James 1:1-18
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. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
9 Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. 10 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower.11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.
12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin;and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
What does the Passage say?
(Vs 1-4) Consider it pure Joy when we face trials and tribulations because when we are under pressure our faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors.(The Message)
(Vs 5-8)Christians never need to grope about in the dark hoping to stumble upon answers. God’s wisdom is available to guide our choices (Life Application Bible). People who “worry their prayers” are like wind whipped waves. Don’t think you’re going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open. (The Message)
(Vs 9-12)The world says happiness comes from money, pleasure, status, image and success. These cannot provide lasting happiness, however, because they are temporary and provide no eternal benefits. Anyone who meets a testing challenge head on and manages to stick it out is mighty fortunate. For such persons loyally in love with God, the reward is life and more life. (The Message)
Vs13-15 It is easy to blame others and make excuses for evil thoughts and wrong actions. A Christian though will accept responsibility, confesses and asks God for forgiveness. We can endure the temptation of sin by turning to God for strength and choosing to act in obedience to his word. (Life Application Bible)
What does the Passage say to me/us?
It almost seems like a joke. No one wants to think that the terrible things that happen to them are pure joy. But that is exactly how James describes hardships and trials that occur in our life. These hardships become joys because they are the opportunities to strengthen and mature our faith while we rely on God to get us through. James tells us how we need to not grumble and complain but relish the opportunities that will bring us closer to God. But we can’t go into it unsure that God is completely in charge and will see us through. The important part of this scripture is that God will not leave us alone with our problems. Pray for wisdom and discernment and God will bring us out of the darkness and despair. The really hard part is we won’t know when our suffering will stop. This is what is meant by being patient, persevering and enduring. God is what we have to hold onto, riches and wealth are fleeting. Temptations are all around us. Focus on God and the belief that whatever hardship, disappointment and tragedy we may endure, God wants to love us through it. And when we do survive with reliance on God we receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.(vs 12)
Prayer
Heavenly father we pray that we cling to you during any hardship or temptation. We pray for wisdom and discernment to comfort and lead us. Lord, let the trials and tribulations of life bring us closer to you and strengthen our faith. In Christ name we pray, Amen
*Contributed by Rich McGimsey
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