And I invite you to open your Bibles and to follow as I read James 1 versus 12 to 18, the text that I've been assigned in this series.

James 1 versus 12 to 18.

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast

under trial or testing. 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's tested like that, I'm going to argue. I'm being

tempted by God.

For God cannot be tempted with evil.

And he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he's lured and enticed by his own

desire.

Then desire, when it has thus conceived, gives birth a sin and sin when it's fully grown, brings forth death.

Do not be deceived, my brothers.

Every good and every perfect gift is from above,

coming down from the Father of Lights,

with whom there's no variation or shadow due to change of his own will.

He brought us forth by the word of truth that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures.

So in verse 12 you can see immediately

that James regards the hardships and sufferings that you go through as tests.

That's a pretty bold thing to say.

Like who's tests? That's a pretty bold thing to say.

Like who's test? Who's testing?

Who's the test giver?

Satan doesn't give tests.

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