What is the difference between testings and temptations found in James Chapter 1?
Testings:
Verses 2-4 (NIV) Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Verse 12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
Temptations
Verses 13-15 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
Temptations draw us away from God, causing us ultimately to sin. God will never tempt us, but He will test us.
The difference is this, as David Pawson puts it, “You test people in the hope that they will pass the test, but you tempt them hoping they will fail.”