Verse 12 can be seen two ways (or both ways) As an end of verses 1- 11 or as a new start for verses 13-15.

The trial and test is a sort of divinely given homework in which we work out the truths God has taught us in His word-for it is through this exercise of working it out that we progress in knowledge and grow in spiritual stature.

Likewise it is true that the Lord visits with hardships and sorrow so that he may draw near to us and ask "do you love me still.?" An elderly man bereaved of his wife, said: "it must be that the Lord still has something for me to do, else why has he left me here?" and someone replied, "he has not left you to do anything except to love him still." Our progress to the crown is expedited not by our powers of endurance but by the depth and reality and pervasiveness of our love for him. We live by what we love.

Trial and temptation are related verbs. James uses them together to catch a point. The same trials that are opportunities to go forward can turn out to be temptations to go back. Trials are blessings in that they lead forward to the crown and maturity. However at the same time every trial we face finds a chord within us. Every trial demands a decision: Will we persevere and go on with God or will we listen to the voice that suggests an easier way and give up?

Some have said that God never gives a gift without, at the same time, providing some test regarding our use of his bounty. for example when he gave solomon wisdom he also gave him wealth and reputation, the very things which would put his wisdom to the test and reveal whether he would use it for God or himself (1ki 3:12- 14)

When he tests, it is so that we may pass the test and inherit the blessing. When the reverse happens, the blame lies elsewhere than in the God of all grace.

When we give up we commonly blame others (even God) ie Adam and the garden of Eden. 1cor 10:13 teaches that every trial and situation in life is ordained by God to be bearable. It is tied up with the faithfulness of God. When we fail we should admit it. It had nothing to do with God, the devil, our circumstances, our background , or any other commonly used expressions of rationalizing sin. We fail because of us, not God. This is especially needed because James' readers were being influenced by the fatalism of the Greeks.

Source of temptation vs 14

Drawn away and enticed - a fishermans concept. It describes drawing a fish from its original retreat under a rock, so that it succumbs to the bait.

Course of temptation vs15

There are three mutant generations here: the mother is evil desire, the daughter is sin, and the granddaughter is death.

The meaning of death. Nobody really agrees. Here are the possibilities:

a) death meaning eternal as in contrast to the crown of life vs12. Thus James was talking of the perseverance of the saints. Faith of saving quality doesn't give up. Faith at a natural level gets tossed and turned with the wind and waves.

b) death meaning the absence of spiritual blessings vs12. To give up and fail interrupts the relationship between you and God and the progress towards spiritual maturity. In a way you are cut off from Gods' life until you confess.

c) death meaning the loss of physical life. God will cause physical death to the saint who does not take his commitment seriously, ie 1cor5.

The key to interpreting this verse probably is the link between the man who doubts and doesn't persevere (5-8) and the process of death (15). We have seen the process of Testing perseverance and maturity (2-4) and testing perseverance and life (12). We now see another path desire sin death caused by the lack of perseverance. James has packed a lot of truth into his first 15 verses, but they set the tone for a lot of the book. The scene is set for the faith that produces fruit and the faith that doesn't (chapter two).

What is Gods purpose in trials.

What happens when we fail in a trial, when we fail at following what Jesus would do.

What do you think is the best use of death in this verse?

What do you think James would suggest to stop the cycle of death?

For any sin in your life who is to blame?

If you said me, have you lightened up on what you consider to be sin?

James calls for a radical commitment of your life to the purposes of God. Have you commited every area of your life to Him?