In verse 9-11 of the book of James, he establishes the principle we talked about in the last post about servanthood and humility being the highest position in the Kingdom.
v. 12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
In addition to the maturity and completeness that comes from persevering under trials (v.4), he/she will also receive the crown of life. It’s so challenging to live for what we can’t see in this world. We strive to get temporary satisfaction and rewards but God wants to gift us with something far greater. The reward in heaven by far outweighs early accolades.
v. 13-15 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
The trials mentioned in James 1 are different than the temptation that James mentions in the portion, starting with verse 13. What is temptation? Temptations are the evil desires that we as humans have. It’s actually inborn.
Psalm 51:5 Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
Romans 3:10 As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one..”
But here’s the bottom line, when we are tempted, we still don’t have to give birth to sin. Here’s how I look at it, desire needs to be “conceived” and for conception to occur, there has to be an action…I know, it’s a weird way of thinking about scripture but stick with me. We don’t have to take action on things that may ‘tempt’ us. We can stop or eliminate those desires from dragging us into action.
Jesus modeled that for us in Matthew 4, when he fights the tempter (the devil) with the Word of God. He basically lived out James 4:7, where it says “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Matthew 26:41, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
How do we keep ourselves from falling into temptation? By submitting to God, being watchful, and praying. Then, resist the devil with the Word.
The neat thing is that God doesn’t bring about temptation but he always makes a way for us to get out of it. Isn’t that like God? He’s watching out for us.
1 Cor. 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
Everyone goes through temptations. There’s not one temptation that is uniquely designed for each person… we all go through the same things. I think this is a great reminder to talk to those around us, learn from other mistakes, and ask for help.
v. 16-18 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
I believe when it says ‘not to be deceived’, it’s clearly stating that I shouldn’t be fooled in thinking I have what I have because of me, my hard work, or my abilities. Every good and perfect gift is from God. Over time, I’ve realized that every perfect gift from God, isn’t void of pain or purpose. Sure, I can categorize my new car or my house as good gifts but more often than not, some of God’s best gifts come through my toughest experiences. It gives me the gift of understanding, gratitude, maturity, and more. However, if I understand that every gift comes from God, I know that I will not lack because he doesn’t change! I don’t have to fear of not having what I need. The same God that took care of me yesterday can provide for me today.
Then it goes on to say that we are like firstfruits of creation. What does that even mean? Well, in the Bible, it talks about how we ought to give our firstfruits to God – it’s what belongs to him. Welcome to the concept of tithing!
Proverbs 3:9 says, “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops..” There are so many verses that talk about bringing the firstfruits of our crops, animals, wealth to the house of God. But there are also verses in the New Testament that talk about us being the firstfruits of those that he redeemed. We are the firstfruits of his creation – among all that he created, he set us aside to be solely for him.
Questions to Consider:
- Do we live for the rewards given by man or heaven? What draws us to do so?
- How are we setting ourselves up in the face of temptation?
- Does our life reflect our faith and trust in a God that provides?
