INTRODUCTION: This letter was written by James to his brethren scattered abroad - many of them having been driven out because of persecution. His basic concern is to urge upon them lives that will demonstrate before men a faith that really works. He writes not as a superior, barking orders to his subordinates, but as a brother who desires to share with his loved ones the secret of a joyful, radiant and triumphant Christian life.

        He writes as "James, the SERVANT".

        Emphasizing his deep concern, it may be noted that he addressed those to whom he writes as "brethren" at least eighteen times in six brief chapters, (1:2, 9, 16, 19; 2:1, 5, 14-15; 3:1, 10, 12; 4:11; 5:7, 9-10, 12, 19).

        The word "temptation" is used in the Scriptures with a two-fold meaning,

1. As a Testing, (comp Luke 22:28; John 6:6; Acts 20:18-19; Gal. 4:14; I Peter 1:6; Rev. 2:2, 10; 3:10).


2. As Solicitation to do evil, (Gen. 3:1-6; II Cor. 11:3-4).

I. THE TRIALS OF LIFE ARE INESCAPABLE; THEY MUST COME. The believer who expects his life to be easy is in for a shock! (John 16:33; Acts 14:22).

1. TRIALS ARE MANIFOLD.
1. They come in various ways:
1. As pain and suffering, (consider Stephen and other martyrs).
2. As heartache and sorrow, (Job 1:6-2:10).
3. As hardship, (II Cor. 11:24-28).
4. As loneliness, (John, banished on Patmos).
5. Even as triumph or failure: blessing or ruin may come through either - depending on one's attitude toward it.


2. Devine discipline may touch a person in varying relationships.
1. In his business life.
2. In his home life.
3. In his relationship with his friends.
4. In his church relationship
5. In whatever way trials may come, the Christian is to "Count it all Joy!" Profit from it. As one bumper sticker urged: "When life hands you lemons, MAKE LEMONADE!" Not a bad philosophy!


3. The word "manifold" is used in the Scriptures of:
1. The sicknesses and diseases healed by Jesus, (Matt 4:24).
2. The evil desires by which silly women are led astray, (II Tim. 3:6).
3. The lusts and pleasures characteristically followed by the Cretans, (Titus 3:3).
4. The many ways in which God manifests His power through the Gospel, (Heb. 2:4).
5. The plurality of strange doctrines designed to lead men astray, (Heb. 13:9).
6. The many facets of God's abounding grace, (I Peter 4:10) - grace sufficient to sustain the trusting soul through every trial, (I Cor. 10:13; II Peter 2:9).


2. TRIALS PROVE THE SINCERITY OF ONE'S FAITH; artificiality and pretense stagger and fall under their weight.


3. GOD'S PEOPLE OUGHT NOT LOOK UPON TRIALS AS BEING STRANGE OR UNJUST, (I Peter 4:12-13)


1. When Satan attacks and the world opposes us - keeping us in a constant battle; let us remember that the saints of every age have been so tested, (Job 1:6-2:10; 13:15; 42:10-17; Gen. 22; Heb. 11:17-19; Acts 20:18-27).


2. God wants to prove what is in the hearts of His people, (Deut. 8; Ex. 15:25; 16:4; 20:20; Heb. 3:8).


3. Endurance has immortalized the names of many - holding forth the prospect of eternal glory, (Heb. 11; 3:6; 6:15; 11:27; Ps. 91:15).


4. As with the weaving of a fine rug, we must not judge by looking at the wrong side of life; the Lord alone sees the finished pattern, and His work within us is not yet finished!


4. ACCEPTED WITH FAITH AND COURAGE, THESE TRIALS PROVE TO BE BLESSINGS IN DISGUISE - always leading to spiritual enrichment, (Ps. 37; Rom. 2:5-7).


1. They are as necessary as exercise for one's physical body.


2. They appeal to those faculties that are often so sorely neglected when everything seems to be going well.
1. To consciences that are not as sensitive to right and wrong as they ought to be.
2. To spiritual minds that have been slow to appreciate the wisdom and ways of God, as manifested in His Word and evidenced in the lives of His own.
3. To affections that have lapsed into a lukewarm indifference.
4. To wills that have become slothful and powerless to act.
5. To hearts in which the flame of faith has been allowed to burn dangerously low; where unbelief has begun to raise it loathsome head.
1) Without trials, faith is often permitted to coast, drift, or even sleep.
2) Trials arouse faith to a new sense of dependence upon God and confidence in God; then life is strengthened, enriched, and stabilized.


