We are beginning a series from the Epistle of James. James was a common name during the New Testament era. Four men were named James in the New Testament.
- James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were fishermen.
- James the son of Alphaeus, called “the Younger” or “the Less,” was an apostle.
- The third James was the father of Judas the apostle, (Luke 6:16).
- The fourth James was one of the Lord’s four brothers, (Matthew 13:55).
James, the Lord’s brother is the writer of this epistle. He counted himself to be a bondservant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ, (James 1:1).
The Epistle of James was the earliest letter to the churches. It was written to believers from the Twelve Tribes that were scattered in the dispersion, A.D. 44–62. Most of them were persecuted for their faith in Christ. They were poor, tried, tested, and oppressed. Many were imprisoned and deprived of their possessions. James wanted to encourage their faith so they would be mature and complete, not lacking anything, (James 1:2-4).
The Epistle of James was written to enlarge and encourage the believer’s faith. The Book of James addresses authentic practical Christianity and declares what God has done for believers in Christ Jesus. We need to know that God is fully committed to us.
- It is important for us to know that God gives liberally to those in need, (James 1:5, 17).
- God has promised to give the crown of life to those who love Him, (James 1:12).
- God is only good and does not tempt people with evil, (James 1:13).
- God gives more grace to the humble, (James 4:6).
During Jesus Christ’s ministry, James and his brothers were unbelievers (Mark 3:21 and John 7:1–10). John 7:5 said, “Even His brothers did not believe in Him.” Do you find it strange that His brothers did not believe in Jesus?
Christ’s early life is not described in the Gospels. We do not know what it was like in Mary and Joseph’s home. We are not told about Jesus’ relationship with His four brothers or sisters. Along with Jesus’ brothers, He was not accepted by His community.
Mark 6:3 NKJV Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?” So they were offended at Him.
Luke 4:24 NLT But I tell you the truth, no prophet is accepted in his own hometown.
James did not always have this faith, but he came to know what it was to have a strong living faith in Jesus Christ. Each of us must develop a faith that is mature and complete, lacking nothing. After His death and resurrection, Jesus appeared to many to establish and strengthen their faith. The Apostle Paul talks about this in 1 Corinthians.
1 Corinthians 15:5-8 NLT He was seen by Peter and then by the Twelve. After that, he was seen by more than 500 of his followers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. Then he was seen by James and later by all the apostles. Last of all, as though I had been born at the wrong time, I also saw him.
As with many others, James was brought into a deep saving and living faith in Jesus Christ. As a result of his genuine faith, James became a leader of the church in Jerusalem, (Galatians 1:19).
To contend with the issues of life, believers need a faith that is mature and complete, not lacking anything. James could not rest in his status in the community, the Synagogue, or even his relationship to Jesus. He needed to know that his faith was living and strong. His faith must be mature and complete, not lacking anything so that he would not be overwhelmed in life.
As a result of his strong faith and belief in the Lord Jesus Christ, James took his place with early believers.
- He was with the believers in the Upper Room in Acts 1:12-14 when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the church.
- James, Simon Peter and other brothers were leaders of the Jerusalem church (Acts 12:17).
- James was involved in the Council in Jerusalem that approved the salvation of Gentiles and settled the division in the church, (Acts 15:13).
- James needed a strong mature faith that works to carry him and the early church through great difficulties.
We all need a faith that works, that is mature, complete and lacking nothing. That kind of faith will carry us through good and bad times. We are facing challenging days of transition, challenge, and apostasy. Every area of our faith is being challenged. This transitional environment challenges the stability of our faith. We are tested when we experience pain, lust, disease, loneliness or anger. We are tested when we experience loss, separation, sickness, accidents and even death. We are tested when faced with cheating, hurts, greed, emptiness, and disappointments. We need strong and mature faith to carry us through.
By the power of the Holy Spirit, James spoke to believers about having mature and strong faith. We need a faith that does not fail.
He showed us how to respond to testing and temptation. To testing he says: “consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds.” (Verse 2) To temptations he says: “realize that God is not the source.” (Verse 13)
One of the best measurements of Christian maturity is how our faith works in every facet of life. Our faith must be strong in good and bad times. Some think they have strong faith when everything is working out right. Often we discover the kind of faith we possess when we go through personal trials. Trials not only reveal our faith, they also develop our faith and Christian character. James told believers to rejoice in their trials. This is one of the most challenging things for us to do.
