03. A Biblical Perspective on Trials

Sermons on James 2009

James 1:2-18 (part 3)

Introduction

As Christians, we have a lot of varied experiences during our lives. That’s understandable, of course, when you consider that we are living like aliens in a foreign land—which is how God describes us. Among these multitude of experiences, however, there are certain issues that get repeated over and over again. One of those often repeated issues is our attempt to understand our circumstances when life is difficult, disappointing, frustrating, or even frightening. At such times, when our lives are disrupted in some very unpleasant manner, we struggle to accept what has come upon us, and we assume that God would have us simply accept what has happened. But, at the same time, we wrestle with a lot of questions—perhaps only in our own minds, but a lot of questions.

The situation I’ve just described is common for us. A large part of our Christian experience is reacting to circumstances that challenge us. Recognizing that this is, in fact, the case, we should not be surprised to find a lot of information in Scripture regarding this subject. Specifically, the Bible has much to say about how Christians are to react to adverse circumstances. As I’ve noted before, responding to happy and pleasing circumstances is not a challenge; the challenge is responding in a God-honoring fashion to sickness, death, financial hardship, stinging disappointment, frustration, and so forth.

Imagine you are one of a large number of people who have had to flee their homeland due to persecution. You have left behind friends, employment, and belongings. You have settled in a strange part of the world and realize this is where you are going to be for the foreseeable future. And you are a Christian, God is your heavenly Father, Jesus is your Savior and life, you think, couldn’t get much harder than it is right now. This would be one of those circumstances I just described, one of those times when life is turned upside down and you are forced to deal with a situation you never envisioned.

So, what is the first thing you do? The first thing you do is ask: “Why, Lord?” You want to know why this has come upon you. You aren’t complaining to God, but you are looking for help so you can cope with your situation. This is precisely what happens to believers every day—maybe nothing as dramatic as what I’ve just proposed—but believers are tested frequently and they have to become accustomed to handling adversity. That’s simply the nature of this fallen world in which we must live for a few years.

If you have been in a situation like this, or if you are in one right now, there is help. We have been looking at the first chapter of James for the past couple of Sundays and we’ve found his teaching on our trials to be invaluable. James is writing to some who were scattered about the Empire due to persecution that arose in connection with their faith. These folks have suffered and are continuing to suffer. They are asking the questions we all ask when we face the unexpected. They are wondering the same things we wonder in similar settings. They want to know how to handle what is unfolding.

James writes to these brethren and he gives them insight that is nothing short of remarkable. He tells them things about their trials that they had not known before. What he tells them helps them cope and helps them relax a bit. In probably one of the oddest declarations they’ve ever heard, James starts by telling them to count it joy when they encounter various trials! But the words of James are not empty rhetoric and not something we say to one another when we don’t know what else to say. James is absolutely serious. The question is: How can he say such things?

We know part of the answer because we’ve been examining these words. We know, for example, that James begins with that encouragement to be joyful in spite of testing because he wants to teach these believer the proper perspective on their trials:

2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Trials interrupt the normal routine of life and can shatter our confidence and disturb our comfort—we all know that. How could James expect these believers to maintain a joyful countenance when they were being persecuted and when they were seeing friends and loved ones abused, and when they knew that returning home was an impossibility? The answer is found in what follows that first exhortation: “knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” (v. 3)

James teaches that knowledge or understanding of the nature of trials permits the believer to face them and remain joyful. That means, therefore, that perspective is the key. Knowing that trials actually purify faith, James adds: “Let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (v. 4) Trials come to us periodically to advance our maturity with the goal of a whole and fully developed faith.

The first step, James says, is to gain that proper perspective; the perspective you are to have on trials is that they are designed for our good. God does not test us to destroy us, He tests us to refine our faith. Is that all James has to say, however? That is a lot, to be sure, but is there more helpful teaching here?

As a matter of fact, there is. James continues and writes about handling individual times of testing. In vv. 5-11, James teaches that we may gain insight regarding the purpose of a particular trial. He writes: “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God….” In context, James is still speaking of the trials being experienced by these believers. James is saying that if you do not understand why a trial has come upon you, you should pray and ask God for the wisdom to discern the purpose.

God will give wisdom to the believer who is being tested so that he might understand the purpose of a particular trial and, therefore, benefit from it more quickly and endure it more gladly. And please note that this exhortation is accompanied by the promise that: “God gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

Having discernment regarding our trials is a tremendously comforting gift from God. When we can see the end for which a trial has come, when we can understand what it is about our faith which needs refinement, then we can be thankful for trials, as James teaches.

