Monday | James 1:1-8
James 1:1-8
1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion:
Greetings. 2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways
James begins his letter by addressing trials and exhorting his readers to bear up and rely upon the Lord during seasons of difficulty. In order to help, James writes of two distinct kinds of faiths in this section. One refers to the recognition of who God is, his character. And the second is a reminder of what God has done.
Trials and seasons of difficulty are inevitable. It’s not a question of “if,” but “when” and this should prompt us to be sober-minded and prepared. Often, we are ready to beg the Lord to get us out of these seasons rather than helping us get through these seasons.
James is not saying that Jesus has forsaken you, failed you, or that trials are an obstacle. Rather, James teaches that trials are opportunities for growth and steadfastness, maturity. Therefore, the test of a trial is not to see whether an individual is a Christian or not, but to purify their faith (1 Peter 1:6-7). The goal in trials is to become more like Jesus.
Today, think about the work of God for you in Christ, reflect on the new heart He has given you, and as a result, the season He has placed you in. It’s not a coincidence or random. How can you hold on to and usher the gospel through this season? What is God purifying in you this season?
Questions for Reflection
1. Read Proverbs 2:1-15. What is wisdom? Where does it come from? And what are the benefits of having wisdom? 2. The word “doubt” translated means “dispute.” In context, James is saying that some who is doubting is refusing to trust God. Doubt is the enemy of faith. What are ways in which we combat doubt? How can you resist becoming “double-minded” and “unstable”?
2. The word “doubt” translated means “dispute.” In context, James is saying that some who is doubting is refusing to trust God. Doubt is the enemy of faith. What are ways in which we combat doubt? How can you resist becoming “double-minded” and “unstable”?