The Value Of Testing In The Development Of Faith

James 1

October 5, 2025

James 1:1 – Bondservant: set free from slavery but chose to stay and serve the Master who set him free!

Half brother of Jesus (James was born of Joseph and Mary)

Resurrection was Gamechanger! (1 Corinthians 15:7)

Pastor of the Church at Jerusalem and its leaders! (Acts 12:17; Acts 15:13; Acts 21:8; Galatians 1:19; Galatians 2:9)

Martyred in 60’s A.D.

Practical, “Boots on the Ground” letter

James 1:1,2 – Twelve tribes disbursed ….” (See Acts 8:1-4; Genesis 50:20; 1Corinthians 2:8) God can take what the enemy desires for evil and use it against the enemy and, ultimately, for His glory and our good!

“Count it” …. An act of the will. “When”…. Not if; various (many, of different sorts); “life happens”

Trials …. Peirasmos (tests, trials, temptations)

✼God sometimes uses the enemy as an “unwilling agent”

James 1:3

Knowing …. Not just in the mind, surface, but in your “knower”, your spirit (When the Holy Spirit is dwelling and bearing witness!)

Testing …. Proof …. Impurities burned out via fire

Produces …. Katergazomai …. “works out”, develops

Patience …. Steadfast endurance “to bear up” in the wait!

James 1:4

Perfect …. Fully mature, complete

James 1:5

Wisdom …. The ability to see from God’s perspective. Must be received, through request by Faith (confident assurance based on His Word)