Lesson 589

(Lesson 589)(03-28-13) James 1:9-16, "Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways. 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. Do not err, my beloved brethren."

This lesson explains how Christianity promotes equality between wealthy and poor people. One might note that this text does not disallow the imbalance of wealth, it simply encourages the wealthy to humble themselves and to care for the less fortunate among them. It also demonstrates that the difference in that regard will disappear when we all get to heaven.

There is another important lesson in the text, it states that "God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:" As is clearly stated herein, mankind creates his/her own temptation, it does NOT come from God as some contend. An example, God has nothing to do with whether or not evil is present in the world, man, with his own freewill, brought evil into the world.~