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Response
In James 1:14–17, James discusses the origin of temptation and sin within us. On the contrary, he emphasizes that “every good and perfect gift is from above” «Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. », (James 1:17). James explains that temptation arises when one is enticed by their own desires—or intense cravings «but each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. », (James 1:14). While lust is commonly associated with sexual desire, the Greek term epithumia, translated as “lust” here, denotes any strong desire—it can be sexual or a strong craving for anything. In essence, sexual desire is not the sole problematic form of lust. Temptation arises when individuals allow their intense desires to overpower them—when they dwell unchecked on those desires. If one allows these desires to dictate their actions, then, as James explains, those desires lead to sin, and sin ultimately results in death «Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. », (James 1:15).
James cautions us to acknowledge that sin does not stem from external factors—it arises because we yield to our desires and succumb to temptations. James warns his audience not to be misled, as we are accountable for our own sins «Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. », (James 1:16). SSome people were considering that perhaps God was responsible for tempting them to sin, but James corrects that idea resoundingly in James 1:13. He affirms there that no one should say that God has tempted him because God doesn’t tempt anyone to sin. Instead, we should recognize that sin comes from within ourselves. On the other hand, we should acknowledge that every good and perfect gift is from above, as stated in James 1:17.
James reminds his readers that every good and perfect gift is from above—specifically, coming from the Father, whom James refers to as “the Father of lights”. Because He is the Father of lights—of all that is good—there is no shadow with Him. He does not waver or vary from His goodness. So, we can count on Him to be good and to provide us with good. That which comes from Him to us is good. He doesn’t tempt us to do evil. Certainly, the Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted, as mentioned in Matthew 4:1, and Jesus told His disciples to pray that the Father would not lead them into temptation, as in Matthew 6:13. And yes, God even allows temptation for believers.Temptation has taken you, but such as is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able to bear; but will also provide a way to escape the temptation, so that you can endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)—but He never tempts anyone to sin or do evil. When He permits a test through temptation, He has already made a way to escape from that temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13-14)—the ability to flee from it. This is further evidence that every good and perfect gift comes from above. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” (James 1:17).
Jesus is no stranger to temptation. In fact, Jesus Himself was tempted in all things—just as we are—yet He is without sin. “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15). Every good and perfect gift is from above. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” (James 1:17), and one of those good and perfect gifts is the gift of Jesus Christ—because of Him, we can boldly approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and grace in times of need. “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)—even during challenging temptations.
