Real Trials- James 1:1-12

Imagine a young athlete, eager to excel in their chosen sport. They dream of victory, of standing on the podium, holding the trophy high above their head. But they quickly realize that dreams alone won't get them there. They need to train, to push their bodies to the limit, to endure the sweat, the pain, and the fatigue that come with intense workouts.

In their journey to greatness, they encounter various challenges. Some days, the weights feel too heavy, the track too long, and the obstacles insurmountable. Doubt creeps in, questioning whether they have what it takes to succeed. But with each hurdle they overcome, with every drop of sweat shed, they grow stronger, more resilient, and more determined than ever.

Now, let's pause for a moment and consider this: Just as physical exercise strengthens our bodies, trials in life serve as spiritual training for our souls. Just as the athlete faces challenges that push them to their limits, so too do we encounter trials that test our faith, our patience, and our perseverance.

[photo of young athlete lifting weights]

You see, just as the athlete doesn't grow stronger by avoiding challenges but by facing them head-on, so too do we grow spiritually when we embrace trials as opportunities for growth. Like weightlifting builds muscles, trials build character. Like running builds endurance, trials build faith. And just as the athlete emerges from their training stronger and more capable than before, so too do we emerge from our trials stronger in our faith, more resilient in our spirit, and better equipped to face whatever challenges lie ahead.

So, as we journey through the Book of James together, let's remember that trials are not obstacles to be avoided but opportunities to be embraced. Let's approach them with the same determination, the same perseverance, and the same faith that the athlete brings to their training. For just as physical exercise strengthens the body, so too do trials strengthen the soul, shaping us into the people that God created us to be.

James-

The presumed author of the Bible Book of James is James, who is traditionally believed to be James the Just, also known as James, the brother of Jesus. James was one of the prominent leaders of the early Christian church in Jerusalem. Here are some key points about him:

James 1:1 NIV

1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings.

[photo of James]

Family Background: James was the brother of Jesus, born to Mary and Joseph after Jesus. He was likely raised in Nazareth along with Jesus and his other siblings.

Conversion: According to the Gospels, James initially did not believe in Jesus as the Messiah during Jesus' earthly ministry (Mark 3:21, 31-35; John 7:5). However, he later became a follower of Jesus, likely after witnessing the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:7).

Leadership in the Early Church: After Jesus' ascension, James became a prominent leader in the early Christian community in Jerusalem. He is mentioned several times in the New Testament, particularly in Acts and Galatians, where he is referred to as one of the "pillars" of the church (Galatians 2:9).

Role in the Jerusalem Council: James played a significant role in the Jerusalem Council described in Acts 15, where he, along with other leaders, helped resolve the issue of Gentile inclusion in the church.

Epistle of James: The Epistle of James is attributed to James the Just. It is a practical and wisdom-filled letter addressing various issues faced by early Christians, such as trials, wisdom, faith, and works. The letter reflects James' concern for the practical application of faith in everyday life.

Martyrdom: According to the Jewish historian Josephus, James was martyred in AD 62 by stoning after being accused by the Sanhedrin. This event is also mentioned by the early church historian Eusebius.

James' leadership, wisdom, and commitment to the teachings of Jesus made him a central figure in the early Christian movement. His letter, while relatively short, just 108 verses, continues to inspire and instruct Christians around the world today.

James is often called the epistle of “applied Christianity”. Christianity 101. Does your faith work? It’s about to get very personal and right into that space where the “rubber hits the road”. Some have said throughout history that “I tried that Jesus thing— and it just didn’t work for me”. James, if he were here among us today, would probably respond to that statement that the person probably didn’t really have real faith in the first place. Because if you have a real life, you’re going to need real faith.

He starts out here in chapter one— on a very difficult topic. How do we face trials, testings. He’s addressing those who are dispersed throughout the whole world— diaspora. Scholars also believe this letter was written very early— like 40-42 AD. Probably within 10 years of Christs resurrection and ascension.

Many throughout history also have taken a hard look at this book— and some have even rejected it. It can very easily be read to emphasize works. This is a very different emphasis to the later writings of Paul. Paul generally emphasized faith, and theological and doctrinal themes— James is more about the working class—They don't’ contradict each other— but rather compliment each other, by describing Faith—Paul by it’s “essence”— and James by it’s “effects”. Everyday grinding. Real life, Real faith.

