Jesus Defeats the Devil: The Battle of the Flesh

 

 MATTHEW 4:1-4

THEME: Jesus indisputably triumphs over Satan to show us how to live for spiritual priorities instead of succumbing to the temptations to live for physical satisfactions first and foremost.

RELEVANCE: Jesus is tempted so that every creature in heaven, on earth, or under the earth might know that Jesus Christ is the great Conqueror. This temptation is necessary to demonstrate His moral fitness to do the work for which He had come into the world. The devil will encourage us to adopt a value system that places an unhealthy emphasis on physical and material needs, but Jesus un-mistakenly points out our real priorities. In addition, He exposes Satan and his schemes, while crushing him most convincingly. Because of His victory, we can win against the tempter. 

INTRODUCTION:

From the high and holy experience of blessing at the Jordan, Jesus is led into the wilderness for testing. Yes, the Holy Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by the Devil. Jesus was not tested so that the Father could learn anything about His Son, for the Father had already given Jesus His divine approval.

Just as the first Adam met Satan, so the Last Adam met the enemy (1 Cor. 15:45). Adam met Satan in a beautiful Garden, but Jesus met him in a terrible wilderness. Adam had everything he needed, but Jesus was hungry after forty days of fasting. Adam lost the battle and plunged humanity into sin and death. But Jesus won the battle and went on to defeat Satan in more battles, culminating in His final victory on the cross (John 12:31; Col. 2:15).^[1]

Truly the Lord Jesus is a victor, winner, and champion!

John 12:31, Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.

Col. 2:15, And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. 

LESSON:

Jesus Defeats The Devil (Matt. 4:1-4):

Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan.

It may seem strange that Jesus should be “led up of the Spirit” into temptation (vs. 4:1). Why should the Holy Spirit lead Him into such an encounter? The answer is that this temptation was necessary to demonstrate His moral fitness to do the work for which He had come into the world. The first Adam proved his unfitness for dominion when he met the adversary in the Garden of Eden. Here the last Adam meets the devil in a head-on confrontation and emerges unscathed.^[2]

The word “tempted” has two meanings: (1) to test, try, prove, or to make proof of (John 6:6; 2 Cor. 13:5; Heb. 11:17); and (2) to solicit to evil—to entice to do wrong. The Holy Spirit along with the Father sought occasion to test, prove or demonstrate the high and unique quality of Christ’s nature and character. But, the “devil” sought to lure Him to do evil. God Himself is never personally responsible for temptations to practice sin (James 1:13), but here—as in the book of Job—God uses even satanic temptations to serve His sovereign purposes. The Scriptures record how Christ was tempted in all points but He remains free of sin (Heb. 4:15; 1 John 2:16). As typical of him, Satan appeals to our Lord with his favorite tricks, “the lust of the flesh” (vv. 2, 3); “the lust of the eyes” (vv. 8, 9); and “the pride of life” (vv. 5, 6).

The Attacks of the Adversary (Matt. 4:2-11)

After fasting forty days and forty nights, Jesus was hungry—famished from a necessary privation. The number forty in Scripture is frequently indicative of situations of testing or probation. This natural appetite of hunger, like so many others, provides the tempter with an advantage, which in many people he can exploit and manipulate. The Devil often perverts what God intended for good and uses it for evil. It is vital we understand this experience was absolutely necessary according to the Holy Spirit’s direction—a time of testing, endurance, and obedience until the tests are complete.  

Hebrews 5:8, Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;

THE FIRST ATTACK—THE TEMPTATION TO LIVE FOR PERSONAL NEEDS AND TO PROVIDE FOR YOURSELF INDEPENDENTLY OF GOD (Matt. 4:2-4) 

The Temptation of the Flesh (Matt. 4:2-3):

Satan challenges Jesus to change the stones into loaves of bread!

Matthew 4:2-4, And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. 3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. 4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. 

Satan suggests that Jesus use his miraculous power to convert the stones of the desert into loaves of bread. The words, “If Thou be the Son of God,” does not mean that Satan doubted who Jesus was. No, Satan knew full well and exactly who he was dealing with. Satan was actually saying, “Since You are the Son of God.” The devil is alluding to the words of the Father to Jesus at the baptism, “This is My beloved Son.” The devil accepted the statement as true and, called on Jesus to exercise His power to satisfy His hunger. You know, sometimes the idea of wanting a miracle comes from the Devil and not our Lord. Miraculous solutions are great to witness and sometimes escape from difficulty or suffering is the Father’s will. But, not always! Please note the following observations. 

To fulfill a natural appetite by using divine power in response to Satan’s encouragements is a direct act of disobedience to God. As Christians we do not take marching orders from the Devil! This is the same appeal Satan enticed Eve with in the Garden of Eden in Genesis 3:6 (“good for food”). John classifies this temptation as “the lust of the flesh” (1 Jn. 2:16). Our corresponding temptation is to live for the gratification of natural desires, to choose a pathway of comfort instead of seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness. The devil says, “You have to live, don’t you?” Instead of trusting God for all our needs, we sometimes reserve the right to control matters that relate to our legitimate needs. We must resist the desire to be controlling and self-sufficient. It is always right to depend on God, His way and timing.

