James 1:1-4

James 1:1–4 (NLT) — 1 This letter is from James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am writing to the “twelve tribes”—Jewish believers scattered abroad. Greetings! 2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

James is book filled with essential wisdom.

written from Jewish perspective, to believers scattered abroad, and has a proverbial tone. It’s the NT Proverbs, if you will.

James (brother of Jesus) was leader of church in Jerusalem, yet the readers were all over, and intertwined with Jews & Gentiles. it was written to a church under pressure. Christians were not being martyred, but they were suffering economic persecution and oppression and the church was breaking under the pressure. When christians face this kind of pressure, there are two options - (1) pull together and help each other, or (2) compromise with the world and split inter bickering factions.

Most believe it is a collection of sermons by James, not a single letter like Paul’s writing, and it likely was compiled by very intelligent and greek educated person; a ghost writer if you will.

The truths in this book are strong reframes of Jesus’ sermon on the mount. He’s taking the teachings of Jesus and applying them to current day realities.

(1) James identifies himself as a servant of God & the Lord Jesus.

Confirms the deity and humanity of Jesus.

this is big…because Jesus was His brother…he was convinced because of the resurrection of Christ. (1 Cor 15).

He calls himself a slave and servant….someone who’s livelihood and purpose determined by another.

We often find ourselves slaves to many things.

slave to desire

slave to bitterness

slave to money

slave to lusts

slave to pride

The resurrection changes everything, including our identity and calling.

Character, Calling, Context are all key components of our purpose

failing vs being failure

identity formed by production

identity is shaped by input, not output…what goes in defiles, not what goes out.

We often have our identity/character wrapped in the wrong things.

You are people of God

You are sons & daughters

You are beloved

You are holy

You are a member of the priesthood

You are royalty and an heir

Your identity is shaped by God’s word and the tribe you belong/engage in.

May our identity be formed by the resurrected Jesus!

(2) James reminds us that suffering is an opportunity to see God.

God meets us in suffering and trials. He is where Joy is found.

There is a difference between suffering for unity with Christ and suffering because of our sin.

Desire —> Deceit —> Divided Loyalty —> Death

James 1:12–15 — “12 God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. 13 And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. 14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.”

(3) James reveals that tests and trials produce maturity in us.

When our endurance & strength stop growing, it means one of two things:

(1) your growth stalls because of comfort & complacency or (2) Jesus has returned

“Life doesn’t get easier, we just get stronger.” - DG

Temptation = Trap & distraction

Testing = Reveal strength & reveal genuineness (diamond vs cubic zirconia)

The test is more about living correctly toward God than thinking correctly regarding the facts about God. It’s not about what you know, but how you are living based on what you know.

It’s possible to take the test, and fail. Retakes will occur.

Sometimes i feel like i keep learning same lessons, but each time, i see new dimension of God and overcome quicker and see the progress I’ve made in my maturity.

vs 4…

dont quit early…be steadfast under the pressure.

Time under tension.

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PRACTICING THE WAY

As disciples of Jesus, we know our allegiance to Him as King is expressed in our daily practice. We are not pursuing perfection but want to practice our faith each day. These practices will point you toward spiritual formation as an apprentice (disciple) to Jesus.

(1) Start the Bible Recap reading plan.

(2) Recite this prayer/liturgy daily: Loving Father, You are the True Gardener who cultivates life, so cut away from our lives all that is choking out Your abundant life. Jesus, we desire to abide in You, the True Vine, and be filled with all of your wisdom and abundance. Holy Spirit, transform us into radiant people who flourish and live like Jesus and less like the world around us. We choose to practice joy, hope, generosity, love, and unity - these are essential.

(3) Talk it Over (with friends, a spouse, or your Group)

The message was about finding God in troubling times. What is one idea from Sunday’s message that impacted you?

Read James 1:1-4. What does this passage teach about God?

What are some things you or those you know, have fallen slave to in the past?

How can you find joy in the midst of hard times?

Can you recall a time you were feeling pressure or suffering? What did you learn about God’s character during that time?

Read James 1:12-14. What do you notice in this text? Where do sinful desires come from?

Why is it so easy to be deceived?

What are some differences between a test and a temptation?