Trials, Treatment and Temptations
The Book of James
Week 1
Before we dive into the book of James, let’s get to know a bit about him.
Like Jude, he was the younger half-brother of Jesus, a skeptic before the cross but a believer after His resurrection. In fact, James became a strong figure for the young churches in Jerusalem.
This letter, written by James, is a compilation of teaching to the twelve tribes, Hebrew Christians. His writing takes a practical but firm tone. The common thread running through all five chapters: faith, what faith is and what faith isn’t.
Let’s dive in!
First of all, like you, I have a faith story. And probably like you, my faith story has seen some good times and hard times. To make sure we are talking about the same thing, let’s define the word faith used in James and throughout the New Testament.
The Greek word for faith is pistis. Pistis is defined as: belief, trust, fidelity. Biblical faith (pistis) is always a gift of God, never a product of our striving, great thinking or human effort. Faith(pistis) is God’s divine persuasion in our lives.
About AD 45, we find James writing to Christians. These are people of faith, however, he contends that faith in Christ should be evidenced in the lives of the believers.
His letter is a “pile” of meaningful thoughts but with no particular order of importance. It is akin to the Old Testament book of Proverbs.
James 1:2-17 describes three aspects of how faith in Christ should be evidenced.
First, the testing of my faith produces endurance. This is important because in the Old Testament, many times the Jewish people believed that trials and struggles were God’s direct punishment for sin. While we see instances of that in the Old Testament, that is not the case here. How do we know?
I believe verse 3 holds the key, “knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” That word, knowing (ginosko) means a knowledge based on experience and personal relationship. This is not a knowing that comes from us just hearing or seeing, not a head knowledge.
James was stating that they could be confident that endurance would be produced in their lives as they look to the Lord. Their confidence could rest on their relationship with Him and experience with Him. Because of that experiential relationship with Him, they could trust Him during their most difficult times.
With this understanding, they could “count it all joy” which means an awareness of God’s grace. I love that, don’t you? Joy, the awareness of God’s grace.
Next, James addressed partiality within the church. Faith in Christ would not tolerate that. Verses 9-11 directly speak of preferential behavior being shown to the wealthy while those of humble means were treated with disregard. He sums it up with this, “…so too the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away.”(v11)
James isn’t condemning the wealthy by any means, just the favored treatment shown them. Acts 10:34 presents the words of Peter with the same thought. “I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality.” Wealth in the world is fleeting.
Finally, James aims his attention to temptations. He makes it clear, “Let no one say when his is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God’, for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone.” (v13)
Friends, our Holy God will never put you in a covenant relationship outside of marriage so that you can “just be happy.” He will not give you financial gain that you do not have the character to handle, and He will never provide a public platform for your own selfish advancement.
These are temptations straight from the pit of hell. Walk away. Thanks, but no thanks. By the grace of God, run, and don’t look back.
Our study of James has started with some incredible life truths, hasn’t it?
His overriding theme: Faith in Christ should show evidence.
Question for discussion:
Which one of these three “points” from James spoke to you the most?
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