Having dealt with external trials, James turned his focus on internal temptations. Like it or not, everyone faces temptation. Both the terms “trials” and “temptations” are derived from the same root word. We can see it in this way: the purpose of trials is to bring the best out of a believer and help a person reach maturity. However, if instead of bringing the desired outcome, it produces flaws, then it has become a temptation instead. This would destroy that person. In these verses, James introduced to us not only the source of temptation but also the process and the result of temptation. In it, he also gives believers some perspective concerning God.
In verse 13, James began by stating strongly that God is never the source of temptation. He asserted that when facing a temptation, no believer should say God is the source of that temptation. Two reasons are given to support his assertion. Firstly, God cannot be tempted by evil. A righteous God has nothing that would make Him unrighteous. There is absolutely nothing in His holy righteous character that evil can appeal to. Evil can never influence Him. Secondly, God does not tempt anyone. In other words, God never dangles any bait before a believer till he or she is enticed to sin. In this verse, he pointed to the true source of temptation. He said it lies in man himself and it could be traced to the inner lustful desire within him. This is inherent in man’s nature since Adam’s fall.
In temptation an enticement would first come before a person to distract him or her. But here, James gave the process in reverse. In verse 14, he showed that a tempted person would first be distracted to stray from the right track before he could be lured into partaking in what appears desirous. Using the language of gestation and birth, James showed the process of temptation and its result. In the birth of a human baby, there must be conception and formation of a fetus in a woman’s womb before a baby could be born. In the area of temptation and sin, lust must first be consummated then sin, the fetus would be formed. When sin becomes full bloomed, it would result in death.
In the midst of their trials and temptations, believers might be deceived into thinking that God sent adversities into their lives. So James affectionately tells us believers, as his beloved brethren, that this is not true, and then gave us some perspectives of God. His intention is to call believers to rely and fully trust in the wonderful God. Firstly, he shows the generosity of God. He is good and the Giver of every good and perfect gift. Secondly, he appeals through the character of God. He is the Father of Light and darkness does not exist in Him. He also has a changeless nature and unlike shifting shadows, this God remains constant.
Furthermore, James said, in His purpose, God “brought us forth” meaning He initiated our new birth. The agent that brought this about is the Word of truth. Besides, God also makes believers His first fruits. In using the term “first fruits” to describe believers, James wants us to know that we are God’s very own and we belong to Him. This idea of the “first fruits” is an Old Testament concept. In the Old Testament, God said that all firstborn of His people, their cattle as well as the first produce of their vineyard, etc. had to be set apart for Him as they belonged to Him.
Beloved, we belong to God so we can really rely on Him in life’s toughest moments. Be assured that He will never fail or forsake us. So be strong and persevere with Him in trials or temptation.
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