The reason for our trials. (v. 2-3)

James 1:2 NIV

2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,

Key word here is “Consider”--Some translations will also start with the word “count” — count or consider it all Joy. That is an accounting or financial related term— you should reckon it as joy It has to do with evaluating —how do we value things?-- when you face trials. Another great observation it that this is a command. He’s saying something that we should do: 108 verses— and 58 imperatives, or declarative commands. “Do this— or Do that”. Here’s the first one. Alot of James’ teaching echos two very powerful sources of widsom in the scriptures--- The Old Testament book of Proverbs, and the powerful Sermon on the Mount of Jesus in Matthew.

It’s all about perspective— do you value your comfort over your character? You’ll be really upset and sad when trials and pain comes.

We should value character over comfort. (v.3)

If we value character over comfort— we will be heading in the right direction to consider it pure joy. I love the fact that in this verse he says “when”, not “if”. He knows that these Christians— especially in this time of history— they are just starting out. They are scattered all over the place. They are persecuted, insulted, ridiculed, dismissed, some are actually killed--and many probably feel forgotten. But James is reminding them here that there is a reason for their trials— it may seem distant and far away while we’re in the middle of it… But it has a very specific purpose. He is echoing back to the Sermon on the mount:

Jesus spoke about this also--

Matthew 5:11–12 NIV

11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Peter certainly echoes this thinking also:

1 Peter 4:12–13 NIV

12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

All of this leads us to the purpose of the fire— the purpose of the pain— the reason for our trials— can you see it?

James 1:3 NIV

3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

I love the phrase he uses here “the testing of your faith”. It’s like how we test for gold or other precious metals— how? Fire it up. All the weaker, not valuable stuff will be burned away. Leaving only the gold or silver behind. It’s a purification. It produces endurance— lasting power. My daughter Shannon was in a track meet at Garaway many years ago. We put her into the 2 mile run event. That’s the longest race in the HS track schedule. She had one of the the best days of her life. Everything came together for her. She was about 1/2 mile from the finish— so about 2 laps to go— and she was about 1 whole lap ahead of all the other runners.

The Garaway track coach, who knew very well who I was, and that this Heritage Christian runner was my daughter— looked at me and while nodding he said— “That kid’s got an engine”. She just kept on — and on— and on— lap after lap— clicking off a very steady and even pace. Her training and life up to that point (eating, sleeping, training, ) had set her up to have endurance.

The trials produce a result.

The result of our trials. (v.4)

Some of us hate that thought— in addition to meaning Endurance— it’s somethings also translated patience. We want everything NOW. Faster, more efficient.

James 1:4 NIV

4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Patience is defined as a steadfast perseverance. The image for the Greek language is like riding your bike or running into the wind. Patience and perseverance is moving forward in spite of the resistance.

Our trials produce perseverance within us.

Another key word: know verse two was “consider”, verse 3 is “know” or “knowing”.

There’s another key word here: “Let”

Consider v.2, Knowing v.3, Let in v. 4

Do you realize— do you know that God is using everything in your life to shape you and guide you to becoming better? You can say “I have faith”— but is your faith able to withstand the testing? Is it true or false? The trial is the way it is tested. James goes on to further fill out this reason for the trials:

Three key results in v. 4:

Mature- telieos (greek), “perfect”

Complete- holokleiros, “whole”

Lacking nothing- not leipo, “never falling short”

We must allow patience to grow within us.

We have to cooperate! This is so hard sometimes. We must surrender our will to His.

There is a Christian hymn with the lyrics "Have Thine Own Way, Lord." The hymn was written by Adelaide A. Pollard in 1907. (it’s number 504 in our Blue Hymnal. The first verse goes like this:

“Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!

Thou art the Potter, I am the clay.

Mold me and make me after Thy will,

while I am waiting, yielded and still.”

We need to surrender to God’s hands. There are no short-cuts to maturity and completeness.

Ready for the object lesson for today? I hope this is memorable for you. Kids listen up here— this is especially for you.

I want you to consider your heart or your soul like this egg. Eggs are fragile, but there awesome. Another way to think about this is— like our treasure. We are instructed by Jesus to store up Treasures in heaven. I want you to consider this little egg. We often have a choice to place our “Best” into one of two baskets in this world.

One is selfish— the other is selfless. If you think about it— we have a choice where to place our identity, our value, and our service.

