1 a James, a servant 1 of God and b of the Lord Jesus Christ, To c the twelve tribes in d the Dispersion: Greetings. James 1:2-4 - NIV: Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James is the Joe Friday of the New Testament. Because of anti-Semitism in the Roman Empire, these believers in Christ were often the brunt of hostility both from the pagan world, as well as from their own people. Being submissive to God does not necessarily mean that we do not take steps to remedy the problem. Ï, á¼Î½ ÏÎ¿Î¹ÎºÎ¯Î»Î¿Î¹Ï ÏειÏαÏμοá¿Ï, ÏÎ¿Î¹ÎºÎ¯Î»Î±Î¹Ï ÎºÎ±á½¶ Ïολλαá¿Ï δοκιμάÏÎ±Ï ÏιμÏÏίαιÏ, ὠλαÏÏ ÏÎ¿Ï Ïá¾¶Ï Î´Î¯ÎºÎ±Î¹Î¿Ï, Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers. They had no rights. 16:9; 20:24). From 1977-1992 he was the pastor of Lake Gregory Community Church in Crestline, California. He graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M., 1976 in Bible exposition) and Califo... More. True faith controls the tongue (3:1-12). Rather, God uses them to test our faith. It denotes deliberate and careful judgment stemming from external proof, not subjective judgment based on feelings (Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament [Harper & Brothers, 1887], p. 276; A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament, G. Abbott-Smith [Charles Scribner’s Sons], p. 119). Our response to trials should distinguish us from the world. Writing to refugees who have suffered the loss of their homes and homeland, plus many of their possessions, who are being persecuted in the places that they have sought refuge, James says, But, the test of your faith is when you really do choose to trust God in a severe trial. William Barclay makes an excellent comment on this:. Underneath the grief and tears, there should be the serene confidence that God is in control. James is writing to people who are struggling. D. True faith perseveres under testing, not blaming God for temptations (1:12-18). It seeks God for wisdom in such times (1:5-8). Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. If it does, you say, “That’s a good jacket!”. Three areas of importance to the believer, in regard to his trials, are covered in verses 2-4: Response to Tria1s--1:2; Reason for Trials- … 4:4; see also, 1 Thess. The book of James is possibly the earliest writing found in the New Testament canon. Why? It is the joy of hope in God and His sure promises. We don’t graduate until we go to heaven. 16:33), to the events of nations (Ps. C. True faith adopts God’s eternal perspective in both poverty and riches (1:9-11). 5:7). James is giving us some tests of true faith. Hebrews 12:11 acknowledges, “All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, yet sorrowful….” So James does not mean, “Put on your happy face and deny that you’re hurting.”. Some of the readers had probably been members of the church in Jerusalem, but they had scattered into many locations because of the persecution that arose after the death of Stephen (Acts 8:1; 11:19-20). In the same way, when we endure trials by faith, our faith is stronger for the next trial. these tests or trials are not meant to make us fall, they are meant to make us soar. Often times, the best place to look for answers is righ… Profiting from Trials. If not, how do these feelings fit in with God’s joy. But … Here (1:9-12), James shows us that true faith adopts God’s eternal perspective regarding poverty and riches. True faith acts with gentle wisdom (3:13-18). True faith practices biblical love (2:8-13). *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Before we write off James as a masochistic weirdo, we should recall that two other New Testament writers said similar things. Does debt affect giving in modern times in light of the Israelite tithe and slaves? E. True faith obeys God’s word, even when provoked (1:19-27). There are some radical Arminians (“Open Theism”) who try to get God off the hook when it comes to trials, saying, “This was not in His plan.” They argue that God does not control (or even know in advance!) We do not know if our faith is genuine until it stands up under the test. We can understand a religion which enhances time… But we cannot understand a faith which is not nourished by the temporal hope that tomorrow things will be better. Talk is cheap; James wants to see results. She and her fellow martyrs scratched on the wall of their prison tower the single word, “Resist!” Tourists still see and gape at that word on that stone. While believers grieve, they do not grieve as those who have no hope (1 Thess. Perfect speaks of … 3. Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. Consider three things: “Consider” means to think, count, or regard something based on weighing and comparing of facts. After God afflicted him, he said, “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance hs a chance to grow. James (5:7) later encourages us, “Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord.” His radical approach to dealing with trials is: Adopt a radical attitude: “Consider it all joy.” Understand a reassuring truth: “Knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” And, submit to the refining process: “let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” That is one way that true faith responds with practical godliness under testing. A. Writing to refugees who have suffered the loss of their homes and homeland, plus many of their possessions, who are being persecuted in the places that they have sought refuge, James says. Let no one be deceived, God is not the source of temptation, but the Father of every good and perfect gift which comes down from above, who has brought us forth that we might be the firstfruits of His creation ( 16-18 ). He became the leader of the church in Jerusalem in the years following the Day of Pentecost (Gal. Let’s consider several aspects of this radical attitude: James does not say, “if you encounter various trials,” but when. Go To James Index. He wants to see your practice of the faith. But if there is a hope beyond this temporal life—if future grace extends into eternity—then there may be a profound understanding of such patience in this life.”. Peter wrote to suffering believers whose faith was being tested by fire. B. He gave that impractical command, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” (Phil. The fruit of the Spirit (Gal. James 1:2–4 Testing of Your Faith 2 e Count it all joy, my brothers, 2 when you meet trials f of various kinds, 3 for you know that g the testing of your faith h produces steadfastness. Powered by Tengine This is the question James seeks to answer for them, and for us as well. Briefly note two things: “Let endurance have its perfect result….” This isn’t a quick fix. He who goes to and fro weeping, carrying his bag of seed, shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing his sheaves with him” (Ps. And these trials are not necessarily the consequence of disobedience. James 1:16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Jesus did not condemn Mary for weeping at the death of her brother Lazarus. 2. We should understand the reassuring truth, that our sovereign God is using it to develop enduring faith. If somebody went off on a tangent, he cut to the quick with, “Just the facts, Ma’am.”. It may work for the little irritations that we encounter every day, but is it realistic advice for facing the huge trials that hit us? 171-172) relates the amazing story of Marie Durant (from Karl Olsson in Passion [Harper & Row]). James is concerned that we manifest our godly character in the face of trials and appreciate the importance of trials in producing godly character in our lives. True faith shows itself in practical obedience (2:1-26). Paul instructs us, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep” (Rom. His famous line was, “Just the facts, Ma’am.” He didn’t want to hear anything irrelevant to solving the case. He knows he is not his own and that he cannot know himself, and others cannot know him without knowing the One he gives his life to in worship, service. 8:28). 33:14-15) and orders our steps (Ps. Who was James? With that as a brief introduction and overview of the whole book, let’s zero in on James’ radical approach to trials (1:2-4). Together with thirty other Huguenot women, she was put into a tower by the sea and left there for 38 years. James is like a crusty sergeant barking orders at the troops. Examples & Explanations: Secured Transactions, Sixth Edition If it’s a 10k run, he may start with 5k and gradually extend his distance and speed. True faith seeks God for wisdom in times of testing (1:5-8). Of the 108 verses in the book, 54 (half) contain imperative verbs. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. We cannot understand why He sends the particular trials that He does, but whatever they are, we can know that they are from Him. There are two aspects to this reassuring truth: The verse implies that God is using the trials for His purpose. D. True faith practices humility by speaking the truth apart from self-serving oaths (5:12). 5:22-23) will be evident in your daily life. Word got back to James of some of the difficulties that these brethren were encountering: affliction from without (5:1-6) and, as often happens at such times, conflicts within (2:1-13; 4:1-12). ), “Surely we cannot, if ‘temporal’ hope is the only kind we have. Q. But let patience have its perfect work, … This asks who wrote the book, who it was written to. True faith practices humility in relationships (4:1-12). Apparently he did not believe in Jesus as Lord until after the resurrection, when the risen Savior appeared to him (see John 7:5; 1 Cor. James adds, “a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.” By mentioning God and Jesus Christ on equal terms, and adding “Lord,” the Old Testament word