Temptations to live to satisfy personal needs and desires presents a challenge to our love for God, involves doubts and questions relative to the love of God and proposes a path that rivals the will of God. “Since You are God’s beloved Son, why doesn’t Your Father feed You?” Why does He put You into this terrible wilderness?” This temptation sounded like Satan’s words to Eve in Genesis 3! It is a subtle suggestion that our Father does not love us. In affect Satan says, “If God loved his children then why does he allow them to suffer?” “Why doesn’t your Father shield you from all painful experiences?” If Satan can provoke us to doubt God’s love and care for us then we will find it difficult to trust Him with our needs and the timing for His provisions in our lives. We will pursue our own will and methods to secure whatever we feel we need in whatever ways that produce the desired results. Such independent behavior does not honor the Lord.

Still there is another suggestion from the Devil: “Use your divine powers to meet your own needs.” When we put our physical needs ahead of our spiritual needs, we sin. All needs do not have the same priority or gravity. Spiritual concerns are far more important than our physical concerns. Both of these areas matter to the Lord, but spiritual needs are clearly weightier in God’s economy. We cannot allow the Devil to dictate our values system. When we allow circumstances to dictate our actions, instead of following God’s will, we sin. Too many of us look no further than to the situation, circumstances, or natural conditions to make decisions, but life is to be sanctified unto the purpose and glory of God. Jesus could have turned the stones into bread, but He would have been exercising His powers independently of the Father; and He came to obey the Father (John 5:30; 6:38). When we use our abilities, talents, strengths and skills in a manner that does not acknowledge God’s will, we sin. My sweet mother use to emphasize how we must use our powers wisely—just because you can do something does not mean that you should. Too many of us justify greed, excess, avarice, gluttony, extravagance, and luxurious living because we deem these lavish extras as needs. 

The Triumph Over the Desires of the Body (Matt. 4:4):

People have greater needs than their physical life; we must feed on every word of God to satisfy the spiritual life needs as a first priority. When this is the case, we will have the spiritual understanding to make sound decisions concerning our needs. Jesus’ answer directs us to trust God to provide for our needs…He can speak and our supply will be available to us. Now note what Jesus did in response to the Devil to defeat him concerning this temptation in the area of the flesh. 

The Lord Quotes Deuteronomy 8:3, to Defeat Satan’s First Temptation.

All the commandments which I command thee this day shall ye observe to do, that ye may live, and multiply, and go in and possess the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers. 2 And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no. 3 And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live. 4 Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years. 5 Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the LORD thy God chasteneth thee.

When Israel was in a desert place and could not provide for their most basic needs, it was God who merely spoke and their needs were supplied. God gave them manna in the wilderness wanderings. Depending on God first and foremost for our physical needs must become our priority as well. Food is a need, companionship is a need, for some marriage is a need, a means of employment is a need, shelter is a need, and on the list goes. We must look to God to supply our physical and relational needs; we must not resort to compromise, shacking up, sleazy hock-ups, and lying on government applications to secure a social benefit.

We can follow God’s leadership and guidance obediently because we are confident of His love and care…we do not doubt that He will provide for our needs in His way and timing. We are less tempted to resort to lying, cheating, stealing, manipulating, or even working excessively to supply our needs independently of God. Remember, we can survive and be satisfied by the bread which God supplies, but bread acquired independently of God will leave you still wanting and longing for something more.

Jesus Answered The Temptation By Quoting Audibly The Word Of God to the Devil (Matt. 4:4). Matthew 4:4, But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

It is written (γέγραπται). The perfect tense. “It has been written, and stands written.” The first recorded words of Jesus after his entrance upon his ministry are an assertion of the authority of scripture, and that though he had the fulness of the Spirit. When addressing man, our Lord seldom quoted scripture, but said, I say unto you. In answer to Satan he says, It is written.^[3]

The Sword of the Spirit (Eph. 6:17) is the Word of God and here Jesus shows us how to weld this most powerful sword in spiritual combat! Yes, it is an offensive weapon when used properly by God’s people. Give the devil the pure undiluted Word of God; our arguments are not wise or cleaver enough to win the day. Use God’s Book; quote it to the wicked one. The imagery of a sword relative to the Bible, the Word of God, is a primary idea the Bible repeatedly highlights (Heb. 4:12; Rev. 1:16; 2:16; 19:15). It denotes examination, judgment, and warfare!

Jesus’ example instructs us to speak God’s Word with insight and practical application to everyday situations, temptations, and challenges. Yes, even at times directly to the Devil also to remind him where our loyalties lie. The disciples of our Lord followed this example of addressing devils directly with a keen and practical understanding of the Scriptures and to cast them out (Matt. 17:14-21). However this ability was not to be taken presumptuously, it was only honored when genuine faith filled disciples of our Lord were on His mission and executing His will (Acts 19:11-18).  

In addition, always maintain uppermost in your mind the very character of the Word of God. It is faithful (2Tim. 2:11), confirmed (Heb. 2:3; 2Pet. 1:19) and it endureth forever (1Pet. 1:24-25). You are always correct to trust God’s prescriptions for everything that ails this life or afflicts our experience!

