In James 1:12-18, we discover teaching on God’s promise of the crown of life to those who stand the tests of life, our problem with sin, and God’s solution, leading us to victory. James writes, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:12). To be blessed is to be filled with joy and fulfillment. God promises that the steadfast will be blessed and receive the crown of life. To those willing to “fight the good fight” for Jesus’ sake, they’ll discover an abundant life awaiting them from the very hand of God.
God promises that the steadfast will be blessed and receive the crown of life, but we have a problem. We read, “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God,’ for God cannot be tempted with evil, and He Himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death” (James 1:13-15). So the problem we have is sin.
James shares two things about God in verse 13. First, God can not be tempted with evil. Then, God does not tempt anyone. Further, he describes the downward spiral of sin. First, we are tempted when we are drawn by our own wrongful desires and lusts. Second, we are enticed by sin. Third, when lust conceives, it gives birth to sin. And finally, when sin is fully grown, it brings death. This is a real problem since “the wage of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).
We should be thankful that the passage does not end with bad news but good news – God’s solution. James writes, “Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures” (James 1:16-18). The solution is found in that every good we need is found in, and from, God.
J. Alec Motyer declares, “If anything is to be done, God must do it; if any blessing or change is to come to us, it must come from outside; if any agency is to be at work, it must be other than ours, for we are dead.” Paul shares that God has indeed offered this great work to us. He writes, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). Those who give themselves to sin, not receiving Christ as Savior and Lord, will die both physically and eternally. In contrast, those who place their faith in Christ for salvation are assured eternal life. This offers good news, indeed.
I have already shared the downward spiral of sin. Let me share the upward spiral of salvation from sin. Paul writes to the Corinthians, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). The believer does not just have hope for the future, but hope for today over sin. We learn first that every temptation that we face is common to others. You might feel alone in your temptation, but others have faced similar temptations. Second, God is faithful. The importance of realizing God’s faithfulness can’t be overstated. Third, we must believe God will not allow us to be tempted beyond our ability to stand. And, fourth, and finally, God will make a way of escape so that we can bear the temptation. Even when believers face morally confusing situations, they should never think they have no options other than sinful ones. God always provides a morally right solution and the power to take it.
Our trust must be in the Lord. We must walk in the Spirit rather than lusting in the flesh (our sinful inclination). We must keep our minds and focus on the Lord. In short, we need to keep our eyes on Jesus, depending on His strength, wisdom, and power. He will give us victory in this life and ultimately in the life to come. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!