12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. 18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.
Commentary
Vs. 12 Previously the Apostle James exalted the virtue of patience, saying if any of us lacks this critical virtue we should ask this of God. And so we found out that God also often works this into our lives by permitting trials in them. Then James went on to declare our need for wisdom, which again we should ask of God in faith, without doubting or hypocrisy, for truly God does not reward that, but He does give Godly wisdom to all who seek it by faith and so He will direct our paths in a Godly manner while we are in any trial of life. And so now James pronounces a blessing that the Lord bestows on all those who endure temptation, saying: "Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him." vs. 10
Thus the connection between God permitting trials in our lives, and building (or) proving our character through them is unmistakable. Since James uses the same word that was translated "trials" in verse two, and is here translated "temptation" in verse twelve. Similarly the word translated "endures" here in verse twelve is linguistically connected with the word translated "patience" that James used in verses three and four, being intimately connected with it in meaning (see TDNT, volume 4, page 581). Now the word James uses in verse twelve that is translated approved (Gr. dokimos) has some colorful undertones as it relates to us as believers being approved by God for enduring temptations. To quote from Enhanced Strong's: "In the ancient world there was no banking system as we know it today, and no paper money. All money was made from metal, heated until liquid, poured into moulds and allowed to cool. When the coins were cooled, it was necessary to smooth off the uneven edges. The coins were comparatively soft and of course many people shaved them closely. In one century, more than eighty laws were passed in Athens, to stop the practice of shaving down the coins then in circulation. But some money changers were men of integrity, who would accept no counterfeit money. They were men of honour who put only genuine full weighted money into circulation. Such men were called "dokimos" or "approved". Donald Barnhouse.
Thus God's goal in "testing" his children or allowing us to go through "temptations" (depending on the context, and thus how you translate the word) is not to cause us to become discouraged, or fall into sin, as James makes clear later. But rather it is to prove our faith and character. And so the Apostle Paul, like the Apostle James, also sees God's grand designs unfolding for us while we are in them, and thus he too finds much cause for rejoicing while in them. For it is by external pressure that a "lump of coal" is formed into a valuable diamond. And so Paul again is in agreement with James when he says "...but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope." Rom 5:3 Now the word Paul uses that is translated "character" in Rom 5:3 is the same word translated "approved" here in James 1:12. While the word Paul used that is translated "perseverance" in Rom. 5:3, is essentially the same word translated "endures" here in James 1:12, being the verb form of the noun. And so the congruity of thought between these two great apostles runs much deeper then one might first think. And so with all that done, let us go back and again and consider James opening exhortation: "Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. " Vs. 12
And so God's blessing comes on all who endure trials and temptations, for when we been approved, we will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Therefore we are called and equipped by God to endure temptations, not fold while we are in them, but with the Lord Jesus strengthening us by His Spirit within us, we are too endure with Him through them. So that we may receive at the end of our mortal lives, the crown of life. For truly this world in many ways is a "proving ground" for God's children until we finally get to go home to be with Him forever. For in this unregenerate world there is much evil and injustice; and thus hostility towards those who seek to live Godly lives is sadly the norm rather than the exception (2 Tim 3:12; Rev. 12:17). Yet with Lord Jesus Christ's regeneration of all things, Satan's tyranny in this world and his influence over it's people and affairs will forever end (Isaiah 65:17; 2 Peter 3:13; Rev. 20:10; 21:1-8 etc.). And so our lives here and now while we are in it, yet not of it, are to be lived in a state of "separation to Christ" in expectation of that Day (consider 2 Cor 6:14-7:1; 1 John 3:1-3; Rev 18:1-8, vs. 3-4). For it is the Lord Jesus Christ Himself who will bestow on every believer who endured temptation while here "the crown of life" as the supreme honor on all who remained faithful to Him and did not yield to this world and the Godless values of it. Now the crown of life that the Apostle James mentions here, is also spoken of the by the Lord Jesus Christ in Rev. 2:10 where in exhorting the ancient church in Smyrna, He says: "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." Thus every believer who endures temptation is blessed, and will be blessed, because when they have been approved, they will receive the crown of life. Which again is a honor that the Lord will bestow on each and every believer who endured temptations, and thus overcame the evil one. And so in this life though trials and tribulations, ridicule and mocking, and persecution, to lesser or greater degrees is more often than not the norm for those who live, and seek to live Godly lives (2 Tim. 3:12). Yet there will be a day when each and every believer who held fast to the Lord Jesus Christ and kept His commandments will be both honored as well as rewarded by Him.
