Trials – a context for Joy or Sin?
The notes by Joel Beeke in Reformation Heritage Bible on James 1:2-3, 12–15 are helpful.
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience…”
Believers are to respond to trials with joy, not because of the pain of the trials, but because of what God works through them (Rom. 5:3–5).
“Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.”
It seems that some of James’s readers were finding fault with God. When we are overwhelmed by trials, our hearts can quickly blame God, either secretly or openly. Though it is true that God tests people (Gen. 22:1), God does not tempt as the Devil does, so as to make us sin. God’s tests are always done with the aim of purifying or sanctifying His people. When we fall into temptation, it is through our own lust, or sinful desire, that we are led astray. God is not the author of sin.
“Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.”
Sin begins within, in our hearts and wills, and only then comes to expression in our lives. Those who imagine that their body makes them sin are turning James’s progression around. The root of all sin lies in the heart of man (Gen. 6:5; Mark 7:21–23).