Steadfast Faith

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial

Prov 11:19 “Whoever is steadfast in righteousness will live, but he who pursues evil will die.”

Steadfastness

ὑπομονήν· hypomonēn;

ὑπομονή hypomonē steadfastness

I am very used to Paul. I’ve been working for the better half of my life on memorizing one of his books, and his format or formula of letters are easily recognizable. Honestly, it’s nice; i like that type of introduction.

James comes across differently, differently and directly.

James refers to his people as “the Brethren” instead of Paul’s “beloved”.

Why Joy when we meet trials?

Trials are not:

Consequences of our actions or sin

burdens of blessing

Joy for encountering trials because:

We mature into the likeness of Christ

Pounding ourselves into submission

Cutting away that which ails/hinders us

1 cor 9:24-27 “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”

Opportunities to rely on his favor and seek His face

Worldly problems may turn to mere distractions

Our resolve is strengthened in Christ

Phil 4:11-13 “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

We being to realize our only reliance is on Christ alone

James warns us against useless doubts

i usually like the phrase “I believe Lord, help my unbelief”

Mark 9:23-25 “And Jesus said to him, “ ‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.””

James warning in my opinion is to keep us from that which may weaken our heart and stance while in trial, or whether they may receive help because of a myriad of possibilities (looking for help elsewhere first, changing their prime position to be in God first, etc.)

Heb 11:6

Hebrews 11:6 ESV

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

This is why the emphasis on wisdom to be asked of God, and to do so in faith. This is not necessarily a request of a cessation of trial! Rather, it’s a changing of our will and understanding to acknowledge God’s holiness, and petitioning His providence & instruction of the Holy Spirit.

1 Co 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”

Hebrews 3:14 ESV

For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end.

Finally, we are reminded to be careful as we go to only boast in Christ, and not in the riches or goods that God gives us.

James 1:9-11 “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.”

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial

James 1:12 “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.”