Last week, in our study of vv. 9-11, we found an illustration of what James has just written. You’ll recall that James picks two extremes in the social order to illustrate the manner in which trials should be viewed and the positive results that trials accomplish. First, James speaks of “the brother of humble circumstances,” meaning a man of lowly condition, probably poverty-stricken. How does that brother respond to the trials of life? How does he react to the fact that God has ordained such trying circumstances?

James says that this man is to “glory in his high position.” Note that language: he is to glory in his high position. The word “glory” here means “to boast” or “to rejoice.” How can the poor brother “boast” in his poverty? And how can such a circumstance be called a “high position,” indicating that it is a place or condition of honor? The answer is found in the previous section. He is to rejoice and find cause for giving thanks, not in spite of his suffering, but because of his suffering. This brother knows that his testing is designed by God for his good; he knows that his trials are going to produce in him a complete faith, one that cannot be shaken by adversity.

By way of contrast, James next mentions a rich man. If the poor brother is to boast in his high position, then the rich man is to “glory” in his humiliation. (v. 10) Here, James offers a perspective on the trials which the rich man encounters. The rich man needs to learn the lessons that the poor man knows because trials are his life. The rich man faces the temptations that the poor man does not face. The rich man may very well come to count on his possessions or on his ability to provide abundantly for himself. Therefore, his trials are designed to humble him, while the needy man’s trials are designed to exalt him.

The rich man must remember, James writes, that “like flowering grass he will pass away.” The rich man must keep in mind that his many things will not endure any longer than he endures in this life. Therefore, the rich man’s boast or source of glory must be in something other than his wealth. James says he should boast in the humility that he learns from being tried by the Lord.

By citing these two examples, James illustrates how wisdom is to be found in the midst of trials. The brother of humble circumstances prays and discerns that he is, in fact, being exalted by his trials. The brother of considerable means prays and discerns that he is, in fact, being humbled by his trials. In both cases, what is caused by the trials is exactly what each man would need.

This brings us to the last part of this teaching on trials, but it is an extremely important section.

03. Distinguishing Between Our Trials and Temptations (vv. 12-18)

12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once 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 being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. 15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. 18 In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures.

In this section, James provides a much-needed correction to the thinking of many believers. He also provides answers to some of the most vexing questions we face regarding temptation and sin. Here, James distinguishes between trials, which have been his focus thus far, and temptations to commit sin, which we all experience. What is the difference?

Before answering this question, notice that James has one more thing to say about trials. He pronounces a blessing upon the man who perseveres under trial. Remember that earlier James explained that enduring trials or persevering through trials results in a complete faith, that is, a mature and stable relationship with God. Naturally, then, such perseverance brings God’s favor.

Therefore, James promises that the one who remains faithful through his trials—and let’s recall that he is writing to believers who are being severely persecuted—will “receive the crown of life” from the Lord. “The crown of life” is a symbol representing the end of the Christian race where we enter the safe and eternal presence of the Savior. This promise certainly was timely for these believers who were suffering. It is a promise to encourage and strengthen them as they endured hardship.

Most of us would agree that, when enduring something unpleasant, knowing that an end is definitely coming really helps us press on. If we are sick, we know that we’re going to feel better in a few days. If we strain a muscle, we know that soon the pain will lessen. In many of life’s experiences, the knowledge that the ordeal is eventually going to end really helps us endure. Much more trying than sickness or an injury of some type was the persecution being suffered by those hearing these words from James. He is encouraging them to endure, to persevere, to remain steadfast with the knowledge that one day, it will all be over and their faithfulness will bring great honor to God and great blessing to themselves.

With that timely encouragement, James turns his attention to a related issue, which is the nature of temptation. James envisions someone saying that God has ordained a temptation to sin. Imagine a brother at the moment of temptation; he concludes that God is tempting him to sin in order to test him. Such a brother has a wrong view of temptation, James teaches. This man clearly does not understand the nature of trials, as explained previously, and so confuses his temptations to sin with tests sent from God to refine him.

James has explained where trials come from and why God sends them. Trials come from God and are designed to sanctify us. Now James is going to explain where temptation to sin comes from and why it is improper to associate temptation with God.

If, in the course of our day, we find ourselves in a situation where we can choose to obey God or disobey God—that is, keep God’s Word or sin by violating God’s Word—then we are facing what the Bible calls temptation. Temptation is as common to our experiences as breathing. We face temptation of some kind throughout the day. We encounter temptation is all kinds of places—at home, at work, at church, when we are with other, and when we are alone.

