Have We Trials and Temptations?- James 1:1–18 (Part 3)

James 1:9–11

At this point in our study of the book of James, we have been dealing with abstracts of sorts. That is, we have been discussing, interacting, and applying broad themes to our lives, namely:

God-centered living views trials as maturing-gifts from the Master

and God-centered living depends on wisdom from the Master.

These are indeed broad and, if we are not careful, will exist “out there” and never change the way we live “in here.”

But James, our wise author, provides us with a tangible and honestly relatable example of what he has been teaching.

Remember, wisdom is taking God’s Word and living out its truth in obedience to God. But this wisdom, as we will focus on this morning, is……

God-centered living involves all manners of life

God-centered living involves all manners of life: rich and poor, male or female, no matter your ethnicity, or any other distinctions which we can discuss.

In our church we have people who are well-off financially and others who are struggling.

We have people who enjoy physical health and others who struggle with ailments.

We have people who have established and predominate roles in the community and others who have little to nothing to contribute to the greater community.

Regardless of where you find yourself, you will need to live a God-centered life, and you can.

God-centered living involves all manners of life

I. Acknowledge Our God-given States- 1:9–10

The first consideration which demands our attention is that we must acknowledge our God-given states.

He is dealing with two social, or economic, statuses: poor and rich. We have these today as well. How did we get here?

Why are there some who are well-off, and others who are poor? Why are some people intelligent, and others lacking in common sense?

On one level, there are a host of causes for this. Parents’ choices, wise or foolish, can affect the development of, physically, mentally, and spiritually, their children.

An individual may, through no choice of their own, be relieved of their position at work and thus plunge the family into financial difficulties.

Those are what we, as Christians, call secondary causes. These are things that, from our view, from a human-perspective, happen.

If I lose my job because the economy is tanking, that is a secondary cause. *Persecution*

But an underlining theme of James, and indeed of all Scripture, is that God is reigning and accomplishing His will (Rom. 8:28–29; Eph. 3:8–12, and Gen. 50:20).

Thus, regardless of the secondary causes which brought us to our present states, we view our stations as coming from the hands of God.

What does this mean? One thing it means is that our trials will be different. It will enable us to see where our challenges lie, and in that knowledge better cultivate a God-centered view of life.

The poor brother will face vastly different trials from their rich brothers. This is true regardless of your station in life.

Mothers with young children face different trials than mothers who are empty nesters. Retired men face difference challenges than the one beginning his career.

Ultimately, regardless of in which state we found ourselves, we need to acknowledge that God is that one who has placed us in each station.

“Although they share a common bond in Christ, they will face different trials as their faith is tested.” Life Application New Testament Commentary (Wheaton, Tyndale House Publishers: 2001), 1072.

II. Acquire an Eternal Perspective- 1:9–10

Acknowledgement of our God-given states would be, if we only considered this life, rather depressing.

But when we develop an eternal perspective, that is, when we view life to encompass not just the here and now but the then, it helps us view trials as God-given gifts for our maturity, regardless of our states.

To give you an idea of how vital this eternal perspective is, listen to the words of Jim Berg.

“Almost every error in Christian living and character stems from either ignorance of or disobedience to the divine priority of the eternal over the temporal.” Jim Berg, Essential Virtues: Marks of the Christ-Centered Life (Greenville, Journey Forth Press: 2008),45.

The question then is how? How do we acquire this eternal perspective? Jeremiah provides us with an excellent starting point, and after this we will return our attention to James.

Jeremiah 9:23–24 (NASB95)

Thus says the Lord, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches;

but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,” declares the Lord.

The poor man, though bereft of this world’s goods, maintains a high position being a child of God, or exaltation.

Temporally or earthly speaking, the man is still poor. But eternally speaking, he is rich beyond human imagination and comprehension.

But what about the rich man? His focus is on the brevity of this life’s goods. The rich man will fade away, he will pass away like the grass (more on that in just a moment).

Both needed to acquire an eternal perspective, although a bit different focuses for their respective statuses.

husbands and wives

children and adults

rich and poor Likewise, husbands, our eternal perspectives will focus on God and our relationships to Him, but may apply differently depending on our age and station in life.

“Since it is incomparably the greatest dignity to be introduced into the company of angels, nay, to be made the associates of Christ, he who estimates this favour of God aright, will regard all other things as worthless.” John Calvin, Commentaries on the Catholic Epistles (Grand Rapids, Baker Book: reprinted 2009), 285.

How can we acquire an eternal perspective? Develop a God-centered view of life. Do we have any aids for this? acquaint

Yes, we do. Nature!

III. Acquaint Yourself with Nature- 1:11

God has given us some wonderful displays of spiritual truths in nature. Scripture displays many examples of this.

Just take God’s Word for example in Psalm 19:10

Psalm 19:10 (NASB95)

They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.

Gold and honey are used to help us understand and appreciate the Word of God.

Likewise, God has given us nature which provides us with tangible examples of what life is.

The lesson from nature here is that wealth is short-lived. Just as grass withers away in the Middle-eastern heat, so too, the rich man’s possessions will quickly fade away. 120 degrees

God-centered living involves all manners of life, and observing the brevity of nature helps us in whatever stations in which we find ourselves.

Learn to view nature as instructive. Where the Scripture presents clear lessons, such as Psalm 19:10, we should connect them. Every time we see honey or gold we should immediately think about God and His Word.

James uses many examples from nature: the process of birth, the use of reflective surfaces, the physical body and the spirit, the tongue, bridle, and rudders for ships, natural springs and trees, corrosion and rust, and even the field of agriculture.

Acquaint yourself with nature, use the wonderful and tangible lessons that God teaches us to maintain that God-centered view of life.

“These are sobering thoughts that tend to reduce the rich to the level of human beings in general, just as the privilege of suffering for Christ lifts the poor person to a new plane of dignity and worth.” Donald W. Burdick, “James,” in Kenneth L. Barker and John R. Kohlenberger III, eds., Zondervan NIV Bible Commentary Volume 2: New Testament (Grand Rapids, Zondervan: 1994), 1021.

“Wealth and the abilities that lead to wealth can create a barrier between us and God. If we are rich, or even if we live what we modestly call a ‘comfortable’ lifestyle, James reminds us that our only lasting security is in a relationship with Christ. We must not trust what money and power seem to guarantee; instead, we must humbly trust in God and his eternal riches.” Life Application New Testament Commentary (Wheaton, Tyndale House Publishers: 2001), 1072.

God-centered living involves all manners of life. We need to acknowledge our God-given states, while acquiring an eternal perspective and consistently acquainting ourselves with nature.

Obtaining this understanding about our stations in life will be another tool to help us lead a God-centered life.

God-centered living involves all manners of life

Reflection and Family Worship

We learned in this sermon that the trials we face will differ depending on a variety of factors (including age, gender, financial state, physical health or lack thereof, etc.). Spending time working through these important aspects of life will help us develop and maintain a God-centered view of life.

What state has God placed you in? (e.g., mother with young children, beginning career, retirement, etc.) Be as detailed as possible.

What secondary causes led you to this place (parents, loss of job, etc.)?

What type of trials (or, challenges) will you face? As with determining your state, be as detailed as possible regarding the different challenges you may face.

How can viewing God as the primary cause of these states help you face trials in a more God-glorifying way?

Are there any lessons from nature that may help you develop and maintain a God-centered view of life?