for God, to Jesus, James affirms the deity of Jesus Christ. The James-Lange Theory is a hypothesis about emotions.It is one of the earliest theories of emotion. The vast majority of scholars agree that the author of James was the half-brother of Jesus (Matt. True faith responds with practical godliness under testing (1:2-27). When the Savior faced the cross, He did so with “loud crying and tears” (Heb. Font Size. English (US) Español; Français (France) 中文(简体) youtube.com. If the trial is an illness, it is right not only to pray, but to seek medical help. 4. It means to stand fast or persevere. Rather, He wept, too (John 11:33-35). Piper points out that a key adjective in that story points to the power of Marie Durant’s endurance. James wrote this letter to “the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad” (1:1). I offer this outline: Introduction: Author and recipients (1:1). One of the best examples of submission was Job. 12:8-9). Trials should produce growth. As he sat in a Philippian jail cell, unjustly arrested and beaten, unable to sleep, he and Silas sang praises at midnight (Acts 16:25). The alternative is to consider that perhaps these godly men were onto something. Watch our overview video on the book of James, which breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?. 2 e Count it all joy, my brothers, 2 when you meet trials f of various kinds, 3 for you know that g the testing of your faith h produces steadfastness. Afterwards, you know that your faith is genuine, because it brought you through the trial. Picture an athlete who pushes himself to build up strength and endurance for an upcoming race. The apostle Paul wrote (Rom. h 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature i and complete, not lacking anything. To trust God and experience His hope and joy in the midst of trials is a radical attitude that James commands us to adopt. (Photo by gotpap/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images) gotpap/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images 4. It was likely written after Paul began to bring the Gospel to the Gentiles but before he and James met at the Jerusalem Council (cf. These letters were sent out as circular epistles to be passed around and read in several locations. Paul prayed that God would remove his “thorn in the flesh.” He stopped praying when God told him, “My grace is sufficient for you” (2 Cor. On the personal level, He ordained all of the days of our lives before we were ever born (Ps. 139:16). Submitting to God does not necessarily mean passively enduring it without praying for relief. 301 Moved Permanently. Biblical joy in times of trials is not natural optimism. James 1:2-4. Some were lapsing into a superficial, formal religion that professed orthodox beliefs, but practiced selfish, ungodly lifestyles (1:22-27; 2:14-26; 3:9-12). Examples & Explanations: Secured Transactions, Sixth Edition [Brook, James] on Amazon.com. C. True faith proves itself by its works (2:14-26). 2. the choices we make. The word “perfect” does not imply that you reach a point in this life where you’ve arrived and need no further progress. Olsson said, “We cannot understand a faith which is not nourished by the temporal hope that tomorrow things will be better.” Piper adds (ibid. James describes himself to his readers as a servant of God and of Jesus Christ. You can buy a jacket that claims to be waterproof. “Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting. 4. 2:9; Acts 15:13-29; 21:17-25). A. In the preceding section, James deals with the rich and the poor. Choose a verse from 'James 1' to begin your 'Verse-by-Verse' study of God's Word using the more than 100 commentaries available on StudyLight.org He fashions our hearts (Ps. That is, perfection is not just a maturing of character, but a rounding out as more and more ‘parts’ of the righteous character are added” (New International Greek Commentary, James Eerdmans], p. 70). It robs people of comfort and creates a very scary world, where evil is out of control, to deny God’s sovereignty over trials, because it denies that He is purposefully working those trials for our ultimate good. Submission is an attitude toward God, where we do not defiantly shake our fist in His face and tell Him that He has no right to do this to us. 2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. There are a number of helpful commentaries on the Book of James, and the following are five of the best. Don’t worry …be happy!” We may hesitate to call James “Pastor Whacko,” but we might question whether his advice is practical and realistic when we’re going through terrible trials. He will cause “all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Rom. R. C. Trench (Synonyms of the New Testament [Eerdmans], p. 198), says that the Greek word translated “patience” is used with respect to persons, whereas “endurance” refers to things. James 1:2-4. Agree/disagree? 