3. Trials help build character into the lives of God's people, (II Cor. 4:15-18; Job 23:10).


4. So, when trials come, let us learn to give thanks, and to manifest a joyful attitude - knowing that outlook has a great deal to do with outcome!

II. GOD HAS A WONDERFUL PURPOSE IN ALLOWING HIS PEOPLE TO BE TESTED, (VS. 3-4).

        How shamefully often do we fail to "count it all joy"; We fret, murmur and complain, under trial, because we fail to see God's hand working in it all for our good!

1. WHEN FAITH IS AWAKENED BY TRIAL, AND ENERGIZED BY THE RENEWING POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, IT LEADS TO A NEW DISPOSTION CALLED "PATIENCE". (Rom. 5:3-4).


1. It should be clearly understood, however, that tribulation does not guarantee patience as a spontaneous, unfailing and necessary result.


2. Only where faith is alert will such an end be possible.


3. Patience involves quiet, courageous waiting (endurance) while God is working out His purpose in one's life.


4. Discouragement proclaims one's impatience and unbelief - whatever his lips may profess to the contrary; and it will end in failure to attain the desired goal.


5. "Patience", as used in the Scriptures, is NOT a mere "passive acceptance of circumstances;" it is a courageous perseverance in the face of suffering and perplexity!


2. TRIALS GIVE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR FAITH TO DEMONSTRATE ITS TRUE VALUE IN PRACTICAL, EVERYDAY, CHRISTIAN LIVING.


1. They should always be regarded as servants - instruments and messengers of the Lord.
1. All things serve God; yet, how hesitant we are to believe it, (John 16:33).
2. And in all things He works together "for good" to those who truly love Him, (Rom. 8:28).


2. Faith will patiently transform trials into blessings.
1. When viewed in this way, trials will tend to cut through the imperfections of one's life and grind off the ugliness.
2. Endurance will allow the hard rocks to be ground, polished, and finished into sparkling gems for the glory of Christ, (I Peter 1:6-7).
3. God knows exactly how long to leave His children on the "grinding wheel".


3. Every child of God ought to learn to "count it all joy" when trials come, (vs. 2; Matt. 5:11-12).
1. Consider them as evidences of God's love!
2. He is only continuing the work already begun; His design is to perfect His jewels.
3. Each trial endured, in faith, enhances our value to Him.


3. IF WE WOULD BE SPIRITUALLY MATURE - reaching the goal and claiming the prize that faith envisions - WE MUST ALLOW PATIENCE TO COMPLETE ITS WORK, (vs. 4; Luke 22:28; II Tim. 2:3). "Only let endurance be a finished product", (Moffatt).


1. There is a vast difference between an oak and a mushroom.
1. A mushroom may spring up overnight, but a puff of wind will destroy it.
2. The oak takes much longer, but it will withstand the storms of life!


2. The goal is at the end of the race, (Heb. 12:2; 3:14; 6:12; 10:36; Matt. 24:13; Rom. 8:25; Col. 1:18; 4:12; I John 3:1-3).


3. Patience calls for courage; discouragement leads to impatience and failure, (Col. 1:11).


4. The word "perfect" (mature or complete), in varying forms, appears many times in the Scriptures, (James 1:17, 25; 3:1; Eph. 4:13; I Cor. 2:6; 13:10; I John 4:18).
1. "Entire" means to be "complete in all it parts" - sound to the very core, (Deut. 27:6).
2. Other usages, (Acts 3:16; I Thes. 5:23; Heb. 10:14).
3. This is what Jesus does for His church, (Eph. 5:27).
4. Isaiah found Israel lacking in such soundness, (Is. 1:6).


5. It is through "patience" that we possess our souls, (Luke 21:19; Rom. 2:5-7; Heb. 12:1; Rev. 3:10; 13:10; 14:12).


6. Someone has suggested four things that are essential to turning our trials into triumphs:
1. A joyful attitude.
2. An understanding mind. (Satan may easily overcome an ignorant believer; he will never defeat one who knows the Scriptures, understands the purpose of his Lord and willingly yields all to His mastery.)
3. A surrendered will.
4. A heart that readily trusts God in every situation.

        The temptations of the devil are so subtle, and the trials of life sometimes so severe, that we are perplexed - not knowing what to do! The wisdom of this world can never provide an adequate answer; nor can it assist us in bearing the load that has been thrust upon us. But, James says that there is no need to panic; there is a way out, and we may know it if we will but ask God to show us! It is obvious that the people to whom James wrote were having problems with their prayer lives, (James 4:1-3; 5:13-18).

