Years ago, I taught the Deaf Connections class on Sundays at church. Having only taught once, I wanted to start with something 'simple and practical' like James. Except James pummels you like a boxer and then helps you up.
James was the half-brother of Jesus and didn't believe he was the Son of God. He was pretty antagonistic (John 7:2–4). Only after Jesus appeared to him after the resurrection did he believe and lead the Jerusalem church until the High Priest pushed him off a building in 62 AD.
Before that, he wrote a letter to Jewish Christians throughout the Roman Empire. It's a very practical letter on Christian living. We're going to start with James 1:1–18.
James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Life happens, it's not easy, and contrary to popular belief, being a Christian isn't puppy dogs and rainbows, at least not on this side of eternity. The hard times are when the depth of your faith is proven. As you endure, you'll mature and become stronger.
You have to go through the suck.
When we lost Squiggles in a miscarriage, it was a trial, the making or breaking of faith. It grew stronger because we have hope that not many have.
Then, sometimes, we need help figuring out what to do. What then?
James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
God won't hold back wisdom when we ask for it. Solomon asked for it in 1 Kings 3:9–10. Wisdom is described here as having an analytical heart and the ability to tell right from wrong.
This will help us endure.
There is a warning though.
James 1:6–8
But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
We must trust that we'll receive wisdom and be ready to apply it. Get off the fence and make your choice.
You see, God is there with us in these times. It's not like He's looking down and saying, 'sucks to be you.' No, He's our Father, willing to guide us if we listen.
James 1:9–11
Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.
This contrasts the rich and the poor. Now, there's nothing wrong with having money; it can and is used for good. It's the love of money that is the issue (1 Timothy 6:10). James is telling us that the rich Christian with everything has the same priceless treasure that the poor Christian with nothing has. Jesus.
Neither money nor status can get us salvation. Being an heir to God is an invaluable gift. This is where we put our focus.
James 1:12
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
This is a beatitude like in the Sermon on the Mount—a conditional promise and description of one who's blessed.
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