Actually @PeterC …
“Let no one say” This is a PRESENT ACTIVE IMPERATIVE with the NEGATIVE PARTICLE which usually means “stop saying.” The implication is that some believers were saying this or, more probably, that this reflects the literary technique called diatribe (i.e., a supposed objector is addressed; note Malachi) used often by James.
“when he is tempted”
The context implies that one saying that he is tempted by God is attempting to make his sin God’s fault. The word tempted (peirasmois) is used in James 1:2 in the sense of outward trials, but here the verbal form is used of temptation. God provides, or allows, testing (cf. Matt. 4:1), but Satan does it (i.e., Job 1-2).
“Tempted” (peirazō) is a present passive participle (i.e., “he is being tempted”), which often has the connotation of “testing with a view toward destruction.” It is the opposite connotation of the word “test” (dokimazō) used in James 1:3,12.
SPECIAL TOPIC: GREEK TERMS FOR TESTING AND THEIR CONNOTATIONS
“I am being tempted by God” God is not the source of evil (cf. Ecclesiasticus 15:11,15,20).
“for God cannot be tempted by evil” This means either
not temptable
“untrained in evil,” which means that God has no connection or experience with evil.
“He Himself does not tempt anyone”
However, the Bible records several of God’s tests: Abraham, Gen. 22:1; Israel, Deut, 8:2; Jesus, Matt. 4:1; and believers, Matt. 6:13.
This statement seems to be caught up in the differing connotations between the terms “tempt” (peirazō, cf. James 1:13), and “test” (dokimazō, cf. James 1:3,12).
God does not tempt so as to destroy, but He does test so as to strengthen.
SPECIAL TOPIC: GOD TESTS HIS PEOPLE (OT)
1:14 “when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust”
These two VERBS were used of trapping and luring animals into captivity. We tend to blame others for our sin. We may blame God, the devil, parents, society, education, etc. We are our own worst enemy (cf. 1 Pet. 1:14; 2 Pet. 2:18). The Bible speaks of three enemies of humanity: the world, the flesh, and the devil (cf. James 4:1-7; Eph. 2:1-3). In this context, “the flesh,” or our Adamic nature, is the culprit (cf. Ecclesiasticus 15:14-15).
Notice that Satan is not even mentioned in this section on human sinfulness. Neither is he mentioned in Paul’s section in Romans on human sin (cf. chapters 1-3). Satan is a real tempter, but he cannot force humans to sin and is, therefore, no excuse for their moral failures.
Hence…
The Bible teaches us that God does indeed test believers, and these tests are often for our growth and to reveal His faithfulness.
One well-known passage is found in James. It says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4 ESV). This shows that trials are not meant to crush us, but to refine our faith and make us more mature.
Another scripture that speaks to God’s testing is in 1 Corinthians. The Apostle Paul writes, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV). This verse assures us that God’s tests are manageable and that He always provides a way through them.
In Hebrews, we read about God’s discipline. It states, “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens every son whom he receives.” (Hebrews 12:6 ESV).
This discipline, or testing, is a sign of God’s love and His desire for us to live righteously.
The book of Deuteronomy also touches on this, reminding the Israelites, “You shall remember all the way that the LORD your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not.” (Deuteronomy 8:2 ESV).
Here, the testing was to reveal their hearts and their obedience.
Finally, 1 Peter encourages believers facing hardship. He writes, “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found leading to praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:6-7 ESV).
This highlights that the purpose of these tests is to prove the true, enduring quality of our faith.
These scriptures reveal that God’s tests are purposeful, aimed at strengthening our faith, revealing His faithfulness, and ultimately bringing Him glory.
J.