We cannot escape temptation because it is one of the unavoidable consequences of living in a fallen system. While we are striving to walk in one direction, so to speak, this world is constantly pulling us in another direction.

What are we to make of temptation? First let me say that it is imperative to keep in mind that in this section, James is thinking of conditions that entice the believer to commit sin. This is not the same thing as a circumstance by which our faith is being refined. A temptation is an enticement, an allurement, or something that will result in sin if it is successful. This is the key difference. The nature of trials is such that they lead to our advancement in the faith.

The nature of temptations is such that they lead us to failure in the faith. The trials sent by God are created to draw us toward Him. The temptations we face are designed, we might say, to ruin our relationship with Him. It is ridiculous, therefore, James teaches, to suggest that temptations to sin originate with God.

Trials, as he taught, come from God. They are intended to mature us. They accomplish their goal when we patiently endure them. Temptations, on the other hand, that is enticements to blatantly sin against God, do not come from Him. James commands: “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God.’” (v. 13) Such a thought is absurd because God cannot be tempted by evil—James means that God is always true to His nature and it is God’s nature to be righteous—and, he adds, God Himself does not tempt anyone.

God does not deliberately put us in situations where we will have to battle against an impulse to sin against Him. God does not fight against Himself by ordaining contrary goals for His people. We are to be holy as He is holy and God advances us on that road to perfection by leading us through trials that refine our faith. If God were to put us in situations where we are tempted to sin, then He would be contradicting His own Word.

If temptations do not come from God, where do they originate? As James answers this question, he imparts to us knowledge that is certainly essential, but not pleasant: “But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust.” (v. 14) So, the brother who finds himself in a circumstance of temptation cannot blame God; he cannot, in fact, blame anyone. He must locate the source of his temptation in his own flesh.

The Bible warns us, exhorts us, and commands us to beware of our own sinful impulses. We are told plainly that, this side of heaven, we must contend with an extremely strong influence in our thinking and conduct, and that influence is our own flesh. Though conquered in Christ, the sinful impulses in us do not cease entirely. Until we are sanctified completely, which will happen when we depart this world and join God in heaven, we will have to deal with temptations that arise from within.

As I noted, this is not pleasant news to hear, but on the other hand, it does tell us something critical: If my temptation arises from my own flesh, I have a chance of controlling it. And that is the ongoing struggle every Christian engages in from the new birth to the final day of life on this earth.

James refers to one being “carried away” and “enticed” by his own lust. The word translated “carried away” (exelko) is a term that was used to describe the way in which hunters lured game out into the open. In particular, it was found in contexts where some ploy was used to get an animal to leave a place of safety and enter a danger zone. Our sinful flesh lures us into danger, as it were.

This is where temptation comes from—it comes from our own fallen natures. This is why, of course, temptation is such a constant element in our lives. We cannot escape our own flesh; therefore, we cannot escape this source of temptation.

As fallen creatures, we have a natural tendency toward sin. As soon as we are in a situation where there is an opportunity to disobey the commandments of God, our predisposition to sin (or “lust,” as James calls it) kicks in and immediately a battle ensues. There is a correct response and there is a sinful response. Our flesh pulls us toward the wrong thought, word, or action. This is temptation. And the truth is, we don’t even have to be in a situation as I’ve described; our lust can spring up at any moment in our minds and we can create temptations for ourselves “out of thin air,” so to speak.

James then traces the pattern that follows: “when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.” (v. 15) In this pattern, the moment of lust, the moment of determining which course will be followed, is the pivotal moment. We may find ourselves being pulled toward danger; our flesh might ache to engage in that evil deed. Until we have acted in accordance with the lust, there is still hope of victory.

It is then that temptation is in process. But, if we yield to the lust, sin is the result—sin always is the result and there are no exceptions. And, sin, of course, brings forth death. Every temptation is not only an opportunity to disobey God, but every temptation also is a brush with spiritual death.

Given this understanding of temptation, James reiterates an earlier thought: “Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights…” (vv. 16, 17) The nature of God means that it is impossible for Him to be responsible for what James has described. God is the source of “every good thing” and “every perfect gift.” He dwells in light and is, “the Father of lights.” God’s nature is that of openness and brightness and revelation; He is not associated with darkness or concealment or death. With Him, there is no deception or trickery.

