 1-2).

Other times He may send tests as a form of judgment upon those who have rejected Him, such as sending a spirit to bring deception (1 Kings 22:19-23) or departing from a man and refusing to answer him (1 Samuel 28:15-16).

Yet in no case does God entice a person to evil.

“Satan tempts: God tries. But the same trial may be both a temptation and a trial; and it may be a trial from God’s side, and a temptation from Satan’s side, just as Job suffered from Satan, and it was a temptation; but he also suffered from God through Satan, and so it was a trial to him.”–Spurgeon

3. Every Good and Perfect Gift (1:16-17)

God is the source of all good and perfect gifts.

The unchanging nature of God.

Matthew 7:11 NKJV

11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

4. The Word of Truth (1:18)

God chose to give us birth through the word of truth.

We are a kind of firstfruits of all He created.

1 Peter 1:23 NKJV

23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever,

D. The Preparations Necessary to Withstand Trials and Temptation, 1:19–27

1. Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak, Slow to Become Angry (1:19-20)

Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.

Effective communication and restraint.

Proverbs 17:27 NKJV

27 He who has knowledge spares his words, And a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.

2. Getting Rid of Moral Filth (1:21)

Accepting the word planted in you, which can save you.

Removing all moral filth and evil.

Ephesians 4:22 NKJV

22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts,

3. Doers of the Word (1:22-25)

Not merely listening to the word, but doing what it says.

The blessing in doing the word, not just hearing it.

Matthew 7:24–25 NKJV

24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.

“I fear we have many such in all congregations; admiring hearers, affectionate hearers, attached hearers, but all the while unblest hearers, because they are not doers of the word.”–Spurgeon

4. True Religion (1:26-27)

Keeping a tight rein on the tongue.

The NT never uses the Greek word for religious in a positive sense ever. (Acts 17:22, 25:19, 26:5, Col 2:23)

Looking after orphans and widows.

“The Biblical Ritualism, the pure external worship, the true embodiment of the inward principles of religion is to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep ourselves unspotted from the world. Charity and purity are the two great garments of Christianity.”–Spurgeon

“True religion does not merely give something for the relief of the distressed, but it visits them, it takes the oversight of them, it takes them under its care; so episkeptesthai means. It goes to their houses, and speaks to their hearts; it relieves their wants, sympathizes with them in their distresses, instructs them in divine things, and recommends them to God. And all this it does for the Lord’s sake. This is the religion of Christ.”–Clarke

“While women weep, as they do now,

I'll fight

While little children go hungry, as they do now,

I'll fight

While men go to prison, in and out, in and out, as they do now,

I'll fight

While there is a drunkard left,

While there is a poor lost girl upon the streets,

While there remains one dark soul without the light of God,

I'll fight-I'll fight to the very end!”–William Booth

Keeping oneself from being polluted by the world.

Micah 6:8 NKJV

8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?

“There is no book with so lofty an ideal of what life may become when it is yielded to the grace of Christ. A cleansed heart, and an unspotted robe; no sin allowed and permitted in the soul, and no evil habit allowed to dominate and enthrall the life.”–Meyer

Numbers 6:24–26 KJV 1900

24 The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: 25 The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: 26 The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.