5:16). 221-231). James 1:2-4. They are not meant to defeat us; they are meant to be defeated. A Lasting Legacy: Choosing A Wife For Isaac (Gen. 24:1-67). James 1:4 says a believer who perseveres through trials is made “perfect.” This does not mean he or she becomes sinless or without moral failings. Although they are united now to Christ and learning to trust Him, their lives are full of difficulties. He is not sitting in heaven saying, “I didn’t want that to happen, but now that it has happened, let’s see how we can make the best of a bad situation!” Scripture is clear that God is sovereign over everything, from the rain and snow that fall (Job 37:6-13), to seemingly random events (the lot, Prov. How then should they go through their trials as Christians? 4:13). Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 A. 22:28; Acts 14:16; 17:26). James 1:2-4. Romans 2:1 - 2:4. We are not submitting to Him if we ignore Him and take matters into our own hands, apart from prayer and faith. 3. James 1:2-4 This Is Only A Test. B. They will be varied according to His sovereign purpose. My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations. True faith responds with joy when it faces testing (1:2-4). I knew Him long before He became famous!” But James (1:1) and his brother, Jude (Jude 1), both opened their letters by calling themselves bond-servants. Possibly they were wealthy Jews, the very ones who persecuted the early Christians. Q. “Endurance” is the better translation here. He cuts to the bottom line without messing around. He develops several themes: endurance through trials; the dangers of riches and encouragement to the poor; the law and love; faith and works; the coming of the Lord; and, humility. 13:55). But the Bible affirms that God is sovereign over birth defects (Exod. James 1:2-4 “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. True faith has joy even when it faces trials (1:2-4). A. James 2:1-13 is an expansion of the discussion about the relationship between the rich and poor in James 1:9-11,27. With that as a brief introduction and overview of the whole book, let’s zero in on James’ radical approach to trials (1:2-4). “She was not asked to commit an immoral act, to become a criminal, or even to change the day-to-day quality of her behavior.” She was only asked to say, “I recant.” She refused. James Harden out and about in Los Angeles, California on Aug. 14, 2019. LeBron James is expected to promote the Mountain Dew brand, which has become one of the NBA's prime sponsors after PepsiCo took over as its official beverage partner in 2015. Let’s look at the historical/cultural context first. 12:15). Peter Davids says that the word complete “stresses the incremental character of the process. God’s goal in the trials is “that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” Again, this does not mean that you can arrive at a state of sinless perfection or perfect maturity in this life. 2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.. 3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. What does the Bible say to the church, and to the individual Christian, about the role of politics in the church? He became known as “James the Just” (or, “Righteous”) because of his well-known holiness. But, as difficult as it may be to outline the book, I think that the contents may be arranged under this theme of true faith. NIV 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, NIV 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James chapter 4 KJV (King James Version) 1 From whence come wars and fightings among you? The theory is that emotions come from the physiological response to what is happening around us.. Blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21). William Barclay observes (The Daily Study Bible, the Letters of James and Peter [Westminster Press], p. 44), “By the way in which we meet every experience in life we are either fitting or unfitting ourselves for the task which God meant us to do.”. B. He’s not really interested in hearing your profession of faith. James understands his life in reference to another. Copyright, Steven J. Cole, 2005, All Rights Reserved. Kent Hughes (James: Faith that Works [Crossway], pp. To persevere in trials with joy, adopt God’s eternal perspective on poverty and riches. And when we endure trials by faith, with joy, it brings glory to our Lord and Savior. He told them that “to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing” (1 Pet. Conclusion: True faith practices biblical love by seeking to restore those who have strayed from the truth (5:19-20). James 1:2-4. A. True faith practices humility with regard to the future (4:13-17). . 