Our Lord’s example teaches that we don’t have to live without physical hungers, but we do have to live to obey God! Getting bread or being filled with bread is not the most important thing in life. While full obedience to every word of God is truly paramount. We should hunger for righteousness and thirst for obedience far more than mere material provisions! Sometimes it is the will of the Father for us to be hungry or to go without whatever to train us to trust Him to supply our needs. God revealed Himself throughout the Scriptures as the Lord God Almighty who meets and satisfies our deepest needs and desires. He has not changed! W. MacDonald says, “Since Jesus had received no instructions from the Father to turn stones into bread, He would not act on His own and thus obey Satan, no matter how intense His hunger.”

CONCLUSION:

The Holy Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by the Devil, and our Lord indisputably triumphs over Satan’s temptation to live for physical satisfaction as our first priority. Jesus was tempted so that every creature in heaven, on earth, or under the earth might know that Jesus Christ is the Conqueror. Are you convinced of this truth? Have your convictions about the Lord Jesus being a winner deepened and advanced? 

You may recall also that this temptation was necessary to demonstrate His moral fitness to do the work for which He had come into the world. God still uses such testing and challenges to prove our fitness and demonstrate our readiness to lead! 

Matthew’s record of these events exposes Satan and his tactics. What have you learned about the enemy’s attacks and seductions? Finally, please do not miss the all-important lesson that because of Christ’s victory, we can have victory over the tempter as well. But how? Well… by understand that nourishing the soul with the written Word and obeying God’s Word supersedes consuming physical food or satisfying temporal needs. Exalt spiritual pursuits in your value system! Yes, accordingly God’s Book is our spiritual food. 

In closing consider and even meditate on the values and priorities of the Lord Jesus in John 4:32-34, But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of. [33] Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat? [34] Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.     

 

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^[1] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 18). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

^[2] MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 1212). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

^[3] Vincent, M. R. (1887). Word studies in the New Testament (Vol. 1, p. 28). New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons.

Choosing Positive Change

Gen. 3:14-19

Theme: We do not like to take responsibility for giving in to temptations and our bad habits; yet it is this very tendency that keeps us from dealing successfully with the besetting sins in our lives.

Introduction: taking responsibility for our actions and failures is the first step to restoring fellowship with God, and strengthening our relationships with those we love. One hindrance to openness and honesty with God is shame. Shame is a painful feeling of humiliation or distress caused by the awareness of wrong or foolish behavior. We can feel so much shame that we cannot bare the idea of facing God; we do not feel worthy of approaching Him for anything. We have zero confidence He will accept us if we did appeal to Him. Such behavior is rooted in an incredible ignorance of the truth that God designed the way of restoration for believers when we fall into temptations. Beloved, there is no reason to hid anything from the Lord…turn to Him.

Another reason we fail to live transparently with the Lord is because we have this faint hope in the back of our minds that God may or will overlook what happened. Perhaps He didn’t notice it…. Certainly, He won’t necessarily call me on it or hold me responsible. This, of course, is flawed human rationalization! God will convict and confront us with our sin and failures to restore us to fellowship with Himself and our love ones. Note how these truths unfold in the account of Adam and Eve. 

 Lesson:

  I. We Must Realize The Lord Will Hold Us Responsible For Our Every Action (Gen. 3:14-19). God’s love for sinners in no way eliminates His holy hatred for sin, for while it’s true that “God is love” (1 John 4:8,16), it’s also true that “God is light” (1:5). A holy God must deal with sin, for the good of the sinner and for the glory of His name.

         A. THE LORD HELD ADAM AND EVE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR INDIVIDUAL ACTIONS IN THE GARDEN OF EDEN.  

The effects of sin are punishment and provision. Whereas the man and the woman had life, they now had death; whereas pleasure, now pain; whereas abundance, now a meager subsistence by toil; whereas perfect fellowship, now alienation and conflict. –Walvoord

                     1)   THE LORD HELD THE SERPENT RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS ACTIONS

Gen 3:14,  And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life:

                      2)   THE LORD HELD SATAN RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS ACTIONS

Gen 3:15, And I will put enmity between thee (Satan) and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed [Christ]; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

To Satan, God declared war!  This would climax in his condemnation (Rom 16:20); and to Eve, it was the assurance that she was forgiven and that God would use a woman to bring the Redeemer into the world (1 Tim 2:13-15).

                      3)   THE LORD HELD EVE RESPONSIBLE FOR HER ACTIONS

Gen 3:16, Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.

God reinforced His word of hope to Eve by assuring her that she would bear children and therefore not immediately die. But the special privilege of woman as the childbearer (and ultimately the one who brings the Redeemer into the world) would involve multiplied pain in pregnancy as well as submission to her husband. –The Bible Exposition Commentary

                      4)   THE LORD HELD ADAM RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS ACTIONS

Gen 3:17, And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;

Eve would have pain in the labor of childbirth, but Adam would have pain in his daily labor in the field. As he worked to get his food, Adam would encounter obstacles and have to toil and sweat to get a harvest: and this would remind him that his disobedience had affected creation (Rom 8:18-23). Even more, as he tilled the soil, he would remember that one day he would die and return to the soil from which he had come. Adam the gardener became Adam the toiler. –The Bible Exposition Commentary

         B.    THE LORD WILL HOLD EVERY BELIEVER RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS ACTIONS.  2 Cor 5:9-10, Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. 10, For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

The Lord will call upon each Christian to give an account of himself at the Judgment Seat of Christ!  Therefore, live and battle against temptations to please Him in that great day!

