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This sermon is the first in a series of messages on the Epistle of James. It is based on James 1:1-12 and presents six different truths that James provides regarding daily tests and trials.
Written Excerpts:
James
1:1 (NKJV) James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus
Christ, To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings.
Introduction:
For
some time now I have been thinking of doing a series of messages through
another book of the Bible. It was not easy trying to decide which Book of the
Bible to do next. Lately
I have been strongly feeling like God would have me preach through the book of
James. Nearly 8 years ago I led a Bible study on the book of James for our
Wednesday night meetings, and I remember thinking at the time that I would like
to cover the material someday with our Sunday morning congregation. So,
today we’re going to begin, and we’ll continue through the book each Sunday
until we finish all 5 chapters.
I
have decided to call the series: “Living Faith” for a couple of reasons. First
of all, in chapter two, the author clearly states that faith without works is
“dead.” So, it is apparent that James is concerned about his readers having a
faith that is living. Secondly,
the book of James is clearly about how our faith is meant to be lived in
practical, everyday life. He covers several topics that bring faith to bear on
issues that people face. He is definitely concerned that the believers hearing
his letter read would apply a living faith to everyday life.
As
we go through the book, talking about Living Faith we will be discussing how
faith responds to various situations and problems in life. The
first situation or problem we will be talking about in chapter one has to do
with our faith and its response to trials and temptations. So, I’ve titled
today’s sermon, “Living Faith: Under Pressure.”
Before
we look at the verses about trials and temptations, I want to take a little
time to provide some background information about this short letter.
I. Background Information
Author: James, the
brother of Jude & half-brother of Jesus.
He
is not so identified, but much about his character is revealed that is in
keeping with what is known about him. This choice is also in keeping with
tradition which tells us that he remained in Jerusalem and that Peter, James,
& John chose James, the brother of Jesus to be the pastor of the Jerusalem
church after the ascension of Christ (cf. Clement of Alexandria).
The
fact that he does not so identify himself (as our Lord’s brother) may be an
indication of his humility, but it also reveals the standing and personal
authority he had in the opinion of his readers. He
was a man well known and highly esteemed in the new Christian community.
“James, a servant of Jesus and of Jesus Christ” was an entirely sufficient
identification to them.
James,
along with other half-brothers of Jesus, did not initially believe in Jesus.
John 7:5 (NKJV)
For even His brothers did not believe in Him.
Apparently
sometime after the resurrection, James was won over and became a dedicated
follower; so much so that he was the prominent leader of the Christian
believers in Jerusalem.
Recipients:
The letter is addressed "to the twelve
tribes which are scattered abroad" (James 1:1b). "Twelve
tribes," obviously, identifies the readers as Jewish, and
"scattered abroad" (diaspora) further identifies them as those Jews living
outside of Palestine. We read in the book of Acts that the believers were
scattered
Acts 8:1 (NKJV)
Now Saul was consenting to his [Stephen’s] death. At that time a great
persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all
scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.
(Zaspel)
It is the most Jewish writing of the NT. The meeting place is the synagogue
(2:1), Abraham is their father (2:21), God is called The Lord of Sabbaoth (5:4,
only time in NT), His illustrations are often from the OT, and the whole
approach is that of an OT prophet.
Characteristics
of the Letter
Lots
of illustrations from natural world
Use
of rhetorical questions to get point across
Use
of imperative verbs (54 in 108 total verses) Very often the writers of Scripture use imperative
verbs (commands) to convey the meaning that God requires our obedience to
conform to His standards of right living. Doesn’t usually “sit well” with autonomous,
self-willed individuals who think “you don’t have a right to tell me how to
live.”
Faith
vs. Works
(Zaspel)
Some have… assumed that James and Paul contradict each other regarding faith
and works. This misunderstanding stems from a failure to recognize the issues
in focus in James and Paul — they are not standing face to face fighting each
other but back to back fighting different enemies.
Paul
attacks the idea that a man can be saved by works and so emphasizes faith.
James attacks the idea that a man's faith may be dead (unproductive) yet real,
and so James emphasizes works….
The
"works" Paul attacks are those which pretend to save; the
"works" James demands are those which demonstrate salvation.
(D.E.
Hiebert) Perhaps as an extreme reaction to the legalism to which they had
been subjected before their acceptance of Christ, many of them acted as though
knowledge of the truth was sufficient… James recognized that his readers
seriously needed to test themselves to see if their faith was a living faith or
a mere lifeless profession.
(The
Student Bible – NIV) In contrast to the Apostle Paul, James is not
explaining the kind of faith it takes to become a Christian, but rather the
kind of faith it takes to act like one or live like one.
II. Living under the pressure of daily trials.
Something
these believers had no doubt experienced was trials and tests. They were
scattered from Jerusalem because of persecution and perhaps had continued to
experience it to varying degrees since. There
are six different truths that James shares regarding daily trials.
A.
