THE BOOK OF JAMES
STUDY PART 2
James 1: 2-4 THE CHRISTIAN AND TRIALS
I. Intro-Probably no problem has caused more concern on the part of God’s children then the presence of trials. Failure to understand the presence and purpose of such trials can lead to discouragement and discontentment.
A. The people to whom James is writing were under extreme trial. Lead by and of the Holy Spirit, James brings our attention to our behavior under trial. Then, he places before us the reason, why? This is an age old human question of why? Our children have a word in there vocabulary that has caused many parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles distress—the word why? Early spiritual experiences find the new Christian asking the same why? God has a reason for all that comes into our lives and the lives of those He loves and calls His own. This is what James calls to our attention.
II. Joyful under Trial (vs. 2)
A. “My Brethren” – James places himself on the same plane as those to whom he is writing. James is referring to Brethren in a spiritual sense. The blood of Christ has united all true believers into one family of which God is the head (II Cor. 6: 17,18). This is a favorite expression of James as he uses Brethren 17 times in this book.
B. “Count it all joy when you face trials of many kinds”—King James uses when you fall into temptation. There are two kinds of temptation found in the Scriptures. Temptation means in some places trials, difficulties, and hardships. Temptation means in some places ones own self and satin that leads to and tempts to sin according to (James 1:13,14). The word temptation in this passage means “trial or test”. These temptations are varied and diverse (I Peter 1:6). These temptations are not to be a source of joy (Heb 12:11). Important to remember we are not living just for the present. Trials are NOT a sign of God’s disfavor. James very first words are to reassure them of this. These trials were to test their Faith with the end in view of strengthening that Faith. The Lord still sends chastisement for sin, but one must remember He allows trials to strengthen His own. Those who were in deep trial were to count it ALL JOY. The word “ALL” appears 5,482 times in scripture (Rom 3:23; Isa. 53:6; I Cor. 15:22) “ For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive” Here in deep trial we are to count it ALL JOY and its possible to do so. Jesus did in Heb 12:2; Peter and the Apostles did in Acts 5:41. Irritation can bring priceless results…grain of sand in an oyster creating the most precious part of its being. The result, is a pearl which in reality is a victory over irritation. What has irritations produced in your life?
III. The reason for temptations/trials (vs. 3)
A. Trying of your Faith worketh patience---You see the trial God sets before us is producing something. It is to produce that much needed patience that many of us seem to lack. Remember, James is pleading for a Faith that produces fruit. The presence of patience is no proof that one is saved, but where patience is lacking, God has a remedy.
B. Worketh patience/perseverance----The word patience carries the thought of endurance and steadfastness. In one sense, its being completely resigned to the will of God. In another, it means a bull dog stick-tuitiveness. Here is Faith that doesn’t give up at the first sign of opposition. This patience is also positive and aggressive. It sets a goal and with determination pursues it. Paul said “ I press toward the mark” (Phil 3:14). We are warned in scripture about being weary and falling down (Gal 6:9)
IV. Patience brings maturity and completeness (vs. 4)
A. With patience will come a spiritual maturity in the life of the believer. Doesn’t God desire that each of His children grow? All of us start out as spiritual babies. God does not want us to remain spiritual infants who are carnal Christians. The normal Christian is a growing one. We shall never reach perfection until we meet Jesus. But, we can be developing our Christian experience until we meet the Lord face to face. No Christian is too old to grow or be useful. (I John 2:12-14)
B. With patience comes a complete Christian experience. Is it hard to find a “well rounded Christian today?” It may seem like it. Most of us are off in a few places…some more than others…too hard, too soft, too sweet, and too bitter. Trials have a tendency to knock off the rough spots causing one to be well rounded. With patience comes “wanting nothing or lacking nothing” as mentioned in vs. 4. Those things lacking in my life God brings into my life through trials and testings. So, the things I once lacked, I now have. Development always seems to come under stress or some type of duress…why?
CONCLUSION: There is none of us excused or immune from trials or temptations. James does not say “If Ye fall into” but “When Ye fall into”. The attitude we exhibit is all-important. As Christians and fellow brothers and sisters in Christ may we not ask “WHY?” but Lord what are you trying to teach me through this experience?
I Cor. 10:13—“The escape is not from our trial but to Christ who will give us the strength to come through and endure them.