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subject in the Scriptures. In order, therefore, to present the teaching of the Word as
completely as possible, let us consider further aspects of this theme.
As we have commenced with an epistle addressed to the Hebrews, let us continue with
the epistles of The Dispersion, namely, that of James and those of Peter, and see whether
these introduce a different line of teaching from that of the epistle to the Hebrews.
"MY brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations" (James 1: 2).
It would be strange indeed if the believer who fell into all manner of temptations to
do evil, should count it "all joy", but it is clear that temptation of this kind is far from the
mind of James, for he immediately goes on to say, "knowing this, that the trying of your
faith worketh patience" (James 1: 3), and, like the epistle to the Hebrews, associates this
tempting, or trying, with "perfection"--"Let patience have her perfect work" (James 1: 4).
Those who are perfect (mature) will,
"Receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him"
(James 1: 12).
The introduction of the words "approved" and "crown" brings the passage into line
with the epistle to the Hebrews.
James now turns to the aspect of temptation that arises from, and leads to sin.
"Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be
tempted with evil, neither tempteth He any man" (James 1: 13).
If these words be taken literally, we are immediately faced with a problem, for we get
the two contrary statements: "Neither tempteth He any man" (James 1: 13), and "God did
tempt Abraham" (Gen. 22: 1). But this is the case only if the words be taken literally,
for the reader of the Scriptures will probably be aware that throughout the Old and New
Testaments there appears a figure of speech called Ellipsis, or Omission, and that in many
passages the sense is found by supplying by repetition a word that has already gone
before. If in James 1: 13 we repeat the governing clause, "with evil", all will be clear.
"Let no man say when he is tempted (to do evil things), I am tempted of God: for God
cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth He any man (with evil)." This, however, is
negative; the positive follows, "But every man is tempted (to do evil things) when he is
drawn away of his own lust, and enticed" (James 1: 14).
Returning to the positive teaching of James 1: 14, let us note its bearing upon the text,
"He was tempted in all points like as we are". It is one thing for a congregation to stand
and say, "We are all miserable offenders", and quite another for one member to stand and
publicly confess that he is a "thief". In the same way it is one thing to quote the passage
from Heb. 4:, which says that Christ was tempted in all points like as we are, and quite
another to be specific and say that Christ was actually tempted to steal. What is it that
causes the presence of an unprotected pound note to be a temptation to a man? Is it an
outside temptation or is it something within? It is difficult, without a feeling of