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More James commentaries
James 1:1-4
How to Profit from Trials
James 1:5-8
How to Deal with Trials
James 1:9-11
The Perspective of Rich and Poor
James 1:12-18
Loving God In Spite of Trials
James 1:19-25
Qualities Needed in Trials
James 1:26-27
Doers - Not Hearers Only
James 2:1-9
Beware of Personal Favorites
James 2:10-18
Faith is Proved by Love
James 2:19-26
Faith is Proved by Works
James 3:1-8
The Tongue that Needs Tamed
James 3:9-12
The Lips Need to Bear Spiritual Fruit
James 3:13-18
Heavenly Verses Demonic Wisdom
James 4:1-6
Pride Promotes Strife
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Loving God In Spite of Trials
James 1:12–18
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)
Lawyer and statesman Daniel Webster was a powerful orator who gave early evidence of his quick mind and way with words. One day Webster’s father, who was to be absent from home, left Daniel and his brother Ezekiel specific work instructions. But on his return he found the task … More
In this passage James reminds Christians who are going through trials that God rewards those who remain steadfast. The reward is twofold:
The question is, who is responsible when temptation comes? Man is always ready to shift the blame for his sins to someone else. This began with Adam (Gen. 3:12). However, James is saying that no matter what excuses we make, we have no one to blame but ourselves (vv. 13-15. We are not be deceived by other people (v. 16). Having established the fact that God is in no way responsible for man’s sin, James declares that God is the source of all that is good (v. 17). There are many secondary causes, but He is the original source of all the good that comes to us. Temptation to evil comes from elements which have their roots in man’s own heart. Man surrenders his will to lust, conception takes place, and lust gives birth to sin (v. 15). God is not to be blamed; our fellow men are not to be blamed; not even Satan is to be blamed. Sin has its roots in ourselves, and we must bear full responsibility for it. This new life is the source of power that will help us live for Him (v. 18).
Application
Did you ever hear a child say “He made me do it"? As an adult I may say “The devil made me do it.” The truth of the matter is “I chose to do it.” It is easy for me to do a good thing in a bad way. Is it wrong to pass an exam? Not normally. But if I cheat in order to pass - then it is.
James 1:12-18 (English Standard Version)
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
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