James (Part 1)
Apparently, Martin Luther called this letter "The Epistle of Straw" because, unlike Romans, James is a very simple, practical book for daily living, rather than containing theological concepts and arguments as Romans does. Besides, James talks a lot about works – good works – rather than faith. Or does he? James’ letter actually mentions “works” 18 times – and it mentions “faith” 18 times! So it is both faith and works to which we, as Christians, are called – a faith that is demonstrated by works, and works which are inspired and empowered by faith in God.
Trials and temptations 1:1-4
We need to clearly distinguish between "trials" and "temptations", which, while similar, are not the same. A trial is a test in order to examine something or someone. It does not imply any evil. See John 6:5-6. Temptation is also a test – a test as to whether or not we will give in to the thought or desire to do something wrong. e.g., Matthew 15:22-28. The Canaanite woman's faith was tried or tested three times as Jesus appeared not to answer her request – indeed it appeared as though He was trying to turn her away. When she passed these tests Jesus said "Great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire". e.g., When Job's wife tempted him to "curse God and die", he refused (Job 2:7-10). e.g., When Jesus was tempted by the devil He refused each temptation (Matt. 4:1-11). He was "tempted, yet without sinning" (Heb. 4:15). e.g., When Peter was tempted, he denied the Lord three times, with oaths and curses (Matt. 26:69-75 cf. Luke 22:31-34). But just as Peter denied Jesus three times, so, after His resurrection, Jesus tried Peter’s faith three times and this time Peter confessed his love for Jesus each time (John 21:15-17). How gracious God is!
When teachers set their students exams it is to test or examine their knowledge and ability. No sin is implied. But when a student is tempted to cheat, that is a temptation to sin.
Trials and testings teach us patience and endurance, and are for the strengthening of our character and faith. We should rejoice that we are becoming more mature, able to withstand stronger trials and temptations, becoming more perfect and complete so that nothing is lacking in our faith or character.
1 Peter 1:6-9; 4:12-14 This is not easy, but every victory, every test we pass, glorifies God and shows increasing Christ-likeness in our lives.
Testing leads to, or produces, patience and patience leads to, or produces, perfection, completeness and maturity. This is God’s desire for us all.
1:12-18
God promises the crown of life to those who endure various trials and, in His strength, come through to victory. God does not tempt us to sin, though He may test us. We are tempted by our lower, fallen nature (“the flesh”) which is weak (Matt. 26:41), and we may be tempted by the devil also.
But we can't even say "The devil made me do it" for, while the devil tempts us to sin, we can refuse. The devil never made anyone do anything in that sense; unlike hypnotism, where a person yields their will to the will or spirit of another person. This is wrong, because Romans 6:12-16 says: “When you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are the slaves of the one whom you obey ...” This is why we are called to yield or give ourselves totally and fully to the Lord only, to obey Him and Him alone.
Besides, if we call on the Lord He will give us victory over the temptations of the devil, just as Jesus resisted the evil one and was victorious over him (Matt. 4:1-11).
How do we overcome the flesh? By dying to it! Paul said "I die daily" (1 Cor. 15:31). Jesus said "Take up your cross daily" (Luke 9:23). We need to learn to daily commit our ways to the Lord (Ps. 37:5) and call on His Name whenever we need help. "Watch and pray!" Jesus said (Matt. 26:41).
There is always a way of escape (1 Cor. 10:13). We need to get out of the situation where we are being tempted. Don't “sit in the seat of the ungodly” (Ps. 1:1-3). E.g., A person might say "I can't stop stealing" but they don't steal when a policeman is there! "Flee from temptation (e.g., fornication)"; don’t play with temptation – run from it! (1 Cor. 6:18).
Wrong fleshly desires (e.g., thoughts, lusts) lead to sin and sin ultimately leads to death.
In stark contrast to the ways of the flesh and the devil, God gives good things to those who love Him and who ask (Luke 11:13). He knows what is best for us; He wants what is best; He is able to give us the best - ASK HIM, and refuse all else! Why accept a poor “second best” when God wants us to have the best?
Wisdom 1:5-8
Wisdom is making the right choices and doing the right things (right in God's eyes, not necessarily in man's!)
Wisdom is much more than knowledge – we can know what is right but still not do it!
Hence we need Godly wisdom which comes down from above – not earthly, fleshly, human wisdom.
We need to pray and ask God for wisdom: He gives it freely, generously, unreservedly, without reproach, if we will pray, ask and receive by faith.
If we have doubts then there is no point in asking! Faith comes by hearing (or reading) God's Word (e.g., verse 5), remembering it, confessing it, praying it, believing it and acting on it. Romans 10:17.
If we doubt, then we try to believe both the truth and a lie at the same time. Such wavering or indecisiveness is not acceptable to God.
We were saved through faith; therefore let us exercise the same faith in other areas too! We believed, prayed for and received our salvation; therefore let us believe, pray for and receive God’s wisdom too!
3:13-18
Wisdom is shown in our lives (not just talked about!) by:
living a Godly life (it is foolish to be sinful and evil) + meekness (humility)
Jealousy (envy) and selfish ambition in our heart indicates that we are not being true to God and His Word. They may "get you places" in the worldly sense (worldly ambition) but they are carnal, unspiritual, devilish. They can lead to all sorts of evil practices.
Godly wisdom is pure, peaceable, gentle, reasonable, merciful, sure and certain (secure), sincere and produces good fruit. Peacemakers sow a harvest of righteousness and reap its good fruit.
· What a different place the world would be if we followed Godly wisdom!
· What a different place the Church would be if we followed Godly wisdom!
· What a different person I would be if I followed Godly wisdom!
Here is some Godly wisdom: Matthew 5:3-16.
QUESTIONS
1. Can a true Christian have faith without good works, or good works without faith?
2. What are the differences between trials and temptations?
3. How do we overcome (a) the flesh, and (b) the devil?
4. Why do we disobey God when He knows what is best for us and wants what is best for us?
5. What are the differences between wisdom and knowledge?
6. What are some of the fruit of Godly wisdom?