Vs. 13-15 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.
Now the question of temptation and it's source in our lives. Though this may seem quite ambiguous at times. Yet the Apostle James sees no ambiguity as to its source. Attributing it too neither the devil, (who though he strives to tempt us, is not the source of our being tempted) nor is it our loving Father (who will, as already shown, test us at various times, same word) but He will not as some have misunderstood the Lord's prayer tempt us to sin against Him, as the Apostle James clearly states here: "Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone." vs. 13
Thus the source of temptation in our lives is our own desires. For too even consider the One who first saved us from our sins as the possible originator of sinful temptations in our lives is utterly ludicrous. Yes the Lord's prayer specifically states that we should pray "lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one". But temptation there is not of God tempting us with evil, rather Jesus' Words are instructing us too petition the Lord not to bring us into times of testing that we cannot endure, or at least not endure without Him, (thus it is a prayer declaring our need for Him, as well as our dependence on Him), while the second half of the prayer is calling us to petition Him for our deliverance from the evil one. Therefore we should never presume upon doing this ourselves, or for anyone else. That said, God does not forsake us to either temptations or Satan, (consider Heb 12:1-6; 13:5). Rather as the Apostle Paul states God is faithful to always provide a way of escape so that we might be able to endure it. "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." 1 Cor 10:13
Thus temptation, is never said to be removed from our lives simply because we believe in Jesus. Rather God restricts both the intensity and or the duration, while providing a way of escape for us. Thus we are given the Scriptural promise of God's help, who will always provide a way of escape for us, so that we can endure or escape every temptation that we will face in this life. Which can take innumerable forms from literally fleeing, too forsaking those "friendships" or relationships or things or places that are clearly detrimental to our well being and thus our being faithful to the Lord. Same with what we yield our eyes, hands, and heart too. If we know we have a weakness in a certain area of life then clearly it is not wise for us to try too "entertain" it. Since as James warns here, each one of us is tempted when we let our own desires (i.e. strong longings, fleshly lusts, sinful passions etc.) draw us away and we are enticed, and thus when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. And so the progression is self-evident to us all because we have all experienced it. Therefore it is our responsibility to avail ourselves of God's provisions for us and not keep on a path that will only lead to our own ruin and death.
Does this then mean we will go through this life with out ever falling? I don't think so. For we will all stumble to lessor or greater degrees, and by this some will be refined and purified in their faith. And so God gives us the promise of His forgiveness and cleansing when we confess and forsake our sins (1 John 1:9). Thus when we fall He chastens us when we need chastening, or He strengthens us when we need strengthening, or He encourages us when we need encouraging. According to each and every circumstance which we go through and which He understands perfectly, God always has our best interest at heart. And so here in these verses the Apostle James is rebuking our natural tendencies to divert responsibility from ourselves and instead blame God for our yielding ourselves too our own desires (Gr. epithymia). And so in the New Testament, as TDNTA indicates, "NT statements about epithymía belong to the message of repentance and self-denial. epithymía is impulse, lust, or anxious self-seeking. It shows us what we really are. Even after reception of the Spirit, it remains a danger."
Again it is ones own sinful desires that first tempts one, and snares one, if one yields themselves to them. Just as God told Cain back in the beginning when He said to him, "If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it." Gen. 4:7 Thus the responsibility for our behavior lies with us, not God.
