Faith That Endures Through Every Trial

James begins by teaching how we in VV. 1-8 how we are to respond to trials. Now we see somewhat of a shift in VV. 9-11 when he begins to give real — life examples of different kind of trials.

James 1:9–11 “Now the brother or sister of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position; but the rich person is to glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so also the rich person, in the midst of his pursuits, will die out.”

James show to different types of people here and both faces different trials.

First, is the lowly brother (poor believer), their trail is poverty.

Second, is the rich (wealthy believer), their trail is wealth.

Why is James bringing this up? In the early church, many Christians were poor and oppressed, while some wealthy believers struggled with pride or dependence on their wealth.

James reminds both groups of people that: Poverty does not lesson a believer’s value before God and they should glory in his exaltation, and Wealth does not guarantee spiritual security and they should glory in their humility.

VV. 12 James is showing that wealth is temporary and fading and riches cannot secure eternal life.

James 1:12–15 “Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. No one is to say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it has run its course, brings forth death.”

What we see here is that we face two different realities

Trails- God uses trials to test our faith.

Temptations- Does not come from God, this comes from our own sinful desires. God allows temptations to exist.

When one endures temptation the Bible says he is blessed and is approved by God.

Our reward for not giving into temptations and trusting in God through out our lives is “the crown of life”.

God does not temp anyone.

Sinful desire, when conceived gives birth to sin, when sin is full grown, brings forth death.

James 1:16–18 “Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers and sisters. Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. In the exercise of His will He gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures.”

Every good gift comes from God.

God is the giver of all good things.

unlike shifting shadows, God never changes.

Salvation comes through God’s word.

Believers are evidence of God’s grace.

James 1:19–20 “You know this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Now everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; for a man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness of God.”

James teach how we are to respond while in trials.

Be Quick to Hear

We are to listen carefully to God’s Word and Godly people who speak biblical wisdom into our lives.

Be Slow to Speak

We are to guard our tongues and reactions.

Be Slow to Wrath

Human anger often produces sin rather than righteousness.

Proverbs 15:1–2 “A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise makes knowledge pleasant, But the mouth of fools spouts foolishness.”