1. Jacques 1:13–14 (NEG79)
  2. Applications

Trials include temptations

Jacques 1:13–14 (NEG79)

13 Que personne, lorsqu'il est tenté, ne dise: C'est Dieu qui me tente. Car Dieu ne peut être tenté par le mal, et il ne tente lui-même personne.

Endurance means that in the trial, I set my mind on God and what he is accomplishing for me as a poor man, a rich man, a Christian, in this trial. And yet, I am double-minded because here Satan comes with all of his temptations in the midst of the same trials saying, Grumble, complaint, doubt God, do it in your own strength, walk away from him. Endurance is learning to say no to the suggestions of Satan in the trial and yes, to the purposes of God. That is how our faith is trained. It is not simply saying, well, God sent this, so I will endure it. No, that is part of it. But it is an active wrestling. It is not really a trial if it does not bring with it temptation.1

Joseph A. Pipa