Vs. 16-18 And so, having exposed our natural tendencies to blame God for our yielding ourselves to our own sinful desires. The Apostle James now tells us not to be deceived, my beloved brethren (vs. 16). For as he says "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. 18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures." vs 17-18
Thus evil in our hearts and lives does not originate with God, it originates with us. And that is both the current state, as well as the collective story of humanity apart from the life of God. But that is not the end of the story, as the Apostle James goes on to say, for "every good and perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning." Therefore God knowing our condition did not leave us to our lost and separated state. Instead in the fullness of time He sent forth His only Son Jesus Christ to both pay our sins penalty, by His own death on a cross. But also through His Son, God brings us to life by His Holy Spirit indwelling us, which occurs the moment we believe in Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:13-14). So that by His first having made atonement for all our sins, He could bring us to Spiritual life and restore us too a right relationship with Himself through the Perfect gift of His Son Jesus Christ. For as James says, "Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures." Vs. 18
Thus our salvation has it's origins in God, in His Word, just as every good and perfect gift does. For God does not "vary" or "turn" like the shadows which the sun casts on the earth. God's Eternally Good and Perfect Character never ceases, nor does He change (Malachi 3:6). Therefore if anyone seeks Him in faith they will find Him and have from Him, eternal life, the Greatest and Most Perfect Gift of all, given to us all, through His Son Jesus Christ.
I don't know where you are at today, but I do know this. That God loves you and He wants the best for you. And this He will do for you when you see your need for Him and come home to Him by faith in Jesus Christ. For every good and perfect gift from God ultimately begins with His Son, first receiving His Son, then obeying His Son. For that is what God requires of us, to both believe in Him and obey Him through His Son Jesus Christ. For it is only then that we find both our purposes in this life as well as the meaning for our lives, and thus His blessing in our lives, when we follow Jesus.
If you have not yet received the Lord Jesus Christ you can, by a simple prayer of faith you can invite Him into your heart and life to be your Lord and Savior, and thus you too can have remission of all your sins and everlasting life the moment you believe in Him (Eph. 1:13-14). Therefore if you believe and want to receive the Lord Jesus Christ, simply pray something like this: "Dear Lord Jesus I believe in You, and want You to be my Lord and my Savior, therefore I now invite You into my heart life, trusting only Your crucifixion death on the cross for all my sins remission, in your name Lord Jesus amen. "
Scripture Citations
Commentary
Vs. 12 Previously the Apostle James exalted the virtue of patience, saying if any of us lacks this critical virtue we should ask this of God. And so we found out that God also often works this into our lives by permitting trials in them. Then James went on to declare our need for wisdom, which again we should ask of God in faith, without doubting or hypocrisy, for truly God does not reward that, but He does give Godly wisdom to all who seek it by faith and so He will direct our paths in a Godly manner while we are in any trial of life. And so now James pronounces a blessing that the Lord bestows on all those who endure temptation, saying: "Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him." vs. 10
Thus the connection between God permitting trials in our lives, and building (or) proving our character through them is unmistakable. Since James uses the same word that was translated "trials" in verse two, and is here translated "temptation" in verse twelve. Similarly the word translated "endures" here in verse twelve is linguistically connected with the word translated "patience" that James used in verses three and four, being intimately connected with it in meaning (see TDNT, volume 4, page 581). Now the word James uses in verse twelve that is translated approved (Gr. dokimos) has some colorful undertones as it relates to us as believers being approved by God for enduring temptations. To quote from Enhanced Strong's: "In the ancient world there was no banking system as we know it today, and no paper money. All money was made from metal, heated until liquid, poured into moulds and allowed to cool. When the coins were cooled, it was necessary to smooth off the uneven edges. The coins were comparatively soft and of course many people shaved them closely. In one century, more than eighty laws were passed in Athens, to stop the practice of shaving down the coins then in circulation. But some money changers were men of integrity, who would accept no counterfeit money. They were men of honour who put only genuine full weighted money into circulation. Such men were called "dokimos" or "approved". Donald Barnhouse.