III. A CONSCIOUS LACK OF WISDOM, WHEN CONFRONTED BY TEMPTATION, GIVES FAITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO TRUST GOD MORE COMPLETELY, (vs. 5-8).

1. FIRST, IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW WHAT JAMES MEANS BY WISDOM.

        To say the least, he does not mean mere education or experience. Coleridge has observed that "Experience is too often like the stern lights of a ship; it illuminates only the path over which we have travelled, and it gives no enlightenment or guidance for conduct in the future."

        John L. Bird has suggested that "the word "wisdom" comes from a root word that means "to know" or "to think clearly". Its reappears in the word "wit", which means not so much knowledge as instant understanding; such swift, clear perception of the relation of what is placed before the mind, as to cause the result to flash forth simultaneously with the apprehension. Wisdom is the instructive and resolute right using of knowledge. It is the free choice of noble ends and the unflinching use of moral means in order to attain them.

        "The wisdom of the five virgins was shown in the fullness of preparation and right action when their summons came, (Matt. 25:1-13). Whatever provision they had made for their comfort and shelter during the interval of waiting, they would have been lacking in wisdom if they had left the supreme consideration of that expected meeting out of their preparations. They were wise in that they were ready to act, rightly and immediately."

        Wisdom suggests the ability to make full and proper use of one's life-opportunities for the glory of God. Divine wisdom will make servants of our trials - forcing them to contribute to a clearer vision, the fortifying of moral energies and the maturing of our spiritual affections. We need "wisdom" so that we will not waste the opportunities God is giving us to mature, through trials.


2. FAITH MAY BOLDY APPROACH THE THRONE OF GRACE AND "ASK OF GOD" - for anything necessary to a life of godliness, (Matt. 7:7-8; I Kings 3:5-14; Job 32:8; Prov. 2:3-6).


1. Far too often we bungle our spiritual opportunities in neglecting to seek God's help; this is doubly foolish, (James 4:2-3).
1. It is always tragic to trust in one's own strength; that always leads to failure.
2. Furthermore, self-trust dishonors God - hindering us from knowing His fellowship and walking in His strength.

"O, what peace we often forfeit; O, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry, Everything to God in prayer!"

2. James assures us that when, in our destitution of wisdom, we "ask of God", He "gives to all men liberally." The word here translated "liberally" is used in a three-fold sense - all of which may be present in the usage.
1. It is rendered "simplicity', (Rom. 12:8; II Cor. 1:12; 11:3)
2. It is also translated "liberality" - suggesting "abundance", (II Cor. 8:2; 9:11, 13). Also, "generously."
3. In one form the word is rendered "single" or "singleness", (Matt. 6:22; Luke 11:34; Eph. 6:5; Col. 3:22)
4. With a mind singled toward our good. God, in a manner simple enough for our understanding, bestows an abundance of wisdom sufficient to meet our need. He does this when we "ask Him." And He does it freely.


3. In approaching the throne of grace with a request for wisdom, we need fear no rebuke - even though we may have come there before, and failed to use all the provision that He made available. Out of His abundance He generously and graciously supplies our need, (Matt. 7:11; Eph. 3:20).

"Holy Father, thou hast taught me
I should live to thee alone;
Year by year thy hand hath brought me
On through danger oft unknown.
When I wandered, thou hast found me
When I doubted, sent me light;
Still thine arm has been around me,
All my paths were in thy sight.

In the world will foes assail me,
Craftier, stronger far than I;
And the strife may never fail me,
Well I know, before I die
Therefore, Lord, I come believing
Thou canst give the power I need;
Through the prayer of faith receiving
Strength - the Spirit's strength, indeed.

I would trust in they protection,
Wholly rest upon thine arm;
Follow wholly thy direction,
Thou, mine only guard from harm!
Keep me from mine own undoing,
Help me turn to thee when tried,
Still my footsteps, Father, viewing,
Keep me ever at thy side."
-J. M. Neale

3. JAMES NOT ONLY TELLS US WHAT TO ASK FOR, HE TELLS US HOW TO ASK; any request made of God must be "IN FAITH, NOTHING WAVERING", (vs. 6; Heb. 11:6).


1. Doubt, hesitancy to trust God completely, partial dependence on something or someone else, is unbelief.
1. There must be no hesitancy to ask - no wavering or debating; no questioning of God's willingness to show the way, (James 1:17; comp John 7:17).
2. God is faithful; doubting and fearful hesitancy cast reflection on both His ability and character. They are unbecoming in one who calls Him "Father", (Matt. 14:22-33).


