The Way - Day 039 (James 1)

Pastor Tom's Journal on Today's Reading:
James 1:1-8
Writing to the persecuted Christians scattered throughout the region, James sends "greetings" so that his words would bring hope to their souls. These Jewish believers most likely had experienced severe persecution for their faith, possibly under the reign of Herod Agrippa 1. James’ readers were most likely confused about their own future as they witnessed friends, family, and church leaders beaten and even killed for their belief in Jesus Christ. In the midst of fear and uncertainty, James wanted his recipients to understand the potential benefit which could result from enduring trials as a faithful follower of Jesus Christ.

James opens his book by writing –
"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect [mature] and complete, lacking nothing" (1:2-4).

Instead of being sorrowful about their hardship, James was asking the persecuted Christians to enter into difficulty with joy in knowing that the outcome can produce patience and spiritual maturity. How can difficult circumstances bring spiritual growth? When a follower of Christ is faced with an obstacle, they have the opportunity to draw near to God for strength to persevere. This time of sorrow results in someone clinging to God, understanding His unwavering control, and knowing He is near in time of trial and temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13).

The message for the recipients of this letter was to view persecution as a chance to move closer to Christ. Many people question God during trials, but the maturing follower will interpret difficulty as an occasion to rely on God for wisdom (the ability to put knowledge into practice). What a person believes about God (knowledge) will affect their response in problematic times. A belief in God’s control brings hope; but belief in selfish wisdom results in fear. For this reason, James writes, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God...and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting..." (1:5-8).

Although God never promises to remove adversity, He does assure the strength to endure. Trials lead to patience and patience leads to maturity.

James 1:9-18
Whether someone is rich or poor, trials are no respecter of persons (1:9-11). The rich and the poor, alike, should be fully dependent on God to sustain them during hardship. The poor should rejoice in their riches in Christ. The rich should remember that riches do not necessarily provide contentment during times of sorrow. Those who endure difficulty can look forward to receiving the "crown of life," which represents eternal life. James was reminding his Jewish readers that their trials were only for a short time and cannot compare with the reward which awaits them in heaven (1:12).

James then provides some encouragement, so his readers have the right perspective during their trials. He writes, "Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am tempted by God'; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone" (1:13). Why does James address the issue of who is responsible for temptations and trials? There were probably some Christians who were questioning God's involvement in their time of persecution. They may have believed God was responsible for their suffering; however, James clearly states that although God allows trials, He does not cause them to happen. Evil is a result of man's choice to sin in the beginning and was not a part of God's plan for mankind.

James continues to explain the process of trials and temptations –
"…each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death" (1:14-15).

These Jewish believers could easily become bitter at God during their time of persecution, but James was inspiring them to see the greater evil behind this circumstance - the evil world's system, sinful flesh, and the devil. God is only interested in providing "every good gift and every perfect gift" (1:17); therefore, we cannot blame Him when trials enter our lives. Evil is a result of man’s own choices and God cannot be held responsible for willful acts of rebellion against Him. Trials are a direct result of man's sin.

James 1:19-27
After James had made the progression of temptation and trials very clear, he unveils some important qualities needed while experiencing difficulty. James writes –
"…let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God" (1:19-20).

Those who are undergoing hardship should be quick to listen to the words of God and slow to react with their own words. A person's tendency is to immediately verbalize their deepest emotions during trials and temptations, but James advises those who believe to have ears to hear what God is saying. Some may even ignore the words of God because they blame Him for their adversity, but anger against God will not produce good behavior. Instead, a follower of Christ should lay aside all sin and receive the truth of God's word which is able to provide comfort and cleansing (1:21).

James then details two responses to hearing the word of God. First, there is the one who only hears. This person reads and listens to the truth of God's word but chooses not to act (1:23-24). James compares the Bible to a mirror and declares that it will reflect a person's true self. Scripture exposes what is right, what is wrong, how to correct wrong behavior, and how to keep doing what is right (2 Timothy 3:16-17). A person who ignores God’s word is unwise.

The second reaction to the word of God is being a doer. A doer of the word is one who not only hears the truth of Scripture, but also takes action in his or her life (1:25-27). Obedience to the word of God is foundational to faith. Without spending time in God's word, a person will not be able to fulfill the purposes of God. Take the advice of James and “be doers of the word, and not hearers only..." (1:22).
 
Dear God, help me to carefully hear Your word and then give me the strength to obey it with my whole heart.