Good morning,
This month we will study the Book of James. Chapter 1 teaches us how to deal with trials and temptations. The key verse is James 1:19.
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: (James 1:19)
Yesterday, I gave you the introduction to the Book of James. Today we will study verses 1-12, trials and temptations.
James 1
Trials and Temptations (Verses 1-12)
- Greeting v 1
- Count it all joy v 2-4
- Divers temptations or trials v 2
- Trying of your faith works patience v 3-4
- Lack wisdom-ask God in faith v 5-7
- Double minded man v 8
- Brother of low degree (humble circumstances) vs. the rich v 9-11
- Endure temptation v 12
“James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. 2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. 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. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. 9 Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: 10 But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. 11 For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways. 12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” (James 1:1-12)
As we will see in our study of James, the teaching is practical and useful for everyday living.
Divers temptations refer to various trials. Each one of us has trials that we deal with on a daily basis. James says “…count it all joy…” Why? “…the trying of your faith worketh patience.” God is refining us.
Who doesn’t need wisdom? James says God gives it out to all who will ask in faith.
Are you the person who wavers in their faith? Unstable, not trusting God and His Word? To be unwavering, strong in the Lord, one must know God through salvation, read and study His word, and then obey it.
James then contrasts the rich man and the man of low esteem. The rich man fades away.
James calls the man who endures temptations or trials blessed. He states that waiting for that man is the crown of life to those who love the Lord Jesus.
No one like trials. However, God saw them as important for us to build and shape our character.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001
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