Daily Writing

Friday, 14 June 2019

But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. James 1:14

James has been speaking of enduring temptation, and that anytime someone faces tempting it cannot be attributed to God. As he said, “God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.” Therefore, the question is, “If God isn’t tempting me, then where is the temptation coming from?” The answer is that “each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.”

More correctly the word translated as “drawn away” is a present participle. It should read, “is being drawn away.” Likewise, the word translated as “enticed” is also a present participle. It should read, “is being enticed.” James is noting the progression of what is occurring in the person.

Here, James uses a word found only in this verse in Scripture, exelkó. It means “to draw out of the right place,” and thus to entice. It is a metaphor brought in from those who hunt and fish. Hunters may use a dead animal to lure an animal out of its den, or a fisherman may use a handmade fly or some other bait to lure a fish for the catch. This type of idea is what James now transfers to the tempting of man.

Our own desires are like a lure, enticing us and drawing us away. Once the lure is set, and the bait has been gone after, man is drawn away to his fate. Therefore, although the temptation is based on something external, it is an internal force which impels us. Therefore, God – though He is the Creator of all things, and thus the Source of all things – cannot be held responsible for the temptation which arises. Rather, man goes beyond the divinely established parameters and falls into sin on his own.

To see this actively portrayed in Scripture, take time to read the words of Proverbs 7:6-27. There, you will see a poor young soul lured in by the trap, who then finds himself caught in it because he followed the enticement of his appetite instead of following the word of God which is able to keep him from the sad path he set his feet upon.

It should be noted that the word “desires” comes from the Greek epithumia. It is used in both a good and a bad way elsewhere. For example, Jesus said, “With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.” One can have great desire for a thing and not be sinning. Therefore, it is a matter of the heart which is being considered here. God looks upon the heart and discerns between right desires and those which are sinful.

Paul uses this term in Romans 7 to explain how the source of such desire is stirred into action –

“What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, “You shall not covet.” ⁸ But sin, taking opportunity by the commandment, produced in me all manner of evil desire. For apart from the law sin was dead.”

As one can see, the source of the desire is within. The law merely brings it forth. Paul speaks elsewhere of the law written on the heart (Romans 2:15). In this, we see that there are moral laws written within us, and there are laws given which are external to us. The laws establish parameters which are set, and which then highlight the nature of the desire. Jesus’ desire (mentioned above) was within the parameters of what is allowed. However, when one steps outside of those parameters, the condition of his heart is shown forth as sinful. James will reveal this more clearly in the coming verse.

Life application: Can you remember someone blaming God for his misfortunes? Have you ever done this? It is inappropriate to ascribe evil or evil intent to God. Rather, our life and circumstances result from happenstance (read Ecclesiastes for a better understanding of this); from the devil and his demons; or from our own bad decisions. God intends only good for us, but He allows us to follow the paths of our own making.

In the end, this shows us the great mercy of God. Despite our evil desires leading us astray, God is willing to forgive us in Christ Jesus – if we call out to Him. In addition to this, God is willing to leave us here and to continue to make mistakes even after our salvation. This is so that “that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:7).

Even after coming to Christ, we fail to please God again and again. When we stand in His presence and see His majesty, we will forever sing His praises. First He saves us, and then He continues to put up with us! Let us attempt at every turn to be pleasing to Him – not gratifying the evil desires of our heart, but standing firm in Him. Rather than being dragged away by sin, let us be ever anchored to the strong and mighty Rock, who is Jesus Christ our Lord!

Lord God! Thank you for enduring us, even when we at times follow our own wayward actions. Yes, even when we are enticed and dragged away by our sins, You will have mercy upon us. But Lord, keep us from willful sin. And when we fail You, we have the surety that Jesus’ precious blood covers our misdeeds. What a wonderful God You are for giving us forgiveness through Jesus! Amen.

