Patient in Testing (Trial) - James 1 (A Call To Maturity Series) • Profiting from trials (vv. 2-8) • The perspective of the rich & poor (vv. 9-11) • Loving God under trials (vv. 12-18) • Qualities needed in trials (vv. 19-20) • Doers of the Word of God - not hearers only (vv. 21-27) James exhorted his readers to build on the prefect salvation and grow into maturity. He wrote, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience” (v.2) We know from God’s Word that there are two kinds of trials or suffering. First, trials permitted by God which are sent to bring out the best in us! (Gen. 22:1-2; Deut. 8:3; Ex. 20:20). Jesus said to His disciples: “Ye are they who have continued with me in my trials” (Lk. 22:28). Second, temptation sufferings which are trials from the devil through the world and the flesh. They are sent to bring the worst out of us (Jas. 1:13-14; Gen. 13:1-6; Mt. 4:1-2; 2 cor. 11:3-4). Here, we are talking about trials of faith, not sufferings brought upon oneself because of wrong moral decisions or as a result of yielding to lust and sin. James highlights the characteristics of suffering so that we will not be caught unaware or be confused. Trials are often sudden. He did not say, “If” you fall, but rather, “when” you fall into …” (1:2). Trials are varied: “when you fall into divers [various] trials ….” So, the trials could be physical, spiritual, financial, mental or social. In the pathway of suffering, certain purposes are established within us if patiently harness the gain from the pain of suffering. Suffering produces endurance in us (Jas. 1:3-4). He wrote, “Knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” Suffering promises rewards before God. “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him” (1:12). While going through trial, we tend to focus on ourselves and even begin to use our situation to gain leverage in the fellowship or gatherings. Ultimately, what begins as the testing of my faith turns to the crushing of the spirit (attitude) and personality! Gradually, the believer under trial begins to fall into any of the four reactionary dispositions (1:19) • Those easily angered (irritated) but easily pacified. • Those easily angered but difficult to appease. • Those not easily angered but difficult to appease. God does not want us to be easily angered and if angered, we should be easily appeased. Why? The anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God! Becoming reckless, resentful and very angry will not hasten or produce the end result intended by God. Rather, we should keep our pattern of faith in line with Jesus’ attitude when under extremely intense trial. Jesus endured the cross for the sake of the joy that was set before Him. He looked at the future and saw all of the companions that He would be lead into eternal glory. For Him, the purpose of the suffering was worth it. At this point, you may want to ask, what attitude should I have while being tested? Or how does one respond to trials and pressures? Again, James was direct and pungent in his answer: “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience” (1:2). The attitude of rejoicing keeps the heart going under the most excruciating pressure. In the Beatitudes, Jesus proclaimed, “Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Mt. 5:12). “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 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,” (1 Pet. 1:6-7). “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.[a] On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter” (1 Pet. 4:12-16). The attitude of prayer is very important, too. James encourages us to make a definite request (need or lack) to God (v.5), who gives liberally according to His will and divine purpose. But this we must do in faith. (v. 6; Heb. 11:6). A key thing you can pray for is wisdom – the wisdom that comes from God. “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding” (Pro. 4:7). Solomon said, “Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding;” (Pro. 3:13). Many times, the suffering continues because wisdom (skill) to progress is lacking. “If the ax is dull, and one does not sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength; but wisdom brings success” (Ecclesiastes 10:10). Wisdom is just not the ability to think otherwise all thinkers will be wise; wisdom is the engagement of the acquired sense as opposed to common sense. It is the sifting through the acquired knowledge to see where you are in need or deficient. By wisdom, you will apply knowledge intelligently and timely. The presence and the Word of Jesus reinvigorate us during trials of faith. Jesus is the source of true wisdom (1 Cor. 1:24, 30: Col. 2:30). He is the channel of wisdom and the power of God. “When He had come to His own country, He taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished and said, “Where did this Man get this wisdom and these mighty works? “ (Mt. 13:54). In the midst of the trials, be swift to hear, but slow to speak (v. 19), and be slow to wrath. Don’t be easily wound up or become rigidly uptight. Let it be a time of renovation of your nature on earth. So, that there will be growth and transformation. Lay aside all filthiness and all overflowing of wickedness (v. 21). Display the attitude that honors God and never compare yourself to anyone else. “For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise” (2 Cor. 10:12) Finally, receive the Word of God with meekness (v. 21). The Bible is the book of life and it is able to give us the new birth; “Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of His creatures.... and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls” (1:18,21). As you study the Scripture, maturity and strength are produced in the inner man against the adversity on the outside (1: 17, 18, 21-25). Therefore, a believer must continually meditate on the truth no matter how seemingly dark everything looks on outside. He must be irrevocably committed to obeying every instruction that comes from the mouth of God even in the dugout. Do not become complicated or doubtful of the promises and power of God because of your personal suffering experience. Remember, the Word of God is superior to our personal experience.
Posted on: Mon, 30 Sep 2013 23:36:27 +0000
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