The following is a chapel talk given at Westminster Seminary California on September 22, 2022 by R. Scott Clark. The text is James 1:12–15:
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death (ESV).
©Westminster Seminary California. All Rights Reserved.
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Trials, suffering and temptation to flea toward sin and unbelief while experiencing the burden of such things.
How common are these experiences? (Not the fleeing part hopefully). Is this to be expected?
This is a really good message, thank you! Extremes of suffering and prosperity will definitely expose us… how will we respond? Greater humility and dependency is what we need. Threats internally and externally…. Jesus knows what we’re going through. I know this struggle.