Do Not Err, My Beloved Brethren (Part 1)

With James 1:12-18 we come to the third paragraph of the epistle. This third paragraph gives counsel concerning a right motivation for endurance in godliness, concerning a right attitude toward the Lord our God, and concerning a right understanding of temptation to sin. The first sentence of the paragraph (verse 12) immediately promises a sure blessing upon those who are faithful to endure the trials of life through an obedient love unto the Lord. Then the remainder of the paragraph extensively presents a serious warning for those who fall away at sinful temptation through the enticement of their own selfish desires. Primarily, this paragraph is intended to motivate us unto faithful endurance in godliness through love for our Lord. Yet because we so often fall into sin under life’s trials, this paragraph adds a warning against blaming the Lord our God for the temptation unto which we yielded. Thus the admonition is pronounced in the midst of the paragraph, “Do not err, my beloved brethren” (verse 16). Overall, this paragraph presents five truths for our consideration. These five truths are arranged in order to move our understanding from the outside toward the center. Thus the first and fifth of these truths speak concerning our motivation for endurance in godliness. Then the second and fourth of these truths speak concerning our attitude toward the Lord our God. Finally, the third and central truth speaks concerning our understanding of temptations to sin.

1. The Promise of an Eternal Reward
2. The Prohibition against a False Accusation
3. The Process of Sinful Temptation
4. The Pronouncement of a Loving Admonition
5. The Provision of God’s Goodness