James 1:13-14

Put The Blame On Self

In the first part of James 1:1-27, trials, or external hardships are considered. Then, as Woods notes, James changes from the noun form to a verb in his consideration of temptation. Woods tells us the verb form means "solicit to do evil" and gives the example of Satan tempting our Lord (Matthew 4:1-11). God will test men, as we have already seen and the case of Abraham shows, but he will not tempt men to sin (James 1:13). Adam, like some today, tried to blame God for his temptation and sin (Genesis 3:12). James clearly answers the challenge of Adam.

Notice the external trial becomes an internal problem when we are drawn away of our own lust. Adam tried to put the blame for his sin on Eve and Eve tried to blame the devil (Genesis 3:13-16). James does not put the blame upon Satan because ultimately it rests with us (James 1:14). The devil will receive his punishment, but so will we because we are responsible for our actions. Ezekiel recorded the Lord's words when he said, "The soul who sins shall die" (18:4).

Similarly, Paul writes, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad" (2 Corinthians 5:10; Galatians 6:7-8).