It is this God of truth and revelation, this God of openness and lucidity who has “brought us forth by the word of truth,” James writes. He intends that “we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures.” (v. 18) The readers of this letter are reminded of God’s purpose in calling them to salvation. They are the beginning of the Church in Her post-Pentecost manifestation. God did not call them to be burdened and rendered inoperative by sin; He called them to resist temptation and prevail over the lust of their fallen natures.

With such instruction, James has covered these two major issues in the Christian life: the nature of trials and the nature of temptation. With this knowledge, these believers could rejoice in trials and give thanks, and, at the same time, remain steadfast in temptation knowing the source of their conflict and knowing what God had called them to be.

Do you realize how much the Bible says about this idea of enduring present distress in light of future deliverance? The first promise made by God after the fall concerned a future victory after a lengthy struggle between two lines of humanity. Think of Abraham who was told what would be the end of the work God was beginning with him. And the prophets speak numerous times about how God’s people, though suffering in the present, will one day enjoy incredible blessing and peace. These truths sustained God’s people. Knowing that God is accomplishing something glorious does, indeed, enable us to endure the present.

While in the midst of persecution and all manner of uncertainty, the readers of this epistle are given this wonderful exhortation. They now have a different perspective on their trials; they now know that God is with them and is refining them because He has ordained that they be among the redeemed of the earth. The suffering may continue, but the attitude toward their circumstances would never be the same after this.

Application

In conclusion, I’ll offer two principles that we can take from this passage. The first one is a review of previous verses and the second comes from the section covered today.

First, as I emphasized last week, trials come to all of God’s people from God. Today, you are suffering; tomorrow, it will be me. No one escapes trials because no believer is beyond the need of refinement. God ordains trials for all of us, regardless of our circumstances and regardless of our status. Trials refine faith and all faith needs refinement.

There is comfort in this, therefore, because we know that God does not “pick on” anyone, but tests us according to our needs. No matter who we are, James says we can greet trials with thanksgiving. Trials convince us of God’s love and His good intentions for us. Trials train us to depend upon Him, regardless of our position in life. God knows how to administer trials so that exactly the right thing is accomplished.

Second, temptations also come to all of God’s people, but they come from within. Too often, we react to temptation as if we are caught by surprise. “Where did that wicked thought come from?” or “What made me consider doing that evil deed?” The impulse to sin is a product of the natures we have as long as we dwell in this life. In systematic theology, we speak of “total depravity,” which is a term describing the extent of corruption in us as a result of the fall. This phrase indicates that all of man’s faculties have been corrupted; there is no part of our makeup unaffected by sin.

Out of that state of corruption and predisposition to disobedience comes a multitude of evil impulses. We will not be free from these impulses until we die. If we can get this truth firmly established in our heads, then we will be ready to deal with temptation.

James is giving you a powerful weapon to use against temptation. He is giving you knowledge. You know where temptation comes from, so you know how best to control it. If temptation comes because you are a fallen creature, then you do what you can to sanctify yourself in this life and that is how temptation is controlled. You fill your mind with the truth of God’s Word; you fill your time with the fellowship of God’s people and the pursuit of God-honoring goals; you fill your future with God’s blessings by seeking God’s will today and by uniting yourself to those who are like-minded. And you stay far away from anything that makes the challenge of a temptation more likely. I’m referring to those places and activities and thoughts that “feed” our depravity and provide the perfect environment for temptation to appear.

If you are tormented by temptation, you must look to yourself. You cannot blame God and you cannot blame others. You can win the battle against sin by immersing the source of your temptations, which is you, in the holiness of God. Temptation cannot thrive in a holy environment. Temptation is stifled in the presence of godliness. Temptation has no power where it has no opportunity. This is why your choices for friends, a church, hobbies, and entertainment are so important.

Let’s pray.

Hymn for the Lord’s Supper.

Conclusion

Jesus went to the cross to accomplish that which would have its full expression in the distant future. He went to the cross to pay for our sins and to ensure the salvation of a multitude chose by God before the foundation of the world. The gathering of that assembly is still in process today. We are reminded of the importance of faithfulness today in order to gain blessings later by this example of the Savior.

This sacrament puts before us the truth that Jesus endured the cross to guarantee a glorious future, one in which He will present to His Father the ransomed from the ages. Keep in mind this example of Christ as you struggle today. Your endurance does have a purpose and it will result in something good. We should be encouraged in this manner every time we share this sacrament. As long as we share it, we haven’t yet completed our journey. But one day, we will cease observing this sacrament because the journey will be over. Let that truth be your comfort and strength.

Matthew 26:26While they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” 27 And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; 28 for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins. 29 But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”