God often prepares us for service through suffering.

Do you want your life to be a blessing to other people? How are you going to help people who need it? How did Christ help us? By becoming like us, by living among us, by living a life like ours, and dying a death for ours. If you desire to be useful— You’re going to need some training.

You’re going to be given a choice on how to process and respond to difficult things in life— do you place them in Jesus— or do you place them in the world?

There is a reason— and a result of our trials— but let’s continue because there are some resources for you to make good decisions — especially about how to process and “Value” your trials.

The resources for our trials. (v.5-8)

James 1:5 NIV

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.

Isn’t that one of the first things we ask when we’re going through a tough test? “WHY” Lord. What are you doing Lord, what are you trying to teach me? We will often learn to truly pray and interact with God genuinely in the midst of our trials--

If you’re struggling to know— ask!

Jesus pointed this out in his teachings as well!

Matthew 7:7–8 NIV

7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

God gives generously— without finding fault. Thank Him for that! He doesn’t razz us back about it. “Hey, why are you here asking for that again— I just helped you with that?” NO NO NO. God will give us what is best.

Wisdom is needed in times of trouble. (v.5)

Paul also struggled with something— most likely physical, scripture doesn’t explain the details, but in

2 Corinthians 12:7–9 (NIV)

7 Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

My grace will be your strength. God would use whatever this ailment, or trial was in Paul’s life to draw Him ever closer to Himself.

James 1:6–8 NIV

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.

Faith is the shield we take up in trials.

The testing of our faith is the exact way God strengthens it. It’s a muscle that we often do not use— and it will shrink when it’s not put to use. He is saying to pray and ask, believing that God hears you. Believing that God is in control— even in the midst of the struggle. Especially in the midst of the struggle.

Prayer is a primary tool for us. (v. 6-7)

Pray for the wisdom to know what God is teaching us. (don’t escape, engage)

Pray for humility. (surrender) Not my will but yours be done.

Pray for God to wean you from the world. (purity and holiness) Sometimes we get so tied to the world. We get a little too cozy. You know what will help you deal with that? Taking the world away from you!

Pray believing that God knows what is best.

The reward for our trials. (v. 9-12)

James 1:9 NIV

9 Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position.

Many of the readers of this letter were poor, marginalized and dismissed from society. They were persecuted and that made it even worse. But James is encouraging them to take heart in their trials, because in them, they are exalted! James is challenging us to keep our eyes on the prize— to look beyond the immediate pain or fear--

If you’ve been placing your eggs— your value and your treasures with Christ— you actually have a HIGH position.

This is the true nature of God’s kingdom. It seems upside down to us!

And for those who are rich?

James 1:10 NIV

10 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower.

If you have all your identity and security in the things of this world— you’re working in the wrong currency. That will all pass away. If that’s what defines you— you’ll pass away with it.

We have an identity far greater than the riches of this world. (v.9)

Is your identity tied to something of this world? Money, influence, “success” however you define it? Is your life tied to your stuff?

James has some harsh words for people of this world who are caught up in the treasures and pleasures of this world: James 1:11

James 1:11 NIV

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.

The flower is the example of something that has beauty for a time— a season. That’s the way the world is.

1 John 2:17 NIV

17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

I Corin 7:31

1 Corinthians 7:31 (NIV)

31 For this world in its present form is passing away.

We can listen to the voice of the enemy— we can continue to choose the world, trying to find our comfort and value in the world....with it’s pleasures and beauty— but in the end—

{KICK}

That’s what happens to this world. Gone. Passing away. Here today— gone tomorrow.

The trials you are experiencing may be the exact way God is reminding you of that fact— the truth is:

James 1:12 NIV

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.

A crown awaits those who endure in Christ. (v.12)

and refuse to find their identity and value in the world. A crown is this emblem or royalty, authority, legitimacy, victory, influence, value.

And it’s not an earthly crown. It’s a heavenly crown. It’s value is not in this place— it’s value is in eternity.

There are no crown wearers in heaven, who were not cross bearers on earth.

Charles Spurgeon

Consider it pure Joy

Knowing that maturity and completeness are coming

If we will let it have it’s way in our life.

“my grace is sufficient for you”.

You are bearing a cross right now— you need

prayer for wisdom to understand God’s plan

Strength to endure the trial

repent to start valuing yourself according to heaven rather than earth.