James 1:1-18

Big Idea:

God is transforming us into faithful people (purpose).

Intro:

Good morning!

Today, we begin our final sermon series of 2024, which has been a year we’ve focused on the truth that Jesus is Lord. We just finished the book of 1 Peter. And today, we begin the book of James.

James is a short, but powerful book. Strangely, it’s often a forgotten book. Sometimes even disrespected. Mostly, because James gets lost in the apostle Paul’s shadow.

Additionally, James says things that seem to be inconsistent with Paul, which cause many to disregard James, or at the very least, be confused on how James’s theology fits into the New Testament, which seems to be dominated by both Paul and Peter’s theology.

But here’s the thing… while many ignore James today, they didn’t in the early church. Next to Peter, James was THE guy in Jersualem. In fact, the apostle Paul answered to James and even called him a pillar…

… did I mention that James is also the half brother of Jesus? You would think that fact alone would give him clout with the church.

What’s funny is James doesn’t mention it. Instead, he opens his letter this way…

James 1:1 ESV

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings.

No mention of being related to Jesus… only a servant of God. It’s title used by many NT authors. But here’s what’s interesting about James’ usage. James is very Jewish. Not only ethnically, but in personhood and theology - that is, what he believed about God and how that impacted his worldview.

And though Paul and Peter are Jewish too, the term “servant of God” works a little bit different with James. When he uses it, it echos of the Old Testament when the title is used of Moses, David and other prophets. It rings with authority. It declares, “Listen to my words.” And that’s exactly how the recipients of this letter would’ve understood it, because when James spoke, the church listened.

And James states that he’s writing to the “twelve tribes in the Dispersion.” In other words, he’s writing to Jewish Christians. At the same time, he’s not just writing to Jewish Christians… but to all the church. Because in James’s mind, a restored Israel (one finding salvation in their Messiah/Savior: Jesus) included all nations of the world.

And I mention this as we start the book of James because I believe James’s authoritative words have something to say to us today. And, we should listen just as the early church would’ve. Don’t sleep on James!

Honestly, I think we will find James connect with us in many ways…

James is writes in conversation form. He’s inviting us over for coffee and talking with us about what it means to follow Jesus.

Furthermore, James is like us. He knows what it’s like to not follow Jesus. James mocked his brother and didn’t become a believer until later in life. He personally understands what it’s like to seriously doubt Jesus.

Additionally, James is a peacemaker. A lot of his words will resonate with us. At the same time, it will challenge us. That’s what James does. He makes people uncomfortable because as a peacemaker he often takes the middle position. Some equate that to compromise - and it can be at times, but not with James. With James, it means he doesn’t take sides…

It reminds me of Joshua. Remember when Joshua is about to go to battle and he encounters the “Angel of the Lord” (likely a OT appearance of Jesus)?

Joshua 5:13–14 ESV

When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us, or for our adversaries?” And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, “What does my lord say to his servant?”

Awkward! The LORD was like I’m not on anyone’s side. I’m on my own side. That’s like James! James is on Jesus’s side and that makes people uncomfortable. So, BE WARNED, you will be uncomfortable in this series!

But what’s cool about that is we skip the fluff. Honestly, James is very New England. You guys are going to love it. James is brutally in your face. But at the same time, James is full love. Again… at least in my opinion… is also very New England.

I think New England are some of the most brutally honest people in our country. But… they are also some of the most loving people. Therefore, I believe there’s great potential for our church to really connect with this book.

It makes me think of the Philippians. Philippi was a Roman colony. What that means is Rome saw them as a strategic outpost and made them an offer. “If you will give allegiance to the empire, we will give you all the benefits of Roman citizenship.” The Philippians agreed and became this LOYAL outpost of Rome.

And when the gospel invaded this city, and called for them to be LOYAL to Jesus and the Kingdom of God - that was an EASY TRANSITION. Because they ALREADY knew how to live that way. And it’s why (I believe) the Philippians were such a great church.

The longer I’ve pastor in New England, the more I feel this way about us. We ALREADY know how to be LOYAL. Honestly, that’s what New Englanders do!

They are loyal to their culture.

They are loyal to their town.

They are loyal to their teams.

I’m wearing a Giants jersey right now. For the most part, in Connecticut, you’re either a Giants or Patriots fan. And even in seasons where our teams are not doing well… we’re still LOYAL.

A Pats fan is not putting on this jersey. And a Giants fan is not wearing a Patriots jersey.

And in a couple of days, some of us are going to vote and - if we’re honest - a lot of decisions will be made based on LOYALTY instead of what is right.

All that to say, we know how to be LOYAL to the Lord Jesus, because we do it every day. It’s simply focusing that LOYALTY to Jesus instead of other New England things.

And one of the purposes of James is to help us SHIFT THAT FOCUS ONTO JESUS, specifically during tough times…

James 1:2 ESV

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,

Are you going through a hard time or struggling right now? Pay attention. Take some notes. James has something to teach us.

