Cheek’s Commentary on James 1:2
By Pastor Cheek | May 30, 2008
Table of contents for James Commentary
- Cheek’s Commentary on James - Introduction
- Cheek’s Commentary on James 1:1
- Cheek’s Commentary on James 1:2
James 1:2 My brethren,1 count2 it all joy3 when ye fall4 into divers5 temptations;6
1:2.1 “My brethren,” Not only were these Jews his brethren according to the flesh, but they were brothers in Christ. Christians often feel that their brothers and sisters in Christ are closer in relationship than their earthly relatives, especially if their relatives are lost or not serving the Lord. cf. Mark 10:29-30.
1:2.2 “count” To reckon; to think, judge or consider.
1:2.3 “it all joy” Christians should rejoice when their faith is tried (vs. 3). That God would count them worthy to suffer something on His behalf is cause for great rejoicing no matter how difficult or diverse the temptations are. cf. Acts 5:41. Where could such a joy originate in people so vexed with trials? From the Holy Ghost within them. cf. 1 Thessalonians 1:6. Joy is the second fruit of the Spirit that God wishes to manifest in the lives of His children (Galatians 5:22).
1:2.4 “when ye fall” A fall is usually an unexpected event. Perhaps this is the verse that led to the expression, “falling into sin.” But this phrase is not found in the Bible nor do Christians fall into sin. They usually leap into it! The idea here is that Christians never know when God will put them through a trial or temptation. But they can react properly when they come. Paul told Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:5 to “watch thou in all things, endure afflictions,…” cf. 1 Corinthians 16:13.
1:2.5 “into divers” Many different kinds of temptations. cf. Acts 20:19.
Psalm 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.
1:2.6 “temptations;” These temptations are not temptations from Satan or temptations to sin. cf. v. 13. These are temptations that try a child of God’s faith, given by God for their spiritual maturity. cf. Genesis 22:1-12. God tempted Abraham to test his fear of God and his faith in God. James uses this example of Abraham to illustrate faith and works in ch. 2:21-24. cf. 1 Peter 1:6-9.
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