James 1:1-18
James- brother of Jesus (Matthew 13:55) and leader of the Jerusalem church (Acts 15).
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Theme- The main theme of James is living out one’s faith! It is very possible to believe correctly, yet live contrary to those beliefs. You’ll often hear me talk about how Christianity must be defined by action and not just by absence, or even abstinence. Although absence from certain groups is important, and we must certainly abstain from sin, but that should not be our stereotype or label of how we are marked. Living out our faith in such an attractive/loving way so that a lost world sees the hope of Christ as He moves in and through us, this should define us. This is the New Testament Church example. James gives us this practical application to do just that.
Theme- The main theme of James is living out one’s faith! It is very possible to believe correctly, yet live contrary to those beliefs. You’ll often hear me talk about how Christianity must be defined by action and not just by absence, or even abstinence. Although absence from certain groups is important, and we must certainly abstain from sin, but that should not be our stereotype or label of how we are marked. Living out our faith in such an attractive/loving way so that a lost world sees the hope of Christ as He moves in and through us, this should define us. This is the New Testament Church example. James gives us this practical application to do just that.
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Purpose- Jewish Christian audience, noted by the reference of the twelve tribes in verse 1. Believed to instruct house churches outside of Palestine. Some had fallen into a worldly lifestyle and have stopped putting their faith into action.
Purpose- Jewish Christian audience, noted by the reference of the twelve tribes in verse 1. Believed to instruct house churches outside of Palestine. Some had fallen into a worldly lifestyle and have stopped putting their faith into action.
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Four possible types of struggles we may face
1. Consequences- results of sin and poor choices.
2. Hardship- Illness, death of a loved one, or tragic event. Person has done nothing to warrant this
1. Consequences- results of sin and poor choices.
2. Hardship- Illness, death of a loved one, or tragic event. Person has done nothing to warrant this
struggle.
3. Persecution- Living out one’s faith naturally conflicts with society
4. Discipline- God wants your attention and repentance because you are His child.
3. Persecution- Living out one’s faith naturally conflicts with society
4. Discipline- God wants your attention and repentance because you are His child.
“God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” -C.S. Lewis
“James shows that when faith is but an empty profession or mere sentiment not based on firm and intelligent convictions of divine truth, the fire of trouble will burn it up. But where there is true faith, affliction naturally leads to deeper thought on one’s true condition than under other circumstances and thereby frees the heart from deception and self-righteousness. The source of weakness leads to earnest wrestling with God in prayer; and the experience of the sustaining grace thus obtained strengthens and exhilarates hope.” John MacArthur
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Byproducts of trials
a. Joy (vv.2-4)
Why joy? The design of a trial is to produce spiritual maturity. To chisel away any impurity, in order that the Christian may be strengthened for God’s glory! Knowing that we’re becoming more Christ-like, more Christ-Centered on the other side of the trial, should give us great joy! Some of our sweetest times with the Lord, come as a result of the sourest trials. Whatever you’re going through, ask God for joy!
1 Peter 4:12-14 “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory[a] and of God rests upon you.”
1 Peter 4:12-14 “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory[a] and of God rests upon you.”
b. Wisdom (vv.5-8)
True wisdom comes from God. Wisdom- not simply knowledge of, but a life applied to God’s truth. Whatever you’re going through ask God for wisdom!
Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
James 3:13-18 “13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”
Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
James 3:13-18 “13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”
c. Humility (vv.9-11)
Philippians 2:3 “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”
1 Peter 5:6-11 “6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
Philippians 2:3 “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”
1 Peter 5:6-11 “6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
d. Endurance (v.12)
Whatever you’re going through, ask God for strength.
Matthew 24:13 “But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”
Colossians 1:11 “May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy”
1 Peter 1:5-9 “5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”
Matthew 24:13 “But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”
Colossians 1:11 “May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy”
1 Peter 1:5-9 “5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”
e. Self-Control (v.13-18)
What is the difference between a trial and a temptation? Tempting is trying to get someone to do something wrong, whereas a trial is an opportunity to do something right, or to gain strength from a situation.
1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”
Through trials, you have been through the proving ground that God is in control, He is in fact on the throne.
What is the difference between a trial and a temptation? Tempting is trying to get someone to do something wrong, whereas a trial is an opportunity to do something right, or to gain strength from a situation.
1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”
Through trials, you have been through the proving ground that God is in control, He is in fact on the throne.