My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; (3) Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. (4) But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
Observe, that it is the brethren to whom the Apostle speaks, That is, brethren in Christ, partakers of the heavenly calling. Carnal men can never rejoice in temptations, or trials; for the sorrow of the world, worketh death. But there is great cause for joy, when the faithful child of God, is called to the fellowship of God's dear Son. The Apostle Paul declares, that this is a testimony of God's faithfulness, 1 Corinthians 1:9. See Romans 5:1-45 and Commentary; Romans 8:29-30. So that when a child of God falls into temptations, observe, the Apostle doth not say, falls by the temptations, but falls into divers temptations, there is cause of joy. For it becomes an honor, to be conformed to Christ's image. It is a mark of sonship, And it is intended, for the believer's good, and the Lord's glory, Paul, called a messenger of Satan, a gift. There was given to me, (saith he), a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me. And by the sequel it proved so. Paul's triumph over Satan in Christ; and the Lord's glory were the more manifested in Paul's creature-weakness, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. And the same must be the issue, in all the exercises of the faithful. For there is nothing doubtful in this war. God's promises in Covenant with Christ, the intercession of Jesus, as in the instance of Peter; and the ultimate ruin of Satan, are all in the appointment. Hence, these are sufficient motives for joy; since however painful to flesh and blood, grace is sure to triumph. See verse 12 (James 1:12) and Commentary.