Temptations and the Word of God: (chap-1)
Trials are not to be seen as tribulations but testing. A test is given to see if a student can pass or fail. James gave sound advice on how to score high on every test. One who brings the right attitude to the trial, who understands the advantage of the trial, and who knows where to obtain assistance in the trial will certainly end up on God’s honour roll.
Trials: (1:2-12)
- Our attitude during trials: (1:2): The Jewish believers are scattered in different parts. James gives the advice. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” Trials should be faced with an attitude of joy. Trials should not be seen as a punishment, a curse, or a calamity but something that must prompt rejoicing. Though James’ command was direct and forceful, he did not preach at his audience. He identified with them. He addressed them warmly as “my brothers.” This mode of address is characteristic of the epistle. He used this familiar form at least 15 times in this epistle. James’ direct commands are coupled with deep compassion. James did not say that a believer should be joyous for the trials but in the trials. When surrounded by these trials, one should respond with joy. Most people count it all joy when they escape trials. James said to count it all joy in the midst of trials (1 Pet.1:6,8).
- Advantages in trials: (1:3-4): Trials when rightly taken, produce the quality of endurance. Everyone has experienced the pain. So one should face the trials with faith in the Lord. Faith is like gold; it stands in the test of fire. Without this approved standard of faith, trials would not yield perseverance. There would only be ashes. True faith, like pure gold, endures, no matter how hot the fire. True faith therefore develops, or literally works with perseverance. True faith works to produce perseverance, so perseverance must be allowed to continue its perfect or finished work to produce the ultimate by-products of maturity and spiritual fulfilment. James’ main point was to show how to achieve spiritual maturity.
- Assistance when faced with trials: (1:5-12): James says, If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God. Assistance is readily available from God for those who lack wisdom. God will not only provide wisdom, but will do so generously, not grudgingly.
However, God’s provision has some prerequisites (1:6-8). To receive God’s wisdom in trials, the believer must be wise in asking. First, he must ask in faith. He must believe and not doubt. He dare not come to God like a wave of the sea, blown (horizontally) and tossed (vertically) by the wind. God is not pleased with a double-minded man who is unstable in all he does, like an unsteady, staggering drunk. The answer from God depends on assurance in God.
Furthermore one who asks for wisdom needs no evidence hope. Whatever his social or economic position, the believer must see eternal advantages. Social prominence passes away, wealth withers away like a wild flower in the hot sun, and fame will fade. Hope in the eternal is evidence of believing faith. Finally, the one who asks for wisdom must be steadfast and infused with love. God blesses someone who perseveres under trial (1:12). Again James says the Christian who steadfastly endures and has stood the test will receive the “crown of life”(Rev. 2:10). God promises such life to those who love Him. Love for God enables believers who undergo trials to rest confidently in Him. Their steadfastness reveals their love. Asking for wisdom with faith (Jam.1:6-8), hope (1: 9-11), and love (1:12) brings not only the blessing of wisdom but also the blessing of winning.
To have the right attitude in trials, one must see the advantage of trials, but if it is difficult to see the advantages, one can ask for aid and, if one asks correctly, God will give him the right attitude in trials. He can rejoice in trials (1:2) and be blessed (1:12) by enduring them.