          C.    THE LORD EXPECTS US TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR OUR LIVES BY SAYING “NO” TO TEMPTATIONS AND GETTING RID OF THE BAD HABITS.

When we take the first step and admit that we are responsible for the bad habits in our lives, and when we stop blaming others for our problems, then we can begin to deal with the temptations in our lives.

It is not someone or something else fault.  It is your fault!  This is not the point within itself.  If it’s your problem then you can begin to get victory over it, but if you blame your circumstances, or your environment then there is nothing you can do and you are a victim of circumstances. But God has made it clear that when we take the blame for our failures, then we can deal successfully with temptations.

II. We Must Learn To Be Completely Honest With God and Ourselves.

The Lord wants us to be honest with Him and know the power of real confession.

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. (1 John 1:7–2:2)

1. HE WANTS US TO RENEW OUR FELLOWSHIP WITH HIM.

Confession clears the way to freely enjoy the Lord (1 John 1:9-2:2). Confession is supposed to free us to enjoy fellowship with Christ. It should ease our conscience and lighten our cares. But some Christians do not understand how it works. We feel so guilty that we confess the same sins over and over; then we wonder if we might have forgotten something.

These Christians do not understand that God wants to forgive us. He allowed his beloved Son to die just so he could pardon us. When we come to Christ, he forgives all the sins we have committed or will ever commit. We don't need to confess the sins of the past all over again, and we don't need to fear that God will reject us if we don't keep our slate perfectly clean. Of course, we should continue to confess our sins, but not because failure to do so will make us lose our salvation. Our relationship with Christ is secure. Instead, we should confess our sins so that we can enjoy maximum fellowship and joy with him.

True confession also involves a commitment not to continue in sin. We wouldn't be genuinely confessing our sins to God if we planned to commit them again and just wanted temporary forgiveness. We should also pray for strength to defeat temptation the next time we face it.

The image of returning to the Lord is one of changing directions, of going back (Hosea 14:1–2, 4). We have wandered off, or gone off in anger, or in desperation. We have turned away from God. It is time now to turn back to him; to make a 180-degree turn; to admit our need of God; to confess the behaviors that caused us to turn away from God. Returning is going home again to the place where our hearts belong, to the place where we are always welcomed back.

God says he will heal our backsliding—waywardness. Waywardness is a turning away from God...from what is in our best interest to follow depraved, sinful, and capricious inclinations. There are many ways in which such unruliness can be expressed. Some of us are openly rebellious. We flaunt our wild behavior and laugh at God. Others of us are quietly wayward. We try to appear compliant and good, but inside we are defiantly independent—shamelessly autonomous. No matter how we express our rebelliousness, it is a powerfully destructive force in our lives.”  God says he will love us freely. He will love us generously, completely, until our fears are calmed and our defenses are lowered. He will heal us with his generous love.

2. HE WANTS US TO REPAIR OUR RELATIONSHIPS WITH THOSE WE LOVE.

“What I said in front of the boss today was thoughtless and insensitive,” Robert said. “I put you down. I guess I did it to make myself look good. I am sorry. With God's help, I will try to stop treating you like this.”

Phyllis was stunned. She had been hurt by Robert’s comment, but she had come to expect this kind of behavior from him. What she did not expect was for him to be aware of what he was doing, admit it, express regret and commit himself to change. (Source Unknown)

Our defensive instincts often keep us from seeing how our behaviors impact other people. We do something hurtful and then we try to minimize it, adding a second injury to the first, and further damaging our relationships.

The spiritual discipline of confession is at the heart of God's plan for growing us into the kind of people who are capable of intimate relationships. We must continue this spiritual discipline daily. Instead of minimizing your wrongdoings, or shaming ourselves for them, we are invited to promptly admit them. We can clear the air. We can say the truth to God, to others and ourselves.

Accept God’s invitation to live vulnerable, open, honest lives. When we are wrong, we can promptly admit it.

Conclusion:

I.   We tend to excuse our actions by blaming others

II. We must realize the Lord will hold us responsible for our actions

III. We must learn to be completely honest with God and ourselves

Don’t continue in the age-old habit of blaming someone else for your failures. Starting today let us face up to them and take a giant step toward overcoming temptations. No more excuses, I am to blame for my temptations and poor habits. 

God, I acknowledge my problem and I’m not waiting for my circumstances to change, nor am I excusing my habits because of my personality and disposition. Lord by admitting my faults I am putting myself in a position to begin to change and get rid of these habits in my life.

What To Do With Trouble!

James 1:1-8

Theme: God counsels and calls us to an insightful and faith-filled response to the trials and adversities of life.

Introduction:

It would likely be shocking to note how we react when various forms of testing come into our lives.  At times we complain bitterly against the misfortunes of life, but on a few occasions we rejoiced and thanked the Lord for them.  Perhaps we have advertised our trials before we thought to bear them quietly. On yet other occasions we attempt to live in the future, waiting for our circumstances to improve, and yet we should live in the present, seeking the face of God in all that comes to us.  We may even be able to recall indulging in self-pity seeking sympathy when we should have submerged ourselves in service for others. Yes, it is difficult to know what to do with trouble! 

James informs us that our trials can help us mature if we handle them God’s way.  There are two things God provides in this passage to help us cope with the various temptations we face: His counsel and wisdom. Both are found in His Word! So what should we do with trouble?

Lesson:

I.                  Rejoice Because Trials Help us Grow (Js. 1:2-4).

A.     Rejoice in the Opportunity to Grow (1:2).

                                                1.      Refuse to Complain.  All too often trials prompt groaning and complaints. This kind of response does not contribute to Christian maturity. It only makes matters worse by stunting our growth.

a.      Trials are not to be seen as tribulations but testings. A test is given to see if a student can pass, not pass out.

b.      James gave sound advice on how to score high on every test. One who brings the right attitude to the trial, who understands the advantage of the trial, and who knows where to obtain assistance in the trial will certainly end up on God’s honor roll.—The Bible Knowledge Commentary

                                                2.      Remember the usefulness of trials.  “Count it all joy” (James 1:2): “Count” means to “consider, deem, reckon, evaluate, or judge.”

a.      Therefore, the phrase does not describe a forced or flippant emotional reaction to trials (see 1 Pet. 1:3–6).

b.      But a seasoned judgment of the will and mind based on an understanding of the purpose of trials—spiritual enlargement. Out of this base of knowledge comes true rejoicing in anticipation of the glorious maturity the trial will produce.

                                                3.      Rejoice in the trials.

a.       Trials should be faced with an attitude of joy. Trials should not be seen as a punishment, a curse, or a calamity but something that must prompt rejoicing. Furthermore they should produce “pure joy” (lit., “all joy”; ie., joy that is full or unmixed), not just “some joy” coupled with much grief. —Walvoord, John

b.      When surrounded by these trials, one should respond with joy. Most people count it all joy when they escape trials. James said to count it all joy in the midst of trials (see 1 Peter 1:6, 8).

                                                4.      Rejoice for the trials. 

a.       Such trials clearly refer to external trials, or tests of stamina whereas later in this same chapter (James 1:13) the verb “tempted” is used to speak of inner temptations, or solicitations to sin.

b.      It is important to note that James does impress us to be joyous for the trials as well as in the trials. When we understand God will use even bad experiences to make us more mature, we can rejoice for the trials.

c.       James’ argument may seem logical, but it is still difficult to see how trials can be welcomed with an attitude of joy. Where does one turn for help to understand this paradox? Obviously we need divine wisdom and perspective.

B.     Respond to Trials with Insight (1:2).

                                                1.      Consider the various facets of temptation (2).

i.        The word “temptation” has a twofold meaning.

ii.      First it means to test in a good sense with the goal of confirming the believer in matters of righteousness (See Gen. 22:1; Deut. 8:2-3; Exod. 20:20).  This is God’s purpose in temptations.

a.      Second it means to test in a bad sense with the goal of corrupting one in matters of righteousness (See Gen. 3:1-6; Matt. 4:1).  This is Satan’s purpose in temptations.

b.      Consider these related passages on trials: 2 Corinthians 4:16–18; 2 Thessalonians 1:3, 4; Hebrews 12:2–13; 1 Peter 4:12–19; Revelation 2:3.

                                                2.      Consider the various facts about temptation (2).

i.        They are often sudden—“ye fall into”

a.      To “fall into” trials is much like the poor man “fell among thieves” (Luke 10:30).

b.      The phrase “fall into” does not suggest a stupid accident. It means to “encounter, come across.” A Christian certainly should not manufacture trials.

ii.      They are certain—James says when ye fall, not, if ye fall

a.      The Christian life is filled with problems. They come uninvited and unexpected. Sometimes they come singularly and sometimes in droves. They are inevitable. James reminds us that we can never get away from them.

b.      The question is, “What are we going to do about them?” There are several possible attitudes we can take toward these challenges and adversities of life.

                                                                                                                          i.      We can rebel against them (Heb. 12:5) by adopting a spirit of defiance, boasting that we will battle through to victory by our own power.

                                                                                                                        ii.      On the other hand, we can lose heart or give up under pressure (Heb. 12:5). This is nothing but fatalism. It leads to questioning even the Lord’s care for us.

                                                                                                                      iii.      Again, we can grumble and complain about our troubles. This is what Paul warns us against in 1 Corinthians 10:10.

                                                                                                                      iv.      Another option—we can indulge in self-pity, thinking of no one but ourselves, and trying to get sympathy from others.

                                                                                                                        v.      Or better, we can be disciplined and trained by the difficulties and perplexities of life (Heb. 12:11). We can say, in effect, “God has allowed this trial to come to me. He has some good purpose in it for me. I do not know what that purpose is, but I will try to find out. I want His purposes to be worked out in my life.”

c.       This is what James advocates: “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations.” Do not rebel! Do not faint! Rejoice! These problems are not enemies, bent on destroying you. They are friends which have come to aid you in the development of Christian character.

d.      God is trying to produce Christ-likeness in each of His children. This process necessarily involves suffering, frustration, and perplexity. The fruit of the Spirit cannot be produced when all is sunshine; there must be rain and dark clouds. Trials never seem pleasant; they seem very difficult and disagreeable. But afterwards they yield the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by them (Heb. 12:11). How often we hear a Christian say, after passing through some great crisis, “It wasn’t easy to take, but I wouldn’t give up the experience for anything.” –MacDonald, William

iii.    They are sorted—“into divers [various] temptations.”

a.      “Divers” means “various, varicolored.” These may be financial, physical, spiritual, mental, and social trials.

b.      Troubles of many kinds were also referred to by Peter (1 Peter 1:6). “Ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations.”

c.       The adversities of life differ greatly; they are like variegated yarn that the weaver uses to make a beautiful rug. God arranges and mixes the colors and experiences of life. The final product is a beautiful thing for His glory.

d.      Years ago, my wife and I were active duty Air Force when we went on a temporary assignment to Turkey.  While there we visited a Turkish rug factor and watched the weavers as these women work on the looms. I noticed that the undersides of the rugs were not very beautiful: the patterns were obscure and the loose ends of yarn dangled. This reminded me of a statement from my pastor at that time, “Don’t judge the worker or the work by looking at the wrong side.” In the same way, we often look at the wrong side of life; only the Lord sees the finished pattern. Let’s not judge Him or His work from what we see today. His work is not finished yet!

iv.    Immature Christians want the “easy side” of God’s love which asks little of them and doesn’t test their faith. But James shows that it is the adversities of life which prove our faith. And it is our response to the enticements of the enemies of the soul which reveal the true foundation and integrity of our love for God. In chapter 1, James teaches that we can joyfully grow in the midst of trials and temptations if we understand the purpose, provisions, and potential of trials (1:1–12); refuse to fall prey to temptations (1:13–18); and listen and do the word of God (1:19–27).

C.     Recognize the Fruits of Trials (1:3-4).

Does persecution brings perfection? Writing to Jewish Christians who had fled persecution, James urged them to take a positive view of their trials, focusing on the character development those trials can produce—the various fruits of temptation (3). “Temptations” or trouble and trials (1:2) come to test our faith (1:3; see Gen 22:1; Ex 20:20; Deut 8:2-3). 

                                                1.      Proving—Trials prove our faith is genuine—“trying of your faith” (1:3). There is the aspect of proving. James speaks of the testing of our faith (1:3).

i.         He pictures faith as a precious metal which is being tried by the Assayer (God) to see if it is genuine. The metal is subjected to the fires of persecution, sickness, suffering, or sorrow. Without problems, we would never develop endurance.

ii.       Even men of the world realize that problems strengthen character. Charles Kettering, noted industrialist, once said, “Problems are the price of progress. Don’t bring me anything but problems. Good news weakens me.”—MacDonald, William

iii.      When God called Abraham to live by faith, He tested him in order to increase his faith. God always tests us to bring out the best; Satan tempts us to bring out the worst. The testing of our faith proves that we are truly born again. —Wiersbe, Warren

                                                2.      There is the aspect of approving—“trying of your faith.”

i.         It is the true part or approved portion of faith that produces perseverance. The testing refers more to “approval” than to “proving.” Faith is like gold; it stands in the test of fire. Without this approved standard of faith, trials would not yield perseverance. There would only be ashes. True faith, like pure gold, endures, no matter how hot the fire. —Walvoord, John

ii.       The word trying can be translated “approval.” Again, Peter helps us understand it better: “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth” (1 Peter 1:7). A gold prospector brings his ore sample into the assayer’s office to be tested. The sample itself may not be worth more than a few dollars, but the approval—the official statement about the ore—is worth millions! It assures the prospector that he has a gold mine. God’s approval of our faith is precious, because it assures us that our faith is genuine. —The Bible Exposition Commentary

iii.    Trials work for the believer, not against us. Paul said, “And we know that all things work together for good” (Rom. 8:28); and, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2 Cor. 4:17).

                                                3.      Patience—a tried faith produces perseverance.

i.         The meaning of patience transcends the idea of bearing affliction; it includes the idea of standing fast under pressure, with a staying power that turns adversities into opportunities.—Nelson Study Bible

ii.       What does God want to produce in our lives?

a.       True faith “worketh” or develops persevering patience or staying power (see Js. 1:12). Patience means steadfastness or endurance in the face of difficulties (Js. 5:11). In the Bible, patience is not a passive acceptance of circumstances. It is a courageous perseverance in the face of suffering and difficulty.

b.      Patience, endurance, and the ability to keep going when things are tough. “We glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope” (Rom. 5:3–4).

iii.      Immature people are characterized by impatient; mature people are patient and persistent. Impatience and unbelief usually go together, just as faith and patience do. “Be... followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises” (Heb. 6:12). “For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise” (Heb. 10:36). “He that believeth shall not make haste” (Isa. 28:16).

iv.     God wants to make us patient because that is the key to many other blessing. The little child who does not learn patience will not learn much of anything else.

a.       When the believer learns to wait on the Lord, then God can do great things for him. Abraham ran ahead of the Lord, married Hagar, and brought great sorrow into his home (Gen. 16). Moses ran ahead of God, murdered a man, and had to spend forty years with the sheep to learn patience (Ex. 2:11). Peter almost killed a man in his impatience (John 18:10–11).

b.      The only way the Lord can develop patience and character in our lives is through heavy weather experiences. Staying power cannot be attained by reading a book, listening to a sermon, or even praying a prayer. We must go through the difficulties of life, trust God, and obey Him. The result will be patience and character. Knowing this, we can face trials joyfully. We know what trials will do in us and for us, and we know that the end result will bring glory to God.

c.       This fact explains why studying the Bible helps us grow in patience (Rom. 15:4). As we read about Abraham, Joseph, Moses, David, and even our Lord, we realize that God has a purpose in trials. God fulfills His purposes as we trust Him. There is no substitute for an understanding mind. Satan can defeat the ignorant believer, but he cannot overcome the Christian who knows his Bible and understands the purposes of God. –Wiersbe, Warren

                                                4.      “But let patience have its perfect work,” says James (1:4).

i.        Perseverance is only the beginning of benefits. There are more advantages to adversities. Perseverance must finish its work. Just as tested and true faith works to produce perseverance, so perseverance must be allowed to continue its perfect or finished work to produce the ultimate by-products of maturity and spiritual fulfillment. This, of course, is the lofty goal that serves as this epistle’s unifying theme. James’ main point was to show how to achieve spiritual maturity.—The Bible Knowledge Commentary

ii.      Sometimes when problems come we become desperate and use frantic means to cut short the trial. Without consulting the Lord as to His purposes in the matter, we rush to the doctor, for instance, and gulp down large doses of medicine in order to shorten the trial. By doing this, we actually may be thwarting God’s program in our lives. And it is just possible that we may have to undergo a longer trial in the future before His particular purpose is realized in us. We should not short-circuit the development of endurance in our lives.--MacDonald 

                                                5.      Perfection—a persevering saint will mature (4).

i.        Perseverance must be allowed to continue its perfect and ultimate work—maturity and spiritual fulfillment. This is James’ target throughout this letter—to show how to mature spiritually.

a.      Two words describe the goal: “perfect” or mature and “entire” or complete. God wants us to become “finished,” “complete,” and “whole.” That is perfected all over or fully developed in every part.

b.      Trials can be faced with joy because, infused with faith, perseverance goes full-term it will develop a thoroughly mature Christian who lacks nothing. He will indeed be all God wants him to be.

c.       By cooperating with God we will become mature, well-rounded Christians, lacking in none of the graces of the Spirit.

d.      We should never become despondent or discouraged when passing through trials. No problem is too great for our Father. Some problems in life are never removed. We must learn to accept them and to prove His grace sufficient. Paul asked the Lord three times to remove a physical infirmity. The Lord did not remove it, but gave Paul the grace to bear it (2 Cor. 12:8–10).

ii.      When we face problems in life that God obviously is not going to remove, we should be submissive to His will. The gifted blind hymn-writer wrote these lines as a girl of eight:

a.      O what a happy soul am I

Although I cannot see;

I am resolved that in this world

Contented I will be.

How many blessings I enjoy

That other people don’t.

To weep and sigh because I’m blind

I cannot and I won’t. —Fanny Crosby

b.      Peace comes through submission to the will of God.

iii.      Some problems in life are removed when we have learned our lessons from them. As soon as the Refiner sees His reflection in the molten metal, He turns off the heat. Most of us lack wisdom to view the pressures of life from God’s standpoint. We adopt a short-range view, occupying ourselves with the immediate discomfort. We forget that God’s unhurried purpose is to enlarge us through pressure (see Ps. 4:1).—MacDonald, William

II.               Request Wisdom from God with Confidence (Js. 1:5-8). God does avail to His people the needed wisdom to view troubles from His perspective and to learn as much as possible through these challenging experiences.

A.     The Encouragement to Ask for Wisdom (1:5).

                                                1.      Ask God for wisdom (5).

i.         “Wisdom” (James 1:5), is a practical wisdom which works with knowledge but goes beyond it. It is a comprehensive insight into the true nature of a particular situation which leads to a correct and skillful application of knowledge (Acts 6:10, “wisdom.”).

ii.      In short, this wisdom reveals what to do. On one hand, it helps one to avoid a wrong, sinful response. On the other hand, it directs one toward the way of righteousness.

iii.    Without this kind of wisdom, we may waste the opportunity God has given for growth in spiritual maturity. For this reason, we should keep asking for and applying wisdom throughout the trial. (See: Rom. 8:25–27, which shows that the Holy Spirit joins in the agonizing prayer offered during adversity and makes it effective.)

