What’s the Difference?

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. James 1:13

We know God does not tempt us, but he tests believers.      What is the difference? James makes it clear that God cannot be tempted by evil, and because of that, he does not tempt anyone. However, earlier in the chapter, James tells us that testing our faith develops perseverance, which leads to  maturity in our walk with God (James 1:3–4). James goes on    to say that testing is a blessing because when the testing is over, and we have “stood the test,” we will “receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12). Testing comes from God, who works all things together for good for those who love Him and who are called to be the children of God (Romans 8:28).

God tested Adam in the Garden of Eden, but Satan tempted him to disobey. God tested Abraham by telling him to go and sacrifice his son Isaac, but Abraham would have been tempted to put his son above God by his sinful desires. God also tested Israel in the wilderness to know what was in their heart and whether they would keep his commandments or not (Deut. 8). Israel was certainly tested when they had no water and food.  But God was not tempting them to complain and disobey.  Instead, they were tempted to sin against God by their sinful hearts.

Back in the book of James, he writes, “But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully matured, it brings forth death.” (James 1:14-15). If you have ever fished, you know what bait or lure to use to catch what you are after. The same is true for men and women.   There are particular sins that each of us is more susceptible to being “lured” into committing. If we are honest with ourselves, sin can be pleasurable. The ultimate results are not, but in the present, it can be very satisfying.  If it weren’t, it would be easy to avoid. However, every true believer feels remorse and seeks forgiveness when they sin.

We must understand that God tests us to increase our faith in Him. It teaches us to rely on Him more and more. Some trees like the white oak and walnut grow deep roots to find water. Other trees grow vast root systems to withstand strong winds and storms. When God tests you, your spiritual roots grow deeper and wider. To help fertilize the roots and be ready for the testing, we must do our part. Read and study your Bible. Serve your brothers and sisters in the local church. Be involved in discipleship. Memorize scripture and remember to pray without ceasing.

Be comforted in knowing that the testing we go through comes from God, and remember  His grace is sufficient for us, and His power is made perfect in our weakness. Paul declared, And He    has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast   in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.     He went on to write, Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions and hardships, for the sake of Christ, for when I am weak, then I am strong.            (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

Your shepherd,

Pastor Mark