Let no man say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God,” for God can’t be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one. James 1:13 WEB
The epistle written by James, the brother of Jesus, begins with a greeting addressing the twelve tribes of Israel scattered throughout the world. He identifies himself as a servant of God and our Lord Jesus Christ. Immediately thereafter, James encourages his readers to understand the value of undergoing, resisting and overcoming temptation. We read in James 1:2-4, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you fall into various temptations, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. Let endurance have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. WEB”
James teaches the value of absolute faith when petitioning God in prayer. As God is good and only good, our faith too should be without wavering or doubt. In this, we understand that a man is sometimes tempted by evil to doubt God. James writes of this person in James 1:8, “He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. WEB” James teaches that this type of person should not expect to receive anything from God.
Resist the Devil
The main idea James communicates to his readers here is the maintenance of faith and trust in God even in the most difficult circumstances. When tempted by evil to lie, cheat, doubt the goodness of God, or to do any number of other ungodly things, it is an opportunity to prove our faith. These are opportunities to prove our obedience to God and devotion to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Tempted by evil, our trials either push us away from God or draw us closer to him.
Further, it is not God who tempts us. Rather, it is the enemy of God chiefly represented by Satan. When tempted by evil, our vulnerability lies in our own sinful nature. As God calls us to do good, spiritual forces of darkness attempt to draw us into lives of sin and despair. Knowing the difference between right and wrong, we can overcome temptation when we take refuge in God. As we read in James 4:7, “Be subject therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. WEB”
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the truth recorded in your holy word. Thank you for the strength of your presence in my life. Guide me to do your will on this earth. Help me to live in a way that pleases you. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Jesus Christ Is Lord