                                                2.      The wisdom God gives is not necessarily information on how to get out of trouble but rather insight on how to learn from one’s difficulties (see also Prov. 29:15). It is not more information about how to avoid times of testing but instead a new perspective on trials. The wisdom of God begins with a genuine reverence for the Almighty (see “the fear of the LORD” in Ps. 111:10; Prov. 9:10) and a steadfast confidence that God controls all circumstances, guiding them to His good purposes (Rom. 8:28).—Nelson Study Bible

B.     The Explanations for Asking for Wisdom (1:5).

                                                1.      Because we need God’s wisdom in trials (5).

i.        When we feel confused and frustrated by the high goal of becoming “perfect and entire, wanting nothing,” James wrote, If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God.

ii.       We don’t have to face the problems of life in our own wisdom. If, in the time of trial, we feel our need for spiritual insight to take the appropriate steps, we should turn to God and tell Him all about our perplexity and ignorance.

iii.      Spiritual wisdom is the practical application of Bible teachings to everyday situations and challenges.

iv.     Why do we need wisdom when we are going through trials? Why not ask for strength, or grace, or even deliverance? For this reason: we need wisdom so we will not waste the opportunities God is giving us to mature. Wisdom helps us understand how to use these circumstances for our good and God’s glory.

A pastor told the story of a gifted secretary who was going through great trials. She had had a stroke, her husband had gone blind, and then he had to be taken to the hospital where (they were sure) he would die. The pastor saw her in church one Sunday and assured her that he was praying for her.

“What are you asking God to do?” she asked, and her question startled him.

“I’m asking God to help you and strengthen you,” I replied.

“I appreciate that,” she said, “but pray about one more thing. Pray that I’ll have the wisdom not to waste all of this!”

She knew the meaning of James 1:5. –Wiersbe

                                                2.      Because God gives wisdom generously (5).

i.         Assistance is readily available from our generous God. When we need wisdom, this valuable resource is available for the asking. At times we all feel the need for wisdom, not just knowledge. God will not only provide wisdom, but will do so generously, not grudgingly.

ii.       All who seek God’s purposes in the trials will be liberally rewarded.

                                                3.      Because God will not rebuke you for needing wisdom (5).

i.         We need not worry that God will scold us; He is pleased when we are teachable and obedient. We all require more of His wisdom.

ii.       The Bible does not give specific answers to the innumerable problems that arise in life. It does not solve problems in so many words, but God’s word does give us general principles. We must apply these principles to problems as they arise day by day. That is why we need wisdom. Spiritual wisdom is the practical application of our Lord’s teachings to everyday situations.

                                                4.      Because God promises to supply wisdom (5).

i.         “And it shall be given him,” This blessed promise reminds us of the words of the Lord Jesus (Matt. 7:7, 11; Luke 11:13).

ii.       This promise regarding wisdom is absolute; and we may be sure that if asked properly, it will be granted us. There can be no doubt about God’s ability and readiness to deliver!

iii.      God's reply is sure. God promises is to supply the wisdom for what must be done. Decisions still will have to be made, and actions will have to be taken. The wisdom is God's guidance, not his removal of our participation.

iv.     We must remember that God’s promises do not submit to our plans. This verse is not permitting us to ask God for wisdom to bring about our will. Instead, we should humbly ask him for wisdom to remain in his will.

C.     The Essential is Asking in Faith (1:6-8)

                                                1.      Ask God in faith (6).

i.         God will respond to our faith.

ii.       God’s provision has some prerequisites. To receive God’s wisdom in trials, the believer must be wise in asking. First, he must ask in faith. We must believe and not doubt, or vacillate.

iii.      We must approach God in faith, free of any doubting. We must believe He loves and cares, and that nothing is impossible with Him.

iv.     God will honor our resolve to follow His wisdom.

                                                2.      Do Not Waver in Faith (1:6-7).

i.         Do not waver when you ask for wisdom.

ii.       We dare not come to God like a wave of the sea, blown horizontally and tossed vertically by the wind.

iii.      If we doubt His goodness and His power, we will have no stability in time of trouble. One minute we might be resting calmly on His promises, but the next we will feel that God has forgotten to be kind. We will be like the surge of the sea, rising to great heights, then falling back into valleys—troubled and tossed. God is not honored by the kind of faith that alternates between optimism and pessimism.

                                                3.      Do not become emotionally unstable while enduring trials (8).

i.         God is not pleased with a double-minded man who is unstable in all he does, like an unsteady, staggering drunk. The answer from God depends on assurance in God.

ii.       He does not give divine insight to such vacillating, unstable people (Js. 1:7, 8).

iii.      In verses 5–8, the source of wisdom is God; it is obtained by prayer; it is available to everybody; it is given liberally and without reproach; the crucial condition is that we ask in faith, without doubting.

Conclusion:

1.       Many Christians live like corks on the waves: up one minute, down the next; tossed back and forth. This kind of experience is evidence of immaturity. Paul used a similar idea in Ephesians 4:14—“That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.” If we have believing and united hearts, we can ask in faith and God will give the wisdom we need. Instability and immaturity go together. –Wiersbe

2.      If you are facing difficult problems, I encourage you to ask God for wisdom. Remember what the Lord Jesus’ promised in Matthew 21:22. Now that you know what to do with trouble...do it.