Thursday, 13 June 2019

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. James 1:13

James continues on with the matter of temptation, as in a trial which could lead one to fall short of what is right. In such a situation, he says, “Let no one say.” Nobody has a right to do what he will state in this verse, and so no one should even think about uttering such a thing, thus bringing such a false accusation towards God. The state in which he is referring to is “when he is tempted.” The word signifies to make proof of something. It can be a test or a temptation, and it is the context which determines which is being referred to. In this case, it is speaking of being tempted. In such a case, the person should not say, “I am tempted by God.”

The idea of being tempted is to allure one away from what is right. The sense of the Greek is “from God,” not “by God.” In other words, it is not speaking of God directly tempting someone, but rather by any type of temptation which could proceed from God. Matthew 4:1 makes this evident –

“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.”

God will not be the active source of temptation. This doesn’t mean that temptation may not come, but it is not within the working of God to actively say, “I will tempt this person into sin.” Rather, the coming verse will show us where the source of that temptation lies. For now, James simply goes on to show that it is impossible for God to tempt someone with the words, “for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.”

Albert Barnes states, “The object seems to be to show that, in regard to the whole matter of temptation, it does not pertain to God.” There is nothing in God that would actively bring such a thing about. As the Creator, He is incapable of being tempted because all things are from Him and belong to Him; there is nothing by which He can be tempted. He is perfectly complete in Himself. The fact that temptations exist does not mean that they are a part of His intentions for us. This, however, does not mean that they are not unknown to Him. What is certain is that if the will of God is followed exactingly, then being seduced by temptation is excluded; it can be completely overcome.

For example, in the Garden of Eden, there was enough abundance that Adam and Eve could have gone on forever and ever without being tempted. Instead, they were tempted, but it was not by God. If they had stuck to His word, they would still be in Eden and enjoying their lives there today. As noted, how temptation is brought forth will be explained by James in his words to come.

Life application: We can’t blame God when we fall into sin – no matter what type of sin or what severity the sin is. Our temptation is not from God. Despite this, God is active in keeping us from greater temptation than we can bear –

“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 Corinthians 10:13

The source and the objects of our temptation are no greater than any other people experience. In addition to this, God always provides a way out of our temptation – such as when Joseph was tempted by Potipher’s wife. Therefore, if we fail to respond correctly and instead act on our inappropriate desires, we really only have ourselves to blame.

If you are being tempted by something right now, the best thing for you to do is to trust in God, pray for His help, and find the exit which the Bible promises God has already provided. Trust Him and His promises, and never accuse Him of being the One who has stirred up your evil desires.

Lord God, You word reminds us of our struggles. From it, we know what we should do, but we also know the temptations that we constantly face. Open our eyes to the avenue of exit You have already provided for us when such times arise, and keep us from the sins which will surely result when we act upon our temptations. Strengthen us according to Your great mercy. Amen.

Wednesday, 12 June 2019

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. James 1:12

James now returns to the subject of verse 2. There it said –

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials.

Now he says, “Blessed is the man who endures temptation.” The word used here, and translated as “temptation,” is the same as that used in verse 2 which said “trials.” In verse 2, James told his reader to view trials as an opportunity to grow in patience. Now, he looks to the reward which comes from rightly using that opportunity. In this, he says that he is “blessed” for enduring temptation. From there, he explains what that means beginning with, “for when he has been approved.”

This is not speaking of the actual time of trial, meaning when it is finished, but of the results of the trial. The individual endures temptation and he is found to have been faithful through it. In this, “he will receive the crown of life.” The Greek actually reads, “the crown of the life.” The only other time the term is used is in Revelation 2:10, and it is also used with the article, meaning “the crown of the life.”

These are references to the true life which lies yet ahead and which is promised to those who are found to be in Christ. The tone of James’ words makes it sound like one must endure to the end, stand approved, and then be given the crown based on the deeds of the life during the trials. In other words, one must personally merit the crown of life. But this is not so. Rather, he continues with the thought that those mentioned will receive the crown of the life “which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”

The one who loves Christ is the person who has received Him as the payment for their sins. They are given the gospel, understand its necessity in their lives to make them right before God, and who then have accepted that.

