THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST: TRIALS AND TEMPTATIONS

James 1: 1- 3 NIV

1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,

To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations:

Greetings.

Trials and Temptations

2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

1:1 James made no boast about his personal relationship to Jesus, nor did he identify himself as a church leader. His greatest honor was to be a servant of God. The twelve tribes designates the nation Israel, and scattered abroad translates a technical term [Greek diaspora] describing Jews scattered throughout Gentile lands. Thus, this letter is addressed to Jewish Christians living outside Palestine.

1:2,3 Becoming a Christian does not automatically exclude a believer from difficulties (see John 15:20; 2 Tim. 3:12; 1 Pet. 1:6,7; 4:12-19). The proper attitude in meeting adversity is to count it all joy, which is not an emotional reaction, but a deliberate intelligent appraisal of the situation from God’s perspective, viewing temptations as a means of moral and spiritual growth.

We do not rejoice in the trials themselves, but in their possible results. Trying carries the idea of proving genuineness. Trying carries the idea of proving genuineness. Trials serve as a discipline to purge faith of dross, stripping away what is false. Patience is not a passive resignation to adverse circumstances, but a positive steadfastness that bravely endures.

How to Have Patience in Trials

The testing of faith produced patience (the ability to endure), which is the hallmark of the mature believer. Only under the pressure of trials can the believer test the true depth of his faith in God. The established heart will not waver, but will rejoice in the knowledge of the goodness of God.

In Christ,