4:12), “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; …” Many Christians naively think that if they obey the Lord, they will be spared from any trials. As Peter wrote (1 Pet. B. Is it sin to feel sorrow and grief in a trial? The hymn writer had it right: “Every joy or trial falleth from above, traced upon our dial by the Sun of Love” (Frances Havergal, “Like a River Glorious”). It’s a required course in the school of faith. The Book of James – A Detailed Commentary Basic Training Bible Ministries Page 2 Introduction to James Background of the Book The Epistle of James is one of the general epistles, including 1 and 2 Peter, 1, 2 and 3 John, and Jude. James Greeting. As a pastor, James writes to these scattered Jewish believers to make the point: True faith shows itself in practical, godly living. Just as we prune a shrub or tree to force it to grow into a more perfect form, so God does with us. The test of that jacket is, if you get caught in a downpour, does it keep you dry? It’s easy to proclaim, “I trust in God!” Anybody can say that. It is uncertain whether the rich referred to in James 1:10-11; 2:6 or 5:1-6 are believers. Thus the man is patient who is not easily provoked or angered by difficult people, whereas the man endures who does not lose heart under great trials. 4:13; see also, 1:8). This identifies his main readers as Jews who lived outside of Israel. The word means, “slaves,” and refers to those who are the property of their masters. There are several men in the New Testament by that name. I grew up with Him! Disciples Christian Fellowship Live Stream. Some Christian psychologists say that to encourage a suffering saint to “trust God” is useless advice. John Piper (Future Grace [Multnomah Press], pp. So, I have to take the course over again and again! E. True faith practices humility by depending upon God through prayer (5:13-18). In the late 17th century, in southern France, Marie was brought before the authorities and charged with the Huguenot heresy (being a Reformed Protestant). Why did You allow this to happen?” But the Bible gives abundant testimony that all of God’s saints encounter trials. It asks historical questions like what challenges were they facing and what questions were they asking. “She was fourteen years old, bright, attractive, marriageable.” She was asked to recant her Huguenot faith. Although powerful emotions are inevitable when we encounter severe trials, once the emotions have subsided a bit, we need to think about the trial from a biblical perspective. Why does the Open Theism view that God is not sovereign over trials rob God’s people of hope and comfort? We know that this James was not the apostle James, brother of John, because he was martyred in A.D. 44, too early for this epistle. So let it grow, for when you endurance is fully developed, you will be … Thus when we encounter trials, we should adopt the radical attitude of counting it all joy. Authorship If you wear it on dry days, you have not put the jacket to the test. When trials hit them, they are confused and often angry at God: “I was following You! The Exodus Decoded is a documentary film aired April 16, 2006 on The History Channel.The program was created by Israeli-Canadian filmmaker Simcha Jacobovici and producer/director James Cameron. Motivation to endure temptation is given, along with an explanation as to the true source of temptations and the development of sin which leads to spiritual death (12-15). New King James Version (NKJV) Bible Book List. True faith does not show partiality (2:1-7). 17-18, ellipsis marks his) imagines the original readers response: “How nice…a letter of encouragement from Pastor Whacko! This declaration of St. James was especially appropriate to the Jewish Christians, who were in danger of being led away by the errors of the Pharisees. James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 5:3), “And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance….” He wrote Philippians from prison, and the theme of that letter is joy in Christ. (The two would later work together on The Lost Tomb of Jesus. 30:5). Authorship: The author is identified only as James, and there are four men so named in the New Testament. “Let” implies submission to God in the trial. But the point is, when you are faced with a trial, you have a choice: Will I trust God and the promises of His Word, as I have professed to do, or not? Title: James, like all of the general epistles except Hebrews, is named after its author (verse 1). ; James wants to see results fall, they do not take steps to remedy problem! When we endure trials by faith, our faith make us fall, they are united to! Between the rich and the Lord ” ( Heb two would later work on! We can not, how do these feelings fit in with God ’ s to! Church, and for us as well if our faith is stronger the. Author is identified only as James, like all of God and of Jesus Christ adopt God ’ eternal! And these trials are not necessarily mean that we do not grieve those. Prayer ( 5:13-18 ) the church “ She was put into a by. 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