TRIALS AND TEMPTATIONS (James 1:2)
In verses 2-12, the temptations are what we might call holy trials or problems which are sent from God, and which test the reality of our faith and produce likeness to Christ. In verses 13-17, the subject is unholy temptations, which come from within, and which lead to sin.
We can rebel against these testings and trials of life (Hebrews 12:5) by adopting a spirit of defiance, boasting that we will battle through to victory by our own power. On the other hand, we can lose heart or give up under pressure (Hebrews 12:5). This is nothing but fatalism. It leads to questioning even the Lord's care for us. Again, we can grumble and complain about our troubles. Paul warns us against this in 1 Corinthians 10:10. We can indulge in self-pity, thinking of no one but ourselves, and trying to get sympathy from others. Or better, we can be exercised by the difficulties and perplexities of life (Hebrews 12:11).
In verses 2-12, the temptations are what we might call holy trials or problems which are sent from God, and which test the reality of our faith and produce likeness to Christ. In verses 13-17, the subject is unholy temptations, which come from within, and which lead to sin.
We can rebel against these testings and trials of life (Hebrews 12:5) by adopting a spirit of defiance, boasting that we will battle through to victory by our own power. On the other hand, we can lose heart or give up under pressure (Hebrews 12:5). This is nothing but fatalism. It leads to questioning even the Lord's care for us. Again, we can grumble and complain about our troubles. Paul warns us against this in 1 Corinthians 10:10. We can indulge in self-pity, thinking of no one but ourselves, and trying to get sympathy from others. Or better, we can be exercised by the difficulties and perplexities of life (Hebrews 12:11).
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