Under Fire

James 1:1-18 - The Testing of Your Faith

How do you know people are real deal?

Background to James

Brother of Jesus - leader of the church in Jerusalem

Written to the “12 Tribes in Dispersion”

A group of people who were constantly under the distress of poverty and oppression.

Practical writing of what the Christian’s life should look like.

The “Proverbs of the New Testament”

First chapter serves as an introduction that gives themes that we will see throughout the rest of the book.

Main idea - God allows you go experience daily trials so that you learn to depend on Him to become just as He is - perfect, complete, and lacking nothing.

Vs. 2-4 - Testing of your faith that complete spiritual maturity

Joy in trials because God is growing you and making you like Him.

“trials” - “peirasmos” - “The trial of a persons integrity”, “the occurrence of a trial or temptation that can be on an occasion to sin”.

What is the greatest argument against Christians today?Hypocracy

Are you who you say you are?

Will you do what you said you would do?

Faith - The reality of what is hoped for and the proof of what is not seen (Heb 11:1)

“steadfastness” - hypomone - “Firmness in standing; Fixed in place”

Someday God will make you just as He is - perfect (without sin because of Jesus Christ), complete (in Jesus Christ), lacking nothing (Completely satisfied in Jesus Christ)

But what are you to do in the meantime when your faith is being tested?

Vs. 5-8 - Seek God’s wisdom

In all circumstances seek God’s wisdom.

God is generous

God gives without reproach

God demands unwavering faith from us.

No wimpy prayers of “God if you can, please deliver me from evil”

God, your word says that you have provided a way of escape for me from this temptation. Your word says that you will deliver me from evil. Your word says that I am not a slave to sin but rather a slave to righteousness. Today, I set my heart and mind on you trusting that you will empower me through your Holy Spirit to live in obedience to you.

Vs. 9-11 - Monetary possessions and power will fade. So, be humble.

God exalts the humble and opposes the proud

After reminding us that monetary possessions, wealth, and power are not worth pursuing, he reminds us what is worth pursuing

Vs. 12-15 - Those who are steadfast under trial are blessed because they will receive the ultimate possession - the crown of life.

Life is a test

God rewards those who love Him.

It is against God’s nature to tempt us with evil because there is no trace of evil in Him. Evil temptation comes from our own flesh and when it remains unchecked, it leads to sin and death.

Vs. 16-18 - Don’t be deceived, but focus on God’s word which is truth.

God is good

Every good and perfect gift is from Him. You did nothing to receive it.

He is the Father of lights

He does not change

There is not shadow or darkness in Him

We are saved because He willed that we should be the “firstfruits of his creatures”