James’ words must be speaking in the broad sense of life’s trials, not anything necessary for being made right with God. Some people face very few trials, some face a lifetime of difficulty. To face life, however, is to face trials. There is only one way to get to the end of them, and that is to get through life. One cannot be approved until the trial is complete. Understanding this, it is what occurs during those trials – meaning receiving Christ – that one will show he “has been approved.” He has loved the Lord and has come to Him for restoration.

Life application: As is often the case with the Bible, and particularly the wisdom literature, what seems contradictory to us from a worldly perspective is what the Bible proclaims as that which is right. In our mortal bodies, we look at trials as something to distance ourselves from, hardships as undesirable, and pain as something to be avoided at all costs. However, the Bible puts these things in a different light and asks us to look beyond the immediate sensation to the purpose behind it.

Job, King David, Solomon, and others were tested in these ways and wrote about what happened. By referring to what they learned, we have a sound and reliable foundation upon which we can study and reflect on our own trials. James received his instruction from these great men through the writings of the Hebrew Scriptures, and he builds upon that foundation to help explain the Christian message in its fullness.

This is one of the reasons why it is so important to read your Bible. It has been building up and edifying the faithful believer for thousands of years, and it is a guide and a blueprint for the troubles of our lives.

James asks us to not only endure trials, but to consider them joyfully, even as pure joy. Do you have physical pains? Look at the experience, although painful, with joy. It could be worse than it is. Do you have financial troubles? They could always be worse. Are you facing family problems now? If you endure through them, your relationship may be strengthened at the end.

Whatever trial you are facing, face it with the knowledge that God allowed it into your life for a set time and for a good purpose. In the end, you will see the wisdom of what has occurred.

Lord God – You are sovereign and Your plans and purposes for our lives will come to pass whether we accept them or not. Because of this, help us to live joyfully in pleasure and in pain, in trial and ease, and in lack or abundance. May we understand that the trials have been given us to teach us something beyond the moment. This we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Tuesday, 11 June 2019

For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits. James 1:11

This verse, among more to come, is one reason that the book of James is equated with wisdom literature. The style of stating something and then repeating it in a poetic form is common in the books of wisdom. The previous two verses spoke of the humble being exalted while the wealthy are made lowly. As an example, he provides these words.

He does this by explaining the nature of the “flower of the field” that he referred to there. He said that, like that flower, the rich “will pass away.” To further define what he meant, he says, “For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass.” The style of the Greek, using the aorist tense, actually presents these words in a narrative form. Young’s Literal Translation shows this –

“for the sun did rise with the burning heat, and did wither the grass, and the flower of it fell, and the grace of its appearance did perish, so also the rich in his way shall fade away!”

It is as if an accomplished fact. The state of the rich man perished when “the sun did rise with the burning heat.” In the Greek, there is an article in front of “burning heat” which sets it apart as a particular heat resulting from the effects of the sun. With the coming of this burning heat, “it did wither the grass” (YLT).

The sun came up, and the grass could not bear up under its intense heat. The heat was strong enough to wither the flower before the sun had set. So it is with the rich man, whose life is as a passing day. In that day, “the flower of it fell” (YLT). The beauty of the flower in the first morning light, so delightful to the eyes, perished without hope. The effects of the heat were worked out in the death of this intricate and magnificent work of God. Jesus spoke of such things in Matthew 6 –

“Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; ²⁹ and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. ³⁰ Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?” Matthew 6:28-30

James continues by noting that, with the falling of such a flower, “the grace of its appearance did perish.” The colors of flowers are magnificent; they vary in size; they may have a certain smell; the number of petals and the shape of them is unique to each flower, etc. Each is a demonstration of the wisdom of God, and the intricacy of each is beyond finding out. And yet, as quickly as it opens and reveals its glorious appearance, it perishes. And like that temporary flower, with the grace it received from God, “so also the rich in his way shall fade away!” (YLT).

The comparison is intended to open the mind of those who think they are something special. Instead, they should realize that whatever they are is because God so ordained it. The life of the rich man will end, the money he possesses will pass to another, and life will continue on without him.