2. If we would know this blessing, we must come to God in faith - believing, with Abraham, that what God has promised He is able also to perform, (Rom. 4:20-21).


3. It is the prayer of faith that prevails with God, (Mark 11:22-24; Matt. 17:20; 15:28). Don't be like a cork on the waves - going up and down, up and down.
1. That there is so little "prayer of faith" in our day is shameful!
2. Should Jesus Christ audibly answer your prayer with his "according to your faith, so be it unto you;" could you receive it with JOY? Or would you have to accept it as a REBUKE?


4. One does not pray in faith so long as he doubts, or questions God's willingness to meet his need, (Acts 10:20; Matt. 14:28-31).
1. Faith involves stability - a settledness of purpose, desire and expectation; like a kite, a contrary wind only makes it soar higher!
2. The doubter is likened to a wave of the sea - whirled and swayed about with every contrary wind, (Eph. 4:14-15).
3. But divine wisdom enables a person to set his sails, and steer his ship, in such a way that the contrary wind will only bring him nearer to his desired haven.


4. INSTABILITY WILL SHUT THE WINDOWS OF HEAVEN TO US; GOD CANNOT ENTRUST HIS HEAVENLY TREASURES INTO THE HANDS OF ONE WHO DOES NOT QUITE TRUST HIM (vs. 7-8).


1. The unstable person has not yet learned who his Master is, (Matt. 6:24; James 4:8). With YOU, is it God or mammon; God or your own belly? (Phil. 3:19).


2. Such a person does not yet have a clear purpose and goal in life; he is described as a double-minded, or literally, "two-souled" man. Instability and immaturity go hand-in-hand.
1. With divided affections, he tries to stake out claims in two worlds - attempting to lead a double life.
2. He ends up being a loser in both worlds.
3. We must be willing to "take a loss" in this world if we would not lose our own souls!


3. Such a man may not expect an answer to his prayers; God requires single-mindedness.

        SUMMARY: The inability of so many people to act without an ear tuned, first, to see what public opinion is on the matter, shows how little real stability, conviction, and character there is left in the world.

        How very few there are with sufficient wisdom to prefer the usefulness of censure and criticism to the deceitfulness of praise. We must learn to leave our critics to God. Trials may beset us, friends may oppose us; but "he knoweth the way that I take", (Job 23:10; Ps. 139:1-3, 23-24).

        God may not enable us to see the end, but He will help us to know the way. He is the way! And, as we make ourselves available to Him, through faith, He lives in and through us - saving us by his life, and always giving us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

        May we learn to draw near unto God with settled hearts - desiring His wisdom and relying completely in the grace and merits of Jesus Christ, (Eph. 2:18; I John 5:14-15). But let us come to Him as suppliants - not as counselors or advisors! God does not want our advice as to HOW His will should be accomplished through us. We must learn to shut up and listen! Then, trust God, whatever path he chooses for us. It is always the best possible path toward the goal He had set for us.

        ILLUSTRATION: A Sunday school superintendent who had lost three children in one day with diphtheria, calmly read the resurrection story the next Easter Sunday, as his wife and 3 year old daughter remained calm and serene - though many others were moved to tears.

A 15 year old boy said: "Dad, I guess they really believe it!"

"Why, sure," answered his father, "We all believe it."

"But not the way they do!" was the boy's reply.

        It may be easy enough to talk when everything is going well; but, what about when the real test comes? Can you then say, "Thank you, Lord!" (Romans 8:28, Hab. 3:17-18).

"Keep up the song of faith,
And let your heart be strong;
For God delights when faith can praise
Though dark the night, and long."

        Once we are able to see God's hand in everything, we will be delighted to leave everything in His hands. And "they who trust Him wholly find Him wholly true!"

IV. EVERY CHILD OF GOD SHOULD RECOGNIZE THAT TRUE RICHES ARE SPIRITUAL and graciously submit to the ordering of divine providence for our lives, (James 1:9-12; Luke 16:10-12; II Cor. 6:10; Eph. 1:18; I Tim. 6:17).

        What rich blessings sometimes come through adversity! (I Thes. 2:18) Satan's hindrance of Paul resulted in blessing and spiritual enrichment for millions or people. Because he was hindered from going to Thessalonica, the apostle found it necessary to write a letter. How we ought to thank God for permitting Satan to hinder him! (comp Gen. 50:20) Leaving the direction of our lives in God's hands, we will find that He sends only what is best for us, and that through which His own name may be praised.

