Are You Enduring a Test or Temptation?

James 1:2-4, 12 (NIV)

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials (πειρασμοῖς [peirasmois]) of many kinds, because you know that the testing (δοκίμιον [dokimion]) of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial (πειρασμόν [peirasmon]), because, having been approved (δόκιμος [dokimos]), that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

The Greek word for trials (πειρασμοῖς [peirasmois]) can refer to difficulties or adversities intended to refine and prove faith or “baiting” meant to lure us into sin and failure.

The Greek word for testing is δοκίμιον (dokimion), meaning “proving” or “genuineness,” especially regarding faith being tested and shown authentic. Trials (πειρασμοῖς [peirasmois]) act as a neutral arbiter, revealing the intent of the heart and the actions of the individual. Trials can either refine us, proving our worthiness and producing a faith that is complete and mature, or expose a heart sown to the flesh, which results in sin.

If we pass the test, God entrusts us with greater responsibility.

After Abraham’s faith was proven, God blessed him with greater responsibility, making him the father of many nations:
“I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky.” (Genesis 22:17).
Jesus also teaches this principle:
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” (Luke 16:10).
And:
“Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:21, 23).

Temptations—trials (πειρασμοῖς [peirasmois]) that lure us into sin—come from the enemy (see the next section of James). These are meant to undermine our faith and render us ineffective or unfruitful in God’s kingdom. But praise be to God! Through His Holy Spirit, God can transform our trial (πειρασμός [peirasmos]) into a test (δοκίμος [dokimos]) that—after examination—proves our faith and character to be genuine and pure.