…and the first thing is BE JOYFUL. That’s strange. Why would he say that?

The language used for “trials of various kinds” speaks to unexpected, external encounters that cause you to say, “I can’t even!!!” Ever been there? If you have, then you KNOW your initial response is NOT joy!

You try to quickly fix the problem.

You lash out and blame others.

You fight back!

And yet, James says, “my brothers…” or “those of us who belong to God’s family,” respond with JOY.

How? Well, look at what he says next…

James 1:3–4 ESV

for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Christian, something radical has happened to you. When you put your faith in Jesus as Lord, your life completely changed. You were brought into God’s family. That means something significant!

It means there are no coincidences in your life and you’re never alone.

Rather, God is now sovereignly guiding and protecting your life.

Therefore, any trials or problems that come into your life MUST first pass through His permission. And, all trials are allowed ONLY because it’s part of His process to produce endurance (translated steadfastness), knowing endurance produces perfection - or spiritual maturity.

In other words, as children of God, we can be JOYFUL when we face trials because it’s God’s special process to make us more like Jesus. That’s a good thing!

If you’re taking notes, point number 1 is this…

1. God’s transformation requires depending on Him by faith (vv. 1-11).

God desires to change our lives. And trials mysteriously shape us into the people He’s created us to be. But honestly, this process isn’t easy. It requires us to radically depend on God by faith. Meaning, we MUST TRUST GOD knows what He is doing, even when we don’t…

And James gets it. He understands the struggle, which is why he writes…

James 1:5 ESV

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

James knows it’s hard to properly process through the pain. Nevertheless, the response of God’s people is simple. If you are wondering what the heck is happening in your life (especially when everything is falling apart while you’re trying your best to follow Jesus), then… simply ask God. God wants to - and will - give you clarity on this issue.

James 1:6–8 ESV

But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

Again, imagine James is sitting down with you. He’s got a coffee and a cinnamon scone. Like the good friend that he is, he’s patiently listening. You’re pouring out your heart about how terrible your life is, and how you don’t know what’s going on, and you don’t know why God is doing this to you…

And then James looks at you and asks - in a loving but uncomfortable way, “Do you even believe that Jesus is Lord?”

Because your current response is built more on doubt than faith. And what it really reveals is…

You is you saying you believe God.

But you don’t really believe Him.

You’re double-minded.

You’re inconsistent,

… in James’s mind, as someone who grew up near the Sea of Galilee, where storms could appear out of nowhere and toss a boat all over the place… he looks at your life and sees the same. Your life is all over the place because you’re not really anchored into the Rock that is Jesus…

How would you describe your faith? Are you faithful (anchored) or inconsistent? Do you respond to hard times with joy or are you like boat tossed by the waves of the storm?

Man, that’s uncomfortable. But here’s the truth… Jesus is always consistent. And God desires to transform us into His likeness. Always faithful. Always consistent. And he’s using James to confront us so we can change:

Be joyful in trials. Fix your perspective.

If necessary, ask God for wisdom.

Faithfully endure. Stop being inconsistent.

James 1:9–11 ESV

Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.

One of the specific trials the church experienced was poverty. Christians financially struggling because of the abuse of rich people. And yet, James says… BE JOYFUL! There’s purpose in this poverty. This will eventually result in exaltation… that is, becoming more like Jesus.

Are you financially struggling today? Maybe at no fault of your own. Then, remember, there is purpose behind your suffering. God sees you. He loves you. And He is faithful to His promise to exalt you out of this low moment. Trust Him.

And remember, acquiring riches won’t fix the situation. Riches are inconsistent. They are temporary. Don’t put your trust in them. Fix your perspective. This season is meant to put your hope in the Lord.

But wait… what if we’re rich and follow Jesus? Is James saying our wealth in incompatible with the Kingdom? Not necessarily… but it also depends on how you use it!

What’s the posture of your heart towards money?

Money isn’t evil. The love of money is. And Paul said this…

1 Timothy 6:17–19 ESV

As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

Are you rich? Is this how you steward the wealth God has given you? If so, then James’s words do not apply to you. But if not, maybe it’s time to ask the Lord how you can better invest the resources He’s given you, so that you can be “all in.”

James 1:12 ESV

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

Again, Jesus is transforming our lives. And blessed (happy in the best way possible) is the person who depends on God by faith no matter what trial they face.

But look at that phrase “crown of life.” There are many thoughts about what this means, but here’s what I know. When I hear that the reward for faithfully enduring suffering in this life is the “crown of life,” I get about as excited as a 4th grader opening socks and underwear on Christmas morning.

Btw - every illustration falls apart at some point, because when you get older, you actually like getting socks and underwear - at least I do!

But when James’s original audience heard their reward was the “crown of life,” they would’ve been like “WHAT!!!! BRO LOCK IN! I GOTTA GET THAT. LET’S GO!”