Thus God's goal in "testing" his children or allowing us to go through "temptations" (depending on the context, and thus how you translate the word) is not to cause us to become discouraged, or fall into sin, as James makes clear later. But rather it is to prove our faith and character. And so the Apostle Paul, like the Apostle James, also sees God's grand designs unfolding for us while we are in them, and thus he too finds much cause for rejoicing while in them. For it is by external pressure that a "lump of coal" is formed into a valuable diamond. And so Paul again is in agreement with James when he says "...but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope." Rom 5:3 Now the word Paul uses that is translated "character" in Rom 5:3 is the same word translated "approved" here in James 1:12. While the word Paul used that is translated "perseverance" in Rom. 5:3, is essentially the same word translated "endures" here in James 1:12, being the verb form of the noun. And so the congruity of thought between these two great apostles runs much deeper then one might first think. And so with all that done, let us go back and again and consider James opening exhortation: "Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. " Vs. 12
And so God's blessing comes on all who endure trials and temptations, for when we been approved, we will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Therefore we are called and equipped by God to endure temptations, not fold while we are in them, but with the Lord Jesus strengthening us by His Spirit within us, we are too endure with Him through them. So that we may receive at the end of our mortal lives, the crown of life. For truly this world in many ways is a "proving ground" for God's children until we finally get to go home to be with Him forever. For in this unregenerate world there is much evil and injustice; and thus hostility towards those who seek to live Godly lives is sadly the norm rather than the exception (2 Tim 3:12; Rev. 12:17). Yet with Lord Jesus Christ's regeneration of all things, Satan's tyranny in this world and his influence over it's people and affairs will forever end (Isaiah 65:17; 2 Peter 3:13; Rev. 20:10; 21:1-8 etc.). And so our lives here and now while we are in it, yet not of it, are to be lived in a state of "separation to Christ" in expectation of that Day (consider 2 Cor 6:14-7:1; 1 John 3:1-3; Rev 18:1-8, vs. 3-4). For it is the Lord Jesus Christ Himself who will bestow on every believer who endured temptation while here "the crown of life" as the supreme honor on all who remained faithful to Him and did not yield to this world and the Godless values of it. Now the crown of life that the Apostle James mentions here, is also spoken of the by the Lord Jesus Christ in Rev. 2:10 where in exhorting the ancient church in Smyrna, He says: "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." Thus every believer who endures temptation is blessed, and will be blessed, because when they have been approved, they will receive the crown of life. Which again is a honor that the Lord will bestow on each and every believer who endured temptations, and thus overcame the evil one. And so in this life though trials and tribulations, ridicule and mocking, and persecution, to lesser or greater degrees is more often than not the norm for those who live, and seek to live Godly lives (2 Tim. 3:12). Yet there will be a day when each and every believer who held fast to the Lord Jesus Christ and kept His commandments will be both honored as well as rewarded by Him.
Vs. 13-15 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.
Now the question of temptation and it's source in our lives. Though this may seem quite ambiguous at times. Yet the Apostle James sees no ambiguity as to its source. Attributing it too neither the devil, (who though he strives to tempt us, is not the source of our being tempted) nor is it our loving Father (who will, as already shown, test us at various times, same word) but He will not as some have misunderstood the Lord's prayer tempt us to sin against Him, as the Apostle James clearly states here: "Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone." vs. 13
Thus the source of temptation in our lives is our own desires. For too even consider the One who first saved us from our sins as the possible originator of sinful temptations in our lives is utterly ludicrous. Yes the Lord's prayer specifically states that we should pray "lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one". But temptation there is not of God tempting us with evil, rather Jesus' Words are instructing us too petition the Lord not to bring us into times of testing that we cannot endure, or at least not endure without Him, (thus it is a prayer declaring our need for Him, as well as our dependence on Him), while the second half of the prayer is calling us to petition Him for our deliverance from the evil one. Therefore we should never presume upon doing this ourselves, or for anyone else. That said, God does not forsake us to either temptations or Satan, (consider Heb 12:1-6; 13:5). Rather as the Apostle Paul states God is faithful to always provide a way of escape so that we might be able to endure it. "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." 1 Cor 10:13
Thus temptation, is never said to be removed from our lives simply because we believe in Jesus. Rather God restricts both the intensity and or the duration, while providing a way of escape for us. Thus we are given the Scriptural promise of God's help, who will always provide a way of escape for us, so that we can endure or escape every temptation that we will face in this life. Which can take innumerable forms from literally fleeing, too forsaking those "friendships" or relationships or things or places that are clearly detrimental to our well being and thus our being faithful to the Lord. Same with what we yield our eyes, hands, and heart too. If we know we have a weakness in a certain area of life then clearly it is not wise for us to try too "entertain" it. Since as James warns here, each one of us is tempted when we let our own desires (i.e. strong longings, fleshly lusts, sinful passions etc.) draw us away and we are enticed, and thus when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. And so the progression is self-evident to us all because we have all experienced it. Therefore it is our responsibility to avail ourselves of God's provisions for us and not keep on a path that will only lead to our own ruin and death.
