All of us at one time or another has taken a test. It was either one given by a teacher or in
preparation for entrance into college, graduate school or higher. At times, we may have studied days in advance
to pass the test; others may have only needed the night before. Then there are times when we didn’t get
prepared and may have done poorly then complain about the test or the teacher
when it was in us to pass it. James is
talking about another test—one which comes to the believer and he tells them
these tests can produce great joy when we pass God’s test.
James faced a growing problem for the Jewish believers. A growing sentiment of Jews wanted to rebel against Rome. The Zealots would use force against Rome with its legions. He was being pressured to forgo his Christian convictions and take part in this rebellion but James would not and it would end in his death, being thrown from the pinnacle of the Jerusalem temple and then clubbed to death. In the midst of trials (which come from those outside) and temptations (which are internal), James states the believer should be filled with Joy. Jesus told believers they would be blessed if they resisted the persecution for his namesake. These tests are used by God to develop in us endurance. The KJV calls it patience, but it is not a passive word. The building-up of endurance through trials/temptations brings forth faithfulness, obedience, and confidence. These three qualities make up the active word—endurance.
Believers facing tests might become angry or bitter, but James says they produce joy knowing God is actively involved in the life of the believer. Perfection is when the person has matured into a perfect and complete relationship with God. This perfection develops the believer in qualities and skills for the glory of God. This perfection develops so the believer lacks nothing in his life.
Endurance is present when the believer stands on his feet and winning against these tests. James admission of those lacking wisdom shows they have not yet reached that level of faith, reminding God does not rebuke nor condemn the believer who asks for wisdom. Wisdom in the Old Testament is always associated with godliness allowing the believer to avoid the paths of wickedness and instead live a life of righteousness. To gain this wisdom, the believer must reject the worldly wisdom God thinks is folly or funny. Therefore God uses these tests to nurture and prepare the believer to meet them in victory.
James addresses the way man gains this wisdom. It must be done in faith. Faith is not a mental exercise or based upon a creed but it is practiced before God. Faith is both evidence and a substance according to Hebrews. It is living out your faith, publically without shame. James is a perfect picture. Once, as Jesus half-brother, he rejected the faith. It would be after the resurrection he would believe, eventually becoming head of the church in Jerusalem. Wisdom helps the believer to see trials and temptations for what they are: an application of faith which helps us to overcome the trial/temptation. Each person is under the control of someone—whether it is God or the Enemy, or self. The person James calls “that man” is tossed like a wave because he has not committed himself fully in faith. The term is “two-souls” because the Jews thought the heart was the location of the soul. “That man” would move from one opinion to another—God can do it/will God do it/no God wouldn’t do it. “That man” is unstable. He is restless in all areas of his life: family life; business life; social life; and spiritual life. In Mark 9, a man tells Jesus “I believe, help my unbelief!” This man is not unstable. He is asking for more wisdom and he would receive it, while the unstable person will not get it. Peter though is the perfect picture. Asked to walk on the water, he takes his eyes off of Jesus and looks at the storm-tossed waves and begins to sink.
The one who asks and receives is being documented as he faces the trials, asking for wisdom if he needs, and continues on in endurance. This word is the testing of precious metals/coins for their authenticity. The more impurities are removed, or less mixed with other metals, the number of karats increases till you come to 24K gold. A person is authenticated in the acceptance of his condition. Over two-thirds of the Roman Empire where considered slaves. This person should take glory that if the world calls him a slave, God has raised him up. The rich person, who Jesus said was almost impossible for him to enter into the Kingdom, perhaps has been led by God to a poverty of the spirit which brought him to Jesus. The only person who could determine authenticity is the one who did the testing. Since God determines what is authentic he gives to the one who has endured trials and resisted temptations a crown. This is not the gold crown of a king. It is the laurel wreath an athlete would receive for being victorious.
We see a comparison between the one lead away by his desires and the one who endures. The one who complains God tempts him does not understand the purpose of trials. He is taken away by his own desires--words used in hunting and fishing. The person is lured away and trapped by his desires. Blaming God is the process for the sinful man--Adam blamed God for giving him Eve, who brought him the fruit; Adam did not accept his own guilt. Temptation is seen in life: lust—birth—maturity—death. As sin grows, it brings forth spiritual or physical death. Just as the sinful man brings forth death, God brings forth eternal life. God gives good and perfect gifts to the one who is maturing. Good gifts are used for good works and Perfect gifts are internal: kindness, love, etc. Lastly, he by his own will bring forth salvation. So, finally, we see two wills: the will of man which leads him astray, trapped, producing more and more sin which leads to death—or the will of God which tests us to perfection and eternal life.
APPLICATION
1.
Trials Develop the Believer
being confident
of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion
until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6
a.
We learn joy as we develop steadfastness
b.
We learn wisdom as we develop faith
c.
We learn single-mindedness as we develop a firm
conviction
2.
Trials Authenticate the Believer
And this is my
prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and
depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be
pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of
righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God
Philippians 1:9-11
a.
A blessed believer has endured temptations
b.
A blessed believer has been authenticated
c.
A blessed believer is rewarded
3.
Trials Reward the Believer
Brothers and
sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I
do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I
press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called
me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14
a.
God loves giving Good gifts
b.
God loves giving Perfect gifts
c.
God loves to give Salvation
