TRIALS AND TEMPTATIONS James 1:12-15
by Al Sanders
W HEN WE STUDY GOD’S WORD we need to realize that there are some words which have been trans lated the same in English. Actually, however, they are vastly different in the original. Such is the case with “temptation” which has two meanings in James 1:12-15. In one form or an other the word appears seven differ ent times in these three verses. Temptation does not always imply a solicitation to evil or an enticement to do wrong. In 1:12 we find the statement, “Blessed is the man who endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” The individual who patiently endures testing, for this is what is meant in the original, is to be considered “well off” or in a fa vorable condition, it appears to the world as a paradox. This contented state is the possession of the one who accepts his trials and burdens pa tiently, knowing that the Lord’s grace is sufficient for every need. An other interesting point is the fact that our word “endure” comes from pa tience in the original. Isn’t it true that when difficulties come, we seem so ready to get upset, discouraged, and perplexed instead of patiently waiting upon the Lord? Some time ago when we were mov ing our office to the Biola Campus from our former location I had two of our three children helping me. One was 8 and the other 12 at that time. Each would see who could carry the heavier load to impress their daddy. I would give them the things to carry out, such as books and the like. Care fully they scrutinized what each other was doing. My son Jimmy was just heading for the car with a stack of things when he met his older sister on the way back. She said to him, rather disdainfully, “Is that all you can carry?” Proudly he continued on
his way, calling back over his shoul der, “Daddy knows how much I can carry.” I had to smile at that. Think ing of the trials, frustrations, diffi culties and problems all of us must face, we can say with assurance of heart, “God knows how much of a burden I can carry.” We also see that the believer who endures testing through the grace of God will receive the crown of life. Ultimately, then, here is the reason why the one who patiently endures trials may be considered well off. We must always keep the end view in mind. Would you be envious of a man who is able to order anything he wants, such as filet mignon, roast pheasant under glass, pressed duck, lobster on the half shell, or some other rare delicacy? Why should he be so fortunate while we have to settle for beans or macaroni? Would you still be envious, however, if you knew that this man is actually a condemned pris oner on death row? As his last re quest on earth he may order anything he chooses. He will have only a few short moments to enjoy it. Which one of us would want to trade places with him? This is what James is telling us. As we look at the believer, we consider him “blessed” or “well off” because of the end view: a crown of life is wait ing for him. James 1:14 tells us, “Every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.” “Enticed” is a fisherman’s term. It speaks of the bait being snapped up eagerly by the hungry fish, with no thought of the consequences. Some thought comes to us and it enters our hearts as the hook in the fish’s mouth. Spiritual de feat is the certain result. How blessed it is to realize, however, that every temptation overcome in the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, means being drawn closer to God. In the long ago ancient warriors used to believe that 18
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker