In James 1:12-13, the Greek word for “tempted” (peirazo) and “temptation” (peirasmos) are related but distinct.

• peirasmos: This noun translates to “temptation” or “trial.” It can refer to the situation or circumstance that is causing one to be tempted.
• peirazo: This verb means “to test” or “to tempt.” It’s the action of being put to the test, whether by God (in a positive, character-building way) or by external forces like Satan.

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. James 1:12-15

Our obedience to God can be tested as God did Abraham in Genesis 22, and as He did Christ, His own son in Hebrews 2:10b. Every test of obedience is a test of conformity to sonship (Romans 8:29). From the smallest of things to what may be most loved or important in our lives, can we submit them to God to demand?

The test of obedience is different from temptation to sin (James 1:2-5,12-15). Where then do we place the trial of Job? Just as was the case of the Lord in Luke 4:1,2 where space or permission was granted Satan to tempt Christ, test His loyalty to God; this coming after all the affirmation of Luke 3:21,22, He stood victorious. Satan was testing the same in Job. In this Job was a type of the Lord where Satan would contest God’s affirmation in Job 1:8! 

How do you recognise the tests of your life as against temptations to sin? Desires that are contrary to the word of God are fertile ground for sin to thrive and have more to do with my obedience to God than with Satan’s presumed role! Yes, the lowering of our guard or defences does give entrance to the enemy to prod in us those desires. The buck stops at your table to act.

Wasn’t Satan aware of a Job until God spoke about him? If he did not, then he is not all-knowing. He could not see the heart of the righteous; but he certainly saw his life and knew Job’s righteousness drew divine protection, such that he could not touch him without God’s express permission.

Was Job self-righteous? In his defence against the presumptuous judgment of his friends, did he go too far, going to the point of challenging God?

Compare Job 30:20 to the cry of the Lord on the Cross (Mark 15:33-35; Matt. 27:45-50), the abandonment, separation because of the weight of sin He bore, but God never left Job, as Job concluded. Job’s misstep was his presumption that he knew all things, an attribute which belonged to God alone—as he himself confessed. In this presumption he judged God of unfair treatment. Elihu caught this and expounded in Job 35-37. When the Lord spoke to Job showing him his presumption viz Job 38:1-3 and Job 40:1,2,5-7 see Job’s response in Job 42:1-6.

Then Job answered the Lord, and said, I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee. Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not. Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes. Job 42:1-6

Lord, in the dark moments of our lives, in the valley of the shadow of death, in the throes of the pains of testing, let our song be of submission to You, our heavenly Father. Your supremacy and assurance that we are not alone and that in Your love You still look kindly upon our pains suffices. Let Your praise light my darkness and my worship rise up until the clouds disperse and Your everlasting light shines upon me! You are the Sovereign over our lives and You will not do us evil. Selah

Pastor Afolabi Oladele