How can we have joy in the midst of troubles? How can we rejoice when trouble comes? James gave the answer in the first chapter. He shows us how to live with confident faith and joy.
Let’s begin where James starts.
We can be sure of God’s purpose and have a living faith.
Read this out loud. James 1:12 NIV84 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
Hold on to that verse as we begin reading James 1:1.
James 1:1-4 NIV84 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings. Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
This kind of faith believes that our experiences are not an accident. This presents the truth of God’s providential care. We need to know Who God really is.
We know that God is in control. God has not left His creation, it is sustained and maintained by His constant care. God has promised that He watches over even the smallest sparrow and the grass of the field. He has providential oversight of our lives, families, businesses, and society. Regardless of what happens in life, we know that God is in control. We need to know that if God is sovereign, He is in control.
Romans 8:28 NIV And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.
We can know that everything is going to work for our good, if God is in control. If God is not in control, there are two other possibilities. First, no one is in control and things just happen. Second, Satan is in control.
Paul said: “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
If God is in control, we can count or consider it pure or all joy. What does that mean?If God is in control, we can rest and have peace in every situation. We can know that He not only watches what is happening, God is in control. Our loving heavenly Father is in control of the affairs of this world. Regardless of the evil intent of men or evil spiritual forces, God will accomplish His plan. God is greater than the evil powers that are working in this world. We can know with absolute certainty that God is going to defeat Satan and every evil intent. We can know that what God has said He is able also to do, (Romans 4:21). As a result, we can rest in this faith in God.
“We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Do you know that God is in control?
James says that when trials come we can count it all joy.
James 1:2-4 NIV84 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Did you notice that he did not say, “IF YOU FACE TRIALS” but “WHENEVER YOU FACE TRIALS?” We should expect trials to come. Our faith is going to be tried.
In James 1:2 the Greek word for “trials” means “testing or trials.” It refers to the examination of our faith. This is the trial of our integrity, character, belief or faith.
Job was tried in several ways. His wealth, health, faith and security were tried. We should expect various kinds trials and tests. In James1:13, the Greek word for “temptation” means “testing or trial.” It is the solicitation to sin, err, or lapse from faith.
The tempter seeks to trap, entice, or tempt. God does not tempt you to do evil, but, testing and trials will come. The tempter is working to trap you. He uses all kinds of adversity, affliction, trouble, trials, and difficulties to steal, kill and destroy.
How can we “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds?” This attitude of faith comes from absolute trust in God. Trials should be faced with an attitude of joy. Trials should not be seen as a punishment, curse, or calamity. Trials should prompt rejoicing and faith. Trials should produce “pure joy” (literally, “all joy”; joy that is full, unmixed, or unaltered). This is not just “some joy” coupled with much grief. The trial of our faith should not dilute or weaken our joy.
James was addressing believers as “my brothers.” He identified with them and the development of faith. He was experiencing the same trials and suffering. He still said, “Be full of joy.”
The trial of your faith produces the perfection of Christian character in God’s children. The goal is that we may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. God wants His children to be mature (perfect). We should set our goal to rise to that level of spiritual maturity.
Matthew 5:48 NIV84 Jesus said, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
The Greek for “perfect” means complete, full grown, mature, wanting nothing. Jesus is referring to the Father’s character and nature. These words challenge our human nature and weakness. How can we achieve this high standard and press toward that mark? According to James, Christian maturity or perfection requires the trial and test of our faith. We know that God gives us the power and ability to keep His righteous standard. Without His help we are miserable failures.
James 1:3, the testing and trial of your faith produces or develops perseverance. Although God does not author evil, suffering or trials, He is able to turn everything around for our good.
Romans 8:28 NIV And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.
Perseverance is endurance or patience that leads believers into deeper maturity in Christ.
James 1:12 NIV84 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
When we become wholly committed to God as God is wholly committed to us, we know that all things will work together for our good. We can know without doubt that God is working for our good. Trials do not to determine if we have faith. They strengthen the faith that we have.
1 Peter 1:6-7 NKJV In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 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.
Never lose sight of the fact that your faith will be rewarded when you stand in God’s presence with Jesus Christ.
