Lessons from James

Dr. Joel Mullenix made some very good and strong comments during his series of sermons on the book of James recently on the Rejoice in the Lord TV shows. He really got my attention as my wife and I have been going through a trial of long duration.

Just who was this James? Pardon the pun, but most scholors believe he was the one they refer to as "James the Just," the apostle who was also referred to in scripture as "the Lord's brother," and the President of the Jerusalem congregation.

To whom was he writing? The epistle is addressed to "to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad." But he's writing to believers as he calls them, "My brethren."

James 1:2-4
2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,

3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.

4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
NKJV

The King James Version here speaks of "diverse temptations," but I think "trials" captures the thought better, so we'll use the New King James. The main point is still to "count it all joy." Why? Verses 3 and 4. This is important. The thing not to do, then, if we find ourselves in an enduring trial is not to pray to have the trial lifted. Instead, pray for understanding, for wisdom.

James 1:5-6
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.
NKJV

Enduring trials brings a blessing that leads to eternal life. One should never consider that God is tempting us when the trials come upon us.

James 1:12-18
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.

13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.

17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
KJV

All right. So what to do? Beginning in the next verse James starts laying it out, clearly and specifically.

James 1:19-20
19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
KJV

Be humble, merciful, doers of the word, not hearers only, not envious or slanderers, nor respecters of persons, until he sums up the goals in chapter four.

James 4:6-10
6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.

10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
KJV

And finally:

James 5:10-11
10 Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.

11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.
KJV