1. THE MATERIALLY-POOR SHOULD REJOICE IN THE RICHES OF DIVINE GRACE THAT HAVE BEEN BESTOWED UPON THEM, (vs.9).


1. A note of positive "joy in the Lord" distinguishes the genuine, whole-hearted Christian from the "double-minded."
1. He realizes that life is filled with trials, yet he is victor over them all; he is a man of faith, and "this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith", (I John 5:4).
2. Any constantly grumbling, whining, self-pitying pessimist makes a mighty poor representative of Jesus Christ!


2. The poor brother may actually be the richest one in the whole church.
1. Rich in love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance; he may be happy and content - always rejoicing in the Lord.
2. Through faith, the unlimited wealth of the Holy Spirit is his; thus, he is "lifted up" and his heart is filled with a melody of praise.
3. Eternal riches await those who serve the Lord, (Matt. 19:27-29).


2. THOSE WHO ARE MATERIALLY-RICH SHOULD REJOICE THAT GOD HAS SHOWN THEM THEIR TRUE POVERTY; only by this gracious act could they ever enjoy eternal riches.


1. To trust in uncertain riches in great folly; riches, and the life that is built upon them, will soon fade, (I Tim. 6:6-10).


2. They are truly blessed who are "poor in spirit", (Matt. 5:3; Luke 6:20; Isa. 57:15; I Cor. 15:10; Phil. 3:7-11).


3. Unless they are brought to see their true lowliness before God, the rich may be tempted, with Ananias and Sapphira, to be deceptive about their financial transactions - claiming praise for something they have not done.
1. It is to their shame that more people are sensitive about their financial dealings than about anything else; it shows that the Lord does not wholly rule their hearts.
2. Where a man's treasure is, his heart will not be far away.
3. Whoever controls your treasure controls your life. Is your life really yielded to the Lord? Surely not so long as the material possessions with which He has prospered you are being used for your own selfish ends!


3. RICH AND POOR ALIKE ARE DEBTORS TO GOD'S GRACE. Here James makes a play on words:


1. The Greek word "Tapeinos" - means "a lowly or humble state", (Matt. 11:29; Luke 1:52; Romans 12:16; II Cor. 7:6, 10:1; James 4:6).


2. By way of contrast, "Hupsis" - means "high estate, exalted, esteemed", (Luke 1:78, 16; 15; 24:49; Matt. 11:23; Acts 5:31; James 4:10).


3. James contrasts these two words, and they are also used together in other places, (Matt. 23:12; II Cor. 11:7; I Peter 5:5-6).


4. Humility becomes the true child of God - whatever his financial status.

V. BLESSED, INDEED, ARE THEY WHO ENDURE, (vs. 12; 5:11)

1. THIS LEADS TO APPROVAL; BUT SUCH APPROVAL CAN ONLY COME AFTER TESTING, (Romans 14:18; I Cor. 11:19; II Tim. 2:15).


2. FOR THOSE THAT GOD APPROVES THERE IS A CROWN - a "stephanos".


1. This is a "victor's crown", hence, a reward, (I Cor. 9:25; II Tim. 4:8; I Peter 5:4; Rev. 6:2, 12:1, 14:14).


2. It is an emblem of enduring life, joy, reward, and glory, (Phil 4:1; Rev. 2:10, 3:11, 4:4, 10).


3. THIS THE LORD HAS FAITHFULLY PROMISED THOSE WHOSE LOVE FOR HIM HAS BEEN MANIFESTED IN THE OBEDIENCE OF FAITH, (John 14:21, 23-24; James 2:5; Ex. 20:6; II Cor. 2:9)

        CONCLUSION: James has, in this chapter, tried to point out the true value of "Faith Under Trial." God really has a wonderful purpose in allowing the manifold and inescapable trials of life. They strengthen faith - giving opportunity for its true value to be demonstrated in practical, everyday Christian living. When one lacks wisdom to accomplish this, he may boldly "ask of God" without fear of rebuke. All of us are enriched by the many experiences that God, in His infinite wisdom and undeviating providence, leads us into.

        All our trials, disappointments and failures may bring a reward. Even in this present life they serve to increase our usefulness and to strengthen our joy. Though some cloud may momentarily cast its shadow over us, it is sure to pass away - leaving us to shine with a more steady, flickering light.

"O, For a Faith That Will Not Shrink!"