By Kyle Beshears
Associate Dean and Assistant Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
With Perseverance
James 1:2–15
Joy over Progress (2–4)
Lest we overlook an important detail, James identified himself in a very specific way — as a servant (1:1). The entire letter is written from a servant of Christ to fellow servants of Christ. James encourages his fellow servants to equate their trials with joy. How can a trial produce joy?
Trials produce steadfastness, which in turn makes us complete, giving us a more mature faith. The joy we experience in trials is in part a reminder of our future.
Our joy amid trials is found in our remembering our Lord Jesus.
He also experienced a trial of His faith under suffering to the point of death; however, He rose again and will come again soon to do away with sin and suffering for His people forever.
Confidence in Him (5–8)
It’s a difficult thing to persevere during trials. Only through prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit can we ever hope to remain.
One blessing God gives us during trials is wisdom, a deeper understanding that moves beyond mere knowledge and facts. There aren’t easy answers during trials, so it is important to look to God for wisdom and guidance.
He is not a God who, as we move through suffering, coldly observes our confusion and pain. He understands and empathizes in our suffering; just ask His Son.
So for those who ask by prayer in faith, God gives them the wisdom needed to persevere. Faith, prayer and wisdom — these three gifts, by the power of the Holy Spirit, provide stability for us in the middle of life’s storms.
Focus on the Crown (9–12)
On the heels of trials, James warns the rich not to boast in their wealth. It might seem like a strange jump from trials to riches, but the connection is clear. Trials cause us to lean on God, which makes us humble; however, money tempts us to lean on our wealth, which makes us proud.
As a warning James echoes Christ when He taught that “everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 18:14). Why? When it comes to wealth, not only can’t you take it with you, but it will eventually come to nothing, like a flower fading away in the scorching wind.
Isaiah gave a similar warning — people are like flowers who wither when the breath of the Lord is blown (Isa. 40:6–8). What are you boasting in for salvation? Your material wealth or the boundless wealth of Christ’s righteousness by faith? Only the latter will survive the scorching wind of judgment by guaranteeing the believer an inheritance of eternal life, peace and love.
Guard Against Sin (13–15)
If God is good, why does He allow us to go through trials? We must first know that God doesn’t tempt anyone. Yet at the same time, God certainly allows us to experience temptation and trials. Why? James has already told us — paradoxically, for our own spiritual maturity and health.
Just as a blacksmith uses a hot furnace to shape and form metal into something he desires, God uses the furnace of trials to shape and form us into the image of His Son.
Each time we enter and return from trials, we’re a bit more purified and refined. One thing can upset the process — giving into sin. For this reason, during seasons of trials, we ought to remain extra vigilant for the enemy’s schemes and our vulnerabilities.
Our Heavenly Father and our enemy below want two very different things for us. The latter desires sin leading to death; whereas, the former desires obedience leading to life.
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