Tempted - James 1:13
No one should accuse God of being the one who
tempted them. Though the word James uses for “test” and “tempt” is the same, it holds different meanings in different contexts. God
tests his people, but he never
tempts them. Testing has spiritual growth as its goal; tempting has sin as its goal.
How temptation works - James 1:14-15
James describes how temptation works. Temptation originates from within a person when
desire drags him away and entices him. Temptation never comes from God. It originates from our own desires, even good desires that are deformed by sin or from the devil (1 Pet. 5:8-9), who seeks to deceive and destroy us. If our desire for what is forbidden is fed or allowed to grow, it can overtake our will, which results in
sin. James used the imagery of conception and childbirth to illustrate how desire conceives sin, and sin conceives
death. Sin always results in death (Rom. 6:23), but Christ died to destroy sin and death, so those who trust him would be born again to a life of righteousness (cf. 1:18; 1 John 1:8-9). See
WCF 6.2-3;
WCF 17.3.
Good and perfect gift - James 1:16-17
Instead of temptation towards evil,
every good and perfect gift comes from God.
The Father of lights (1 John 1:5) imparts these gifts, even trials and tests, for our good, for our spiritual growth and flourishing. We can remain confident of God’s good purposes, because there is no
changing or shadow of turning in God (Ps. 45:6; Mal. 3:6; Heb. 13:8). God’s good character and good will never change. Though our feelings might change with our circumstances, God’s commitment to our good will not change.
Birth by the word of truth - James 1:18
James concludes this section by going back to the beginning of our life of faith, when God gave us
birth by the word of truth. This is what John, Peter and Paul called “new birth,” or regeneration (John 3:7, 16; Titus 3:5; 1 Pet. 1:3, 23). Furthermore, the
word of truth refers to the gospel about Jesus’ life, death, burial, and resurrection. By Christ’s life, God has made us the
firstfruits of his new creation. That is, the church is the first portion of God’s fruitful work to redeem
all of Creation. See
WCF 10.1-2.
Wise practices - James 1:19-2:26
In this section of the letter, James introduces the importance of listening and taking action rather than mere profession. The people of God must be known by wise practices that display God’s righteous and impartial character. While James takes up the image of a man looking into a mirror in order to clean up his act, Jesus used the image of a man building his house on a rock to remain stable in life’s storms. Both images are about how wisdom demonstrates the integrity of our words and deeds.
Hearing and doing - James 1:19-27
Take Action. While the Lord is concerned that his people know and believe the truth, he is just as concerned that their actions match their beliefs. Their faithfulness is demonstrated by their practice, righteousness, and expressions of loyal love in their relationships with Him, each other, and their neighbors.
Quick to hear, slow to speak - James 1:19
The wise Christian is
quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger. These character traits are hallmarks of disciples or learners. Such qualities are well attested in the proverbs of Solomon (Prov. 1:19; 14:39; 17:27). Patient turn-taking in conversation fosters understanding and promotes peace in the community. See
WCF 21.5
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