Practical Christ: A Study Through the Book of James

This first section of James presents trials in their positive and negative aspects. Trials are to be seen overall as a ground for rejoicing since vital faith is required by God, and trials serve as its stimulus.

Trials encourage a continuing dependence upon God and maturation toward the greater worship of God in the activities appropriate to faith in him.

Wisdom is required for maintaining a vital faith relation to God and his Word. A kind of “perfection” (1:4, 17, 25 in KJV) is assured to believers who progress in wisdom. Great reward is promised to the believer who has great discernment for practicing “pure and faultless religion.”