"What to do when Trials Cloud your Vision"
James 1:1-18-21
Writer: Author of this Book is James the half-brother of Jesus.
Date: 34 AD. Shortly after the crucifixion of Jesus, date 33AD. (Exodus 12:3-6) gives the time line for the Crucifixion. The date would be the 14th day of April is my conclusion. Thursday fits better in the three days and three-night requirement. He would be taken off the Cross before Six PM. Wednesday's Sunset would be the 14 th of Nissan. And Sunset (6 PM) Thursday would be the first day of Passover and the fifteen day of Nissan. (Wednesday or Thursday would fit in the three day and night requirement)
The time covered by the sermon of James, Acts 1-9. The time of the writing, 33-35 AD for the book of James and Galatians around 49 AD, the earliest books written. James was written before the gospels were put to words. In fact, Luke traveled with Paul before writing the Book of Luke.
Writing to believers, the dispersed believers of the Church at Jerusalem. In this dispersion the believers were suffering much. Acts 8:1, they were suffering many trials and tribulation and James is writing to his brethren: called brethren because of their faith in Christ not just because of their Jewish heritage. This sermon was preached and was most likely delivered and read in every congregation of believers who were scattered, before Paul was sent to the Gentiles.
1: 1-3 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. Jas 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Jas 1:3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
"My brethren," This book is written to believers, to the saved, and it has a relevant message for our life today, in this the Church age. It is not an examination of faith verses works. The book or sermon is about our life and how to face trials and handle temptations. If we fail to understand that trials are not a sign of God's anger but have a divine purpose then we will miss the victory of their intended purpose. Also, if you read it as faith versus works you miss the encouragement and instruction of the Book.
There is no contradiction between Paul's writing and that of James. In fact, God does not contradict Himself. There may seem to be such but if you have any faith in God you know these places of seemly contradiction, require you to study and search out the truth.
Some Observations:
James was not, as were his brothers and sisters, a follower of Christ and it appears they had not believed in Jesus for eternal life, John 7:5 but did after the resurrection Acts 1:14, 1 Cor. 15:7
- James wrote long before Paul. Maybe even before his conversion. Therefore. James was not refuting Paul.
- Paul called James an Apostle, Gal 1:19 But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother. (James never called himself an apostle) Paul stood up to Peter faced to face and Paul would have had no problem speaking to James if there was a contradiction regarding the gospel.
- Paul and James had the same Author. 2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
- James and Paul wrote about the same truth, regarding faith.
- Paul wrote about justification by faith alone is relative to the Gift of Eternal Life, Romans 4:21-5:2, Eph 2:8-9 (Born again John 3:6)
- James wrote about the Gift of Eternal life absent of works, James 1:18, (Born again by the Word of God 1 Peter 1:23)
- The moment we are born again we receive the life of God in our Spirit – Our spirit is born from above. John 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit, -"spirit" is our spirit
- Justification by faith and works that James wrote about in James chapter 2 is pointing to Eternal Rewards, James 1:21 is speaking of your life. Soul = your life. The engrafted Word you received when you were born again, James 1:18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. (engrafted means implanted)
- Both Paul and James wrote to encourage Christians to works after salvation, Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them., Ephesians 4-5, Col 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Col 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. Col 3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. Col 3:4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Col 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: Jas 2:14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? Jas 2:15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, Jas 2:16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Jas 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Jas 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
- There is no test to prove you are saved. You can't look at your works to say you are saved. Your works determine your fellowship not your relationship. James is encouraging believers to have a living faith not a faith that is dead
- Paul's writings are full of selections about your life, Romans 12:1-2, 1 Cor. 3:7-15, 2 Cor. 5:10-11. Col. 1:18,
As we study through this book, we will look in more detail at these scriptures but for today I want us to find help and encouragement for our life and present situation.
As a Saved Person You Are Standing in The Grace of God
What do you do when your burdens or problems are so great or heavy that you can't see a way through?
- Trials come and we respond but how do we respond, 1: 2-8 is how we should respond but most of the time it with anger, at God or blaming others or neglecting to take any responsibility.
- The victory that you so need or your loved one needs will come through you and how you respond to the burden, 1:19, 20 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. Your anger does not bring the righteousness of God. Nor does blaming situations or others or ignoring the burden or denying it exist.
- Remember the goodness and mercy of the LORD, and praise Him for His faithfulness, Heb. 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
- "Lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness…
- " We are to examine our life and lay aside that which is a weight and the sin that is the easiest to commit, Heb. 12:1,2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
- Receive with meekness the implanted Word of God which is able to save your souls, (The Salvation of your life). Receive is a passive faith. In other words when you with all your heart mind and body seek the LORD in His Word you receive the truth He illuminates, as a prepared ground receiving seed,
- Meekness: Humbleness of mind and spirit - as demonstrated in 1Pe 2:1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, 1Pe 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.
- In others words His Word is in you. The Word has been implanted in you when you were born again, 1:18.
- But have you allowed that Word to bring forth any fruit in your life.? James, the writer of this book, and half – brother, grew up in the same house with Jesus but was not a follower of Christ till after the resurrection, Acts 1:14, These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
1 Cor. 15:7. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. (Side note: Acts 1:14 the last mention of the mother of Jesus in the N.T.).
- The lesson is this: there must come a time when you meet him, believe Him, surrender to Him. You can be in the same house but there must be a time when you know Him.
What do I need to do?
Respond by getting rid of my selfish mind. Life is not about me, myself and I but it is about my response to life. We have a race to run, a life to live. Our life, to live out, is our opportunity to show our love for the LORD, in grateful response for being our Saviour.
Trials and testing come and we have no power over them. If we did our choice of course would be trials we could manage. Then there would be no trial because no faith is required. We live under the false assumption if we have a trial that God is angry with us. Or we think it is because of some sin we have committed. But that is not what His Word says, My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
"My brethern" called brethren because of their faith in Christ not just because of their Jewish heritage. And he is writhing to all Christians even to us today
I believe there ought to be some brokenness and tears concerning the others He has put in our life. Psalm 126:5-6. Embrace the place you have, do not run from it. Live in the certainty of His Word and in the Power of His forgiveness, do not live in the mistakes and failures of the past; quit saying what if I had not made this choice, or committed this sin or thinking it is too late. Listen to me you are standing in Grace, Romans 5:1-2.
2. Lay aside every weight - and the sin that is so easily committed. Heb 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Heb 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Think of this: [1]Witnesses (µa?t?´???) does not mean spectators, but those who have born witness to the truth, as those enumerated in Ch. 11. Yet the idea of spectators is implied, and is really the principal idea. The writer's picture is that of an arena in which the Christians whom he addresses are contending in a race, while the vast host of the heroes of faith who, after having born witness to the truth, have entered into their heavenly rests watches the contest from the encircling tiers of the arena, compassing and overhanging it like a cloud, filled with lively interest and sympathy, and lending heavenly aid.
Today is an Eternal moment in our life: we have met in worship of our Great God and Saviour and He has met with us. He has examined our hearts and pointed to the issues in our life; you can respond as Pilate and wash your hands of Him or you can humble yourself before Him.
Psa_34:18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
Psa_51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
Isa_57:15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
Isa_66:2 For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word. Here is His Word:
James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
[2] For the believer, 5013/tapeinóo ("show humility, true lowliness") means being fully dependent on the Lord – "with the dismissal of things that have to be thrown away" (G. Archer). This involves dismissing reliance upon self (self-government) and carnal ego. Humility exalts the Lord and brings exaltation from Him (cf. 1 Pet 5:6,7).
You will never find eternal significance unless you humble yourself being fully dependent on Him to lead you and for His will to be done in you
There is a truth to be learned in trials.Respond with endurance, v 4). Patience does not mean you do nothing. It means you fight the good fight of faith. The weapons of our warfare are not fleshly, 2Co 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 2Co 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Patience means allowing The LORD to accomplish a complete work in us, Php 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: He is doing far more than we can receive. Therefore, we accept them by faith knowing that God is doing an eternal work. "Count is all joy" when you fall into various trials. Some years ago, I heard this quote. Not sure who I heard give this observation, I think it was Dr. Jerry Falwell. If it wasn't him, I do apologize. "There are three things to remember about life: 1. You are in a valley of trials, 2.) Or just got out of a valley, 3) Or you are getting ready to enter a valley. "
To welcome our trials with all joy is not humanly possible. How unnatural this is to the human heart is obvious. We usually greet troubles with distress and complaining! Clearly James is exhorting these believers to view these hard times with the eye of faith."
God is doing far more than we can see or imagine, 1Pe 1:4 -9 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
There is a Poem that has stuck in my mind all these years: "My Father's Way". In 1932,
My grandfather, A.M. Overton, was a pastor of a church in Mississippi with a wife and three small children. His wife was pregnant with their fourth child but when it came time for delivery, there were complications and both she and the baby died. During the funeral service, the preacher officiating the service noticed my grandfather writing something on a piece of paper. After the service the minister asked him about it, and he handed him the paper with a poem he had just written which he titled, "He Maketh No Mistake".
"He Maketh No Mistake"
My Father's way may twist and turn
My heart may throb and ache,
But in my soul I'm glad to know,
He maketh no mistake.
My cherished plans may go astray,
My hopes may fade away,
But still I'll trust my Lord to lead,
For He doth know the way.
Tho' night be dark and it may seem
That day will never break,
I'll pin my faith, my all, in Him,
He maketh no mistake.
There's so much now I cannot see,
My eyesight's far too dim,
But come what may,
I'll simply trust and leave it all to Him.
For by and by the mist will lift,
And plain it all He'll make,
Through all the way, tho' dark to me,
He made not one mistake.
When God is allowed by our submission and endurance to the trial, the desired end is accomplished - 4) "……that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
"Perfect" means you have reached maturity (grown up). That the purpose of the trial has been reached,
entire—that which has all its parts complete, wanting no integral part; 1 Th 5:23, "your whole (literally, 'entire') spirit, soul, and body"; as "perfect" implies without a blemish in its parts.
[4]entire—that which has all its parts complete, wanting no integral part; 1 Th 5:23, "your whole (literally, 'entire') spirit, soul, and body"; as "perfect" implies without a blemish in its parts.
You do not over come trials! You are to be an overcomer in trials. You submit to the LORD in trials. Jas 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
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