“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” (James 1:13).
The preceding verses in James 1 explored the topic of temptation and the advantages of persevering through it. This often leads us to believe that God intentionally places these trials on us for His redemptive purposes. However, this verse clearly states that God is not the cause of these trials. Trials are inevitable, and there are significant benefits to be gained from enduring them in a godly manner. Nevertheless, they are not God’s doing. Labeling God as the source of our problems can lead us to submit to them instead of resisting them, which will hinder our progress (James 4:7).
You might question the accuracy of this statement in light of Genesis 22:1, which states that God tempted Abraham. However, if you examine James 1:13 closely, you will notice that this verse doesn’t imply God doesn’t tempt us at all. Instead, it asserts that the Lord doesn’t tempt us with evil. While the Lord does test us, as He tested Abraham, these tests are intended to lead us to a better place. He never subjects us to evil to cause us harm. Imagine an employer who administers a test to assess an employee’s ability to handle greater responsibilities, potentially leading to a promotion. This test isn’t conducted by an evil employer who intends to fire the employee if they fail. Rather, it’s administered by a good employer who genuinely wishes the employee’s success.
We are tempted and tested by evil in this life. A sinful world tests us, and hard circumstances and heart-wrenching situations test us further. However, to suggest that God tempts and tests us with evil implies a contradictory nature of God. On the one hand, God desires that we have an abundant life, full of His grace and far beyond our imagination or ability to comprehend. This abundant life is meant to help us escape the corruption of this world. On the other hand, some believe that God permits or even causes issues like sickness, loss, or hardships to test us. God is constant and unchanging, manifesting the redeeming love that He desires for us. While we face harsh circumstances, loss, sin, and evil, the God who wants us to have an abundant life never tests or tempts His own creation with evil.
Until the born-again believer sees themselves as God sees them in Christ, they will always be living from the unfinished side of the cross. We must understand that we are complete in Him (Colossians 2:10), seated with Him (Ephesians 2:6), a new creation in Him (2 Corinthians 5:17), the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21), one spirit with Him (1 Corinthians 6:17), washed, sanctified, and justified in Him (1 Corinthians 6:11), and glorified in Him (Romans 8:30).
This understanding of our identity in Christ should serve as the starting point for any believer’s discipleship. Redemption is fully realized and completed in Him. The remaining task is to renew our minds to these truths until they are manifested in our daily lives.
In the story of the two men, two houses, two foundations, and one storm (Matthew 7:24-27), God didn’t send the storm. Instead, He sent the Word, and the doer of the Word was spared the consequences that the lazy believer suffered. Many Christians mistakenly believe that storms are sent by God to teach them a lesson. Even though lessons can be learned, these storms are not divine interventions. Instead, the Word and the Spirit are from God to prepare us to overcome the challenges and trials that life throws our way.
Many Christians are striving for what God has already given them through Christ. Those who comprehend the new creation can find peace in the finished work and live their lives from a place of victory. The expression of Jesus’ life in us is progressive and will mature. We are not a born-again spiritual work in progress, but rather our lives are the “progress of His finished work.”
You are not like Job—fearful, ignorant, and without a covenant. You are under the New Covenant of God’s grace. You are a new creation and complete in Jesus Christ. You have been blessed with all of God’s blessings.
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3).
God sees the identity of Jesus when He looks at you. You must renew your mind until you see yourself as God sees you and the truths of His Son’s identity are manifested in your life.
God never tempts or tests you with evil. He wants His best to be manifested in you. You are the "progress of His finished work."
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