So, why don’t I respond that way now? Because I’m to focused on this world instead of heaven. That’s just real.

My friends, James is in our face this morning. We’re not excited enough about Jesus and His promises. Because we’re too in love with this world. And we don’t really understand how wonderful His promises are. And that’s because we don’t really understand Him.

And the early church dealt with the same problem…

James 1:13 ESV

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.

It’s probably better translated this way, “Let no one say when he is tested, “I am tempted by God.”

People were facing God-ordained trials.

And responding the wrong way.

But then blaming God and saying, “God made me sin. He gave me more than I can handle.”

And James replies, “That’s impossible. Because God can’t tempt people. He cannot sin or cause people to sin.” And the implication is, “Do you even know God?”

That happens today too, right? People form opinions about God based on what they’ve heard instead of truth, or actually having a personal encounter, experience, or relationship with Him. And God gets blamed for problems that are actually our fault!

That’s why James says…

James 1:14–15 ESV

But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

Everyone say, “I’m the problem. Not God.”

When we respond the wrong way to life, when we respond sinfully, it’s our fault. It’s because we are unwilling to depend on God by faith. Instead, we trust our desires, our feelings. And that gives birth to sin, which results in death.

The past couple of months, I’ve been meeting weekly with a team of people from our church to study for the sermon together. And this week, our friend James suggested a passage that seems to be a consistent way to explain this sin-birthing process based on the very Jewish mind of James (the author, not friend).

In the book of Genesis, we’re introduced to very mysterious characters. The world is in sinful rebellion. And it says the sons of God (these divine evil beings) mate with human women. Who give birth to creatures that mature into beings called Nephilim. And the world multiplies wickedness.

Which leads to…

Genesis 6:6–7 ESV

And the Lord regretted that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart. So the Lord said, “I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens, for I am sorry that I have made them.”

And shortly after came the flood - the destruction and death of the world with the exception of Noah’s family. That’s a harsh but relevant example of what’s birthed in our lives. We have wicked desires. That wickedness matures into actual sin, which multiplies into destruction and death.

That’s what sin does. Sin is no joke. And when it happens, it’s our fault, not God’s, because James clarifies…

James 1:16–17 ESV

Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

In other words, it’s impossible for God to be anything but good. Therefore, the inappropriate responses of our lives is due to our own sin, not God. Don’t blame God. Look in the mirror.

What’s going on in your life?

What’s maturing in your life?

Is it sin that is multiplying?

Or are you letting Jesus shape you (thru trials) into a spiritual mature child of God?

Those are uncomfortable questions. Thankfully, our conversation with James doesn’t end there. Because here’s a truth that James would’ve been very familiar with…

Ezekiel 18:32 ESV

For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord God; so turn, and live.”

No matter how we answer those questions, there is good news. God loves us. And he doesn’t want anyone to die. In fact, James says God is allowing these trials for one huge purpose…

James 1:18 ESV

Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

Think about that verse…

Of God’s own will… God chooses us.

He brought us forth by the word of truth… God has a good plan that includes trials.

that we should be a kind of firstfruits… so we become part of His beloved family.

Let me ask, “Are you in God’s family or not?”

If you’re still taking notes… point number 2 is this…

2. We can trust God’s transformation process because He is good (vv. 12-18).

This morning, God has lead us to this moment by a series of trials and responses. And He has one GOOD goal: To bring us into His family and make us more like His Son, Jesus.

And at this moment, I’d like to ask my friend Jordan to share a story of how God’s been personally showing her this…

Response:

So, as we close, what’s God doing in your life?

Remember, God loves you.

He wants to transform your life.

And He’s got a good process to do that, but you must trust Him.

You must be loyal to Him in the process, even when it involves difficult trials.

Here’s the good news…you already know how to do this…

Just as you know how to be loyal to your home town.

Or, your home team.

And even a political party this Tuesday.

…which btw, let me just say this. You guys know I don’t talk a lot about politics, and honestly, I don’t plan on it.

I heard my friend Shaun say this yesterday, “I’m not really concerned about what the election will bring, I’m more concerned about what Jesus is bringing.” That’s me for better or worse…

That doesn’t mean politics don’t matter.

It just means Jesus means infinitely more.

On Wednesday, you may see someone in office and may view that as an unexpected trial. Good news… James just told us how to properly respond to that circumstance: We trust the goodness of God by faith.

And don’t forget, your responsibility on Tuesday is ultimately to be loyal to Jesus. You live here, but you’re a citizen of heaven.

Therefore, consider what God’s word says, and then vote according to your faithfulness to God. And then, once you put your sticker on and post on social media (because it doesn’t count otherwise) continue loving God and loving people. Amen?

Let’s pray…

Father, You are in control. I trust You with my life, even when it hurts. Help me to see the purpose behind the pain. Help me to be loyal to the Kingdom. Forgive me for my sins. Fill me with Your Spirit. And may I be “all in” for Jesus. It’s in His name we pray, amen.