Life application: The wildflower, though complex and beautiful, is a temporary adornment of God’s earth. In the Mideast, there is a particularly destructive wind which comes out of the east which is known as the khamsin. It is exceptionally hot and dry. When it comes, everything is tested: man, animal, and plant alike. Even without the khamsin, the sun in the Mideast is direct and torturous. When it comes up, only the heartiest plants can endure the day. The wildflowers in particular – being in the direct path of the sun’s rays and the wind’s force – will not stand the extreme weather. Despite being elegant and colorful, they quickly fade away.

In comparison, a rich person is usually bathed in ease and comfort. Should any unusual external pressure or trial be brought on him, he will find it hard – if not impossible – to stand the heat.

On the contrary, the land also has cacti. Despite being largely ignored or shunned, they are hearty and can endure whatever nature inflicts on them. As an interesting comparison, the term for cactus in Hebrew, sabra, is applied to a native-born Israelite. Such a person has normally grown up in otherwise humble circumstances and can endure the trials and pressures of the difficult life in Israel much more readily. Are you a lovely but temporary wildflower, or are you a hearty although less beautiful cactus? If you are one of the lowly people of the world, rejoice in your exalted position. Jesus gives us life which is truly life. In His garden, we will be forever fresh and filled with life!

Lord, as Your people, we may not be beautiful or wealthy by the world’s standards, but we know that we are in Your eyes. Keep us safely in Your care, and fill us with Your life-giving water that we can withstand any test from the heat and pressure of life. Amen.

Monday, 10 June 2019

…but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away. James 1:10

Here we have the contrast to what the previous verse stated. Taken together, they read –

“Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, ¹⁰ but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away.”

Just as the lowly brother should glory in his exalted status in Christ, the rich should glory in his lowly status as a fallen being, redeemed solely by the blood of Christ. Thus, he should walk in humility and understand his lowly state. His riches had no part in his salvation, and they mean nothing in God’s sight. They are a temporary blessing from God which he is expected to handle properly. His lowly state is then compared to the “flower of the field.”

God made the flower of the field, and it is beautiful, but it is also extremely temporary. This is just like the rich. God endowed him with his state and, like the flower, “he will pass away.” He will die and return to the dust, just as the poor will.

In this verse, James builds on what is said in Isaiah 40 and on what Jesus said in Luke 12 –

“The grass withers, the flower fades,
Because the breath of the Lord blows upon it;
Surely the people are grass.
⁸ The grass withers, the flower fades,
But the word of our God stands forever.” Isaiah 40:7, 8

&

“Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. ²⁸ If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith?” Luke 12:27, 28

Wildflowers are extremely beautiful and come in an almost infinite number of sizes, colors, and shapes. They demonstrate God’s wisdom, gentleness, and love towards us; and yet they are so transitory that they pass away almost as quickly as they arrive. Their beauty lasts but a moment and then they return to the soil, making compost for the next generation of beauty to rise and be adorned by the morning dew. And this is what James compares the rich to. They are as lowly and transitory as the wildflower of the field. Just as God created the flower’s richness and beauty, so He granted some to be wealthy in this life. But even their wealth is fleeting and their lives are a mere breath. Israel’s wealthiest and wisest king, Solomon, understood this precept –

“Then I hated all my labor in which I had toiled under the sun, because I must leave it to the man who will come after me. ¹⁹ And who knows whether he will be wise or a fool? Yet he will rule over all my labor in which I toiled and in which I have shown myself wise under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 2: 18, 19

Life application: If you are poor, or if you are one of the many who are struggling with finances, remember that God ordained your life for His glory. Your continued faith through your temporary lack will be rewarded with eternal abundance in Christ Jesus. In the same manner, if you are in Christ, wealthy, and have been triply blessed, remember that your wealth will see an end and your life will fade into eternity – make sure your priorities lie in the eternal and not in the gold and silver you have here and now.

Surely Lord the lilies of the field reflect Your glory far more than we do. We fight for more money and more possessions rather than opening our hearts like flowers to praise You. Help us to be as beautiful as even the lowliest wildflower – reflecting Your majesty as we live our lives in Your perfect presence. Amen.