Joy is commanded (v. 2)
The
very first thing James addresses is the matter of trials and temptations. And
the first thing he says is a command to cultivate an attitude of joy in the
midst of trials. This
is one of the many imperative verbs that James uses in the letter. It is an
“order” or necessary action needed.
“All
joy” – i.e. only joy; unmixed with other emotions; or real, supreme joy.
Joy
is not the normal human attitude one has in the middle of trials and testing. Our
normal human response is to complain; question; etc. But we are urged to
cultivate that very attitude because of the greater good that God can bring out
of it.
Joy
is not something that we can just turn on and off. It is a disposition and an
attitude that must be trained and cultivated through experience and practice, but it also requires a deeper cause for it than our outward circumstances.
B.
Trials are diverse (v. 2)
“divers
temptations” (KJV) – various (NKJV); many kinds (NIV). The word carries the
idea of many-colored; motley; etc.
Tests
and trials come in all shapes, sizes and strengths. They
can seem as though they are not only all different kinds but coming from all
different directions/sources.
“temptations”
/ “trials” – (D.E. Hiebert) The word denotes a testing being directed toward
an end, to discover the nature or quality of the object or person tested.
C.
Trials have a purpose (v. 3-4)
The
real reason we are commanded to cultivate the attitude of joy is because God is
going to use it for our own good. The
testing of our faith produces patience (endurance). Trials and tests have been
permitted by God to build up our endurance and make us strong/stalwart Christians.
What
does faith have to do with it? Faith is the ability to trust that God is still
in control and has the desire and the ability to bring positive good out of it
all. It
is really disheartening to see people that so easily give up trusting in God and
trying to live a righteous life because of difficult trials that may come their
way.
1 Peter 1:6-7 (NKJV)
6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while,
if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the
genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes,
though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the
revelation of Jesus Christ,
According
to verse 4, God is able to produce a “finished product” or “complete/perfect”
product with us if we can understand what He is ultimately trying to do with us
and let it work.
“let
patience have…” – This is another imperative verb. Believers are
urged/commanded to let endurance work the way it is intended – not in an
instant, but over time.
Romans 5:3 (NKJV)
And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation
produces perseverance;
Many
Christians do not seem to be interested in becoming mature / “perfect” in their
faith. But apparently James felt it was necessary, and apparently God does too.
D.
Wisdom is needed & available (v. 5-8)
The
most difficult part of enduring trials and temptations is knowing how. What
can I do? What should I do? How should I react? James
tells us in verse 5 that if anyone lacks wisdom, he/she can ask of God and
receive wisdom. Wisdom
for what? If we understand it in the context, it primarily refers to wisdom on
how to get through the trial or test.
God
will respond to that kind of prayer.
“liberally/generously”
– word that can carry two meanings: generously, or with “singleness of
purpose,” i.e. undivided or unwavering intent.
Doesn’t
“upbraid/reproach” – (Tyndale New
Testament Comm.) he does not reprimand
us for past failures or remind us endlessly of the value of the gifts he gives.
God
doesn’t shame us or embarrass us when we pray.
The
asking must be done in confidence that it will happen. How do we know it will?
Because God said it will.
“Wavering”
carries the same meaning as “double-minded” in v. 8. It implies a person who constantly changes
his/her mind about God’s willingness and/or ability to grant wisdom and victory
thro’ temptations.
E.
Trials affect everyone regardless of economic status.
Possession
of wealth or lack of it does not prevent difficult trials and adversity. It
comes to everyone.
“low
degree/lowly” – one who is poor and powerless.
“exalted”
– same word used to refer to the heavenly realm to which Jesus ascended.
(Tyndale Comm.)
Both
poor and rich need to remember that this world and its blessings (or lack of
them) is not our final or permanent home.
(Tyndale
New Testament Commentaries) – James, then, exhorts both the poor and the rich
Christian to remember that the sole basis for their confidence is their
identification with Jesus Christ. The poor believer, insignificant and of no
account in the eyes of the world, is to rejoice in his relationship with the
Lord who has been exalted to the highest position in the universe. The rich
believer, well-off and secure in his possessions, with great status in the eyes
of the world, is to remember that his only lasting security comes through his
relationship with the ‘man of sorrows’, ‘despised and rejected by men’. Both
Christians, in other words, must look at their lives from a heavenly, not an
earthly, perspective.
F.
Endurance produces victor’s reward.
“crown
of life” – probably a reference to the laurel wreath placed on the head of
victorious athletes at Olympic games. Figuratively represents glory and honor –
heavenly reward.
Revelation 2:10 (NKJV)
… Be faithful until death, and I will
give you the crown of life.
III. Living under the pressure of evil temptations.
(Pick
up here next Sunday.)
Conclusion:
When
our faith is genuine, it is a living faith that keep functioning even in the
midst of daily trials.
Our
closing hymn was written by the author in the midst of very severe trials.
It
Is Well with My Soul
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