Does this then mean we will go through this life with out ever falling? I don't think so. For we will all stumble to lessor or greater degrees, and by this some will be refined and purified in their faith. And so God gives us the promise of His forgiveness and cleansing when we confess and forsake our sins (1 John 1:9). Thus when we fall He chastens us when we need chastening, or He strengthens us when we need strengthening, or He encourages us when we need encouraging. According to each and every circumstance which we go through and which He understands perfectly, God always has our best interest at heart. And so here in these verses the Apostle James is rebuking our natural tendencies to divert responsibility from ourselves and instead blame God for our yielding ourselves too our own desires (Gr. epithymia). And so in the New Testament, as TDNTA indicates, "NT statements about epithymía belong to the message of repentance and self-denial. epithymía is impulse, lust, or anxious self-seeking. It shows us what we really are. Even after reception of the Spirit, it remains a danger."
Again it is ones own sinful desires that first tempts one, and snares one, if one yields themselves to them. Just as God told Cain back in the beginning when He said to him, "If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it." Gen. 4:7 Thus the responsibility for our behavior lies with us, not God.
Vs. 16-18 And so, having exposed our natural tendencies to blame God for our yielding ourselves to our own sinful desires. The Apostle James now tells us not to be deceived, my beloved brethren (vs. 16). For as he says "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. 18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures." vs 17-18
Thus evil in our hearts and lives does not originate with God, it originates with us. And that is both the current state, as well as the collective story of humanity apart from the life of God. But that is not the end of the story, as the Apostle James goes on to say, for "every good and perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning." Therefore God knowing our condition did not leave us to our lost and separated state. Instead in the fullness of time He sent forth His only Son Jesus Christ to both pay our sins penalty, by His own death on a cross. But also through His Son, God brings us to life by His Holy Spirit indwelling us, which occurs the moment we believe in Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:13-14). So that by His first having made atonement for all our sins, He could bring us to Spiritual life and restore us too a right relationship with Himself through the Perfect gift of His Son Jesus Christ. For as James says, "Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures." Vs. 18
Thus our salvation has it's origins in God, in His Word, just as every good and perfect gift does. For God does not "vary" or "turn" like the shadows which the sun casts on the earth. God's Eternally Good and Perfect Character never ceases, nor does He change (Malachi 3:6). Therefore if anyone seeks Him in faith they will find Him and have from Him, eternal life, the Greatest and Most Perfect Gift of all, given to us all, through His Son Jesus Christ.
I don't know where you are at today, but I do know this. That God loves you and He wants the best for you. And this He will do for you when you see your need for Him and come home to Him by faith in Jesus Christ. For every good and perfect gift from God ultimately begins with His Son, first receiving His Son, then obeying His Son. For that is what God requires of us, to both believe in Him and obey Him through His Son Jesus Christ. For it is only then that we find both our purposes in this life as well as the meaning for our lives, and thus His blessing in our lives, when we follow Jesus.
If you have not yet received the Lord Jesus Christ you can, by a simple prayer of faith you can invite Him into your heart and life to be your Lord and Savior, and thus you too can have remission of all your sins and everlasting life the moment you believe in Him (Eph. 1:13-14). Therefore if you believe and want to receive the Lord Jesus Christ, simply pray something like this: "Dear Lord Jesus I believe in You, and want You to be my Lord and my Savior, therefore I now invite You into my heart life, trusting only Your crucifixion death on the cross for all my sins remission, in your name Lord Jesus amen. "
Scripture Citations
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