Lesson 17 June 23

James Chapter One

1:12 "Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial for after having been approved he will receive the crown of life which the "Lord" has promised to those who love Him."

Observations:

1. Being blessed, having inner happiness, contentment does not mean being free from trials, tests and pressures in life.

2. We are not to hope that with spiritual growth maturation that tests will become non-existent.

3. The promise here of blessing in eternity should provide motivation, stimulation for living life now.

4. This reward is only for those who stand approved.

James on the subject of Temptation 1:13-16

In 1:13-14 we see the source of man's temptation.

God is not responsible for our failures!

Let no one say when he is tempted

Tests - are for our advantage; regardless of the source - CHP'S, CIRCUMSTANCES OF LIFE, FROM DEALING WITH OTHERS OR DIRECTLY FROM GOD. (ALL EXTERNAL) growth 1 Pet. 1:6-7

TEMPTATION - Source is First INTERNAL - from the flesh - SIN NATURE with all its trends, lust patterns - strengths - weakness; all in opposition to the will of God.

Prin: TO BE TEMPTED IS NOT A SIN - MUST ACT ON THAT TEMPTATION.

DIFFERENCE between tests and temptation is that a temptation is a solicitation to commit sin while testing is not a solicitation to sin but is a challenge, how are you to react to some situation.

I am being tempted by God

* The tendency of the sin nature is to blame others for one's own failures - its much easier than taking responsibility.

Proverbs 19:3 also sheds light on this

Prin: No test or temptation is inherently stronger than our spiritual resources. People fail and sin because they willingly sin, fail to use the resources available to them in grace. 1 Cor. 10:13

NOW James GIVES TWO REASONS WHY YOU CAN'T BLAME GOD FOR OUR FAILURES.

First

For God cannot be tempted to evil

What James is saying very strongly here is that God with emphasis on His integrity is unsusceptible to evil, evil in any form never has an appeal for Him, it is always repugnant and abhorrent to Him.

This characteristic of God stands in sharp contrast to the character of the pagan gods that were worshipped by many of the day.

The Second Reason

And He himself does not tempt anyone

Never will God solicit anyone to violate His expressed +R standards.