When we are brand new Christians we have genuine faith, sure enough, but our faith is innocent, untried. James tells us to let these be a stimulus to joy in our lives. As we've learned the hard way, trials and temptations come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Or these trials may be much more diabolical: actual temptation or overt seduction by Satan to sin, such as Jesus experienced (Matthew 4:1-11). James refers to trials "of many kinds." These may be adverse circumstances such as being hurt by a loved one, or bereavement, poverty, or oppression. The word translated "trials" (NIV, NASB, RSV) or "temptations" (KJV) is the Greek word peirasmos, "test, trial." But the same word is also used for "temptation, enticement to sin," 1 thus causing a bit of confusion that James clears up in verse 13.
They are building in us a "hang in there" attitude, one which will continue on and not give up. In other words, we should have joy in knowing that our trials are doing some good. because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance" (1:3). 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (1:2-4) The Value of Trials (1:2-4) " 2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. I'm going to consider these questions in a slightly different order than in our text, so bear with me.
Why should we have joy in our trials? To understand this, we need to understand the value of trials, the nature of trials, and our source of help in these trials. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds." (verse 2). and he might be.īut essentially, that's the same thing James is saying in our passage. Imagine, if you can, a drill sergeant barking out to green trainees, "when you're ambushed and they start shooting at you, a grin is gonna break across your face, and you're gonna get real happy." 18He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. 17Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 15Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. 13When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone 14but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 12Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business. 11For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. 10But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. 9The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. 7That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord 8he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. 6But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. James 1:1-18 1:1James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings.