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Devotional Thoughts | James Pt. 1
Faith & Trials
As we begin to look at the letter James wrote to the Early Church, let me remind you of the contextual setting as is recorded in the Book of Acts. Following the birth of the church there was a period of explosive growth with thousands coming to faith. The followers of Christ were still living and worshipping in Jerusalem. James, the author of this letter was the leader of the Jerusalem church. Following the stoning of Stephen, one of the first deacons of the church, and the first martyr, there arose persecution of the church resulting in many believers fleeing Jerusalem to the surrounding regions and nations. As the pastor of the Jerusalem church, James had a burden for those who fled the persecution and wrote this letter of encouragement.
With that background, let's now consider the encouragement and instruction given to these early members of the church. As we do so, let's glean truths which are applicable for the believers today.
James 1:2-8 (NASB)
2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
6 But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.
7 For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, 8 being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
Imagine, if you can, what it was like for the early believers to try and integrate into a different society. Can you imagine what it would be like to learn a new culture and customs, perhaps learning a new language or dialect? Can you fathom what it would have been like practicing a faith or belief system which may have stood in radical opposition to the religious practices of the communities where they settled?
In my mind, the early believers faced many challenges and hardships. Apparently, James also understood this and begins this letter with words of encouragement and a call to faith. Perspective is encouraged - Consider it all joy when you encounter various trials... another translation says, Consider it great joy... the fact is we don't usually recognize hardship or trials as occasions for joy. We reserve joyous expressions for weddings, the birth of a baby, reunions of families and friends, etc. However, James in establishing perspective called for a big picture view rather than allowing for a myopic or short sighted view of the various trials of life.
Note: What was being tested? Their faith. Ask yourself, what is being tested in your life when you face hardship or trials? Is it not your faith too?
In calling the believer to maintain a big picture perspective, James also reminds them they are going through a process. While it is possible to gain some knowledge through study, there are some things in life which are known only by going through the process of doing. Unfortunately, in our instant gratification society we often feel the inconvenience, or the uncomfortableness of our situation and look for a shortcut out of our trials. While it may seem like the best option, too often, we are depriving ourselves of an opportunity of building endurance in the process of life by short cycling the trial.
One thing which is necessary as we navigate the trials of life is wisdom. It is essential we discern when we are going through a trial which is working for our benefit, or when it is a situation to be avoided. Frankly this can be challenging and leads us to the practical solution of asking God for wisdom. Note: we ask in faith, without doubting, with the full expectation that God who is generous will give the wisdom needed.
In the big picture view, encouraged by James, the cause for great joy is the perfection or completeness of faith which is the result of the trial. This truth is also echoed by the Apostle Peter in chapter 1 of his letter to the early church.
1 Peter 1:3-9 (NASB)
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
8 and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.
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By WhyMilbankFaith & Trials
As we begin to look at the letter James wrote to the Early Church, let me remind you of the contextual setting as is recorded in the Book of Acts. Following the birth of the church there was a period of explosive growth with thousands coming to faith. The followers of Christ were still living and worshipping in Jerusalem. James, the author of this letter was the leader of the Jerusalem church. Following the stoning of Stephen, one of the first deacons of the church, and the first martyr, there arose persecution of the church resulting in many believers fleeing Jerusalem to the surrounding regions and nations. As the pastor of the Jerusalem church, James had a burden for those who fled the persecution and wrote this letter of encouragement.
With that background, let's now consider the encouragement and instruction given to these early members of the church. As we do so, let's glean truths which are applicable for the believers today.
James 1:2-8 (NASB)
2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
6 But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.
7 For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, 8 being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
Imagine, if you can, what it was like for the early believers to try and integrate into a different society. Can you imagine what it would be like to learn a new culture and customs, perhaps learning a new language or dialect? Can you fathom what it would have been like practicing a faith or belief system which may have stood in radical opposition to the religious practices of the communities where they settled?
In my mind, the early believers faced many challenges and hardships. Apparently, James also understood this and begins this letter with words of encouragement and a call to faith. Perspective is encouraged - Consider it all joy when you encounter various trials... another translation says, Consider it great joy... the fact is we don't usually recognize hardship or trials as occasions for joy. We reserve joyous expressions for weddings, the birth of a baby, reunions of families and friends, etc. However, James in establishing perspective called for a big picture view rather than allowing for a myopic or short sighted view of the various trials of life.
Note: What was being tested? Their faith. Ask yourself, what is being tested in your life when you face hardship or trials? Is it not your faith too?
In calling the believer to maintain a big picture perspective, James also reminds them they are going through a process. While it is possible to gain some knowledge through study, there are some things in life which are known only by going through the process of doing. Unfortunately, in our instant gratification society we often feel the inconvenience, or the uncomfortableness of our situation and look for a shortcut out of our trials. While it may seem like the best option, too often, we are depriving ourselves of an opportunity of building endurance in the process of life by short cycling the trial.
One thing which is necessary as we navigate the trials of life is wisdom. It is essential we discern when we are going through a trial which is working for our benefit, or when it is a situation to be avoided. Frankly this can be challenging and leads us to the practical solution of asking God for wisdom. Note: we ask in faith, without doubting, with the full expectation that God who is generous will give the wisdom needed.
In the big picture view, encouraged by James, the cause for great joy is the perfection or completeness of faith which is the result of the trial. This truth is also echoed by the Apostle Peter in chapter 1 of his letter to the early church.
1 Peter 1:3-9 (NASB)
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
8 and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.