Men's Study (3)
Notes
Transcript
Last week we had the opportunity to spend our full time on James’ introduction/greeting.
We spoke much about the specific words James chose to share with us in regard to himself and the people he writes to “The dispersed tribes who themselves have trusted in Christ.
This morning we pick in vss. 2-3. We will focus in on the testing of our faith.
I will say, if I am candid with you, God is giving me ample opportunity (lately) to practice what I preach.
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
How often is it, when facing trials, that we find it difficult to find joy?
Think about the first four words of vs. 2...
Count it, consider it, regard it...these are all words that tend to bring us to the point of how we respond to our situations and really life from day to day or at any given time.
Think about what is really being said:
This word χαρὰν is a Greek word with only four real interpretations: joy, greatly, pleasant, and delight.
So if James says the words: “Consider it all joy” what do these words convey about his reader and by default our interaction in the text?
So their heart is exhorted to consider their situation...
my brothers — a more of intentional affiliation with the recipient.
“Brethren” is an understanding that they are of the same cloth/connective spiritual family/and in James’ case ethnic background.
Count it — is suddenly a command...written here is the imperative...literally this is not James suggesting a way to look at things, but he is taking an authoritative stand/position.
Notice he tells them specifically what they are to count joy: trials
This word trials has a connection of two different kinds: external and internal.
External trials? When we face various kinds of physical hardships, spiritual hardships, fiscal hardships, relational hardships, losses etc.
In essence we have the word meet trials, but the literal is to “fall into trials or temptations”
6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials,
So the idea is to “look through” the trial to the other side. We are called to be mindful of the potential outcome.
Look at vs. 3
3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
For you know— this is a reminder of their common recognition
7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Testing produces steadfastness.
3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,
36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.
