Today’s lesson is taken from the book of James. This book was written to New Testament believers. James was the brother of our Lord Jesus Christ. None of Jesus brothers believed who he was until after the resurrection. I Corinthians 15:7 indicates Jesus appeared to James, and that was the defining moment of belief for James. James became a deeply spiritual man in a relatively short time. Even though he had known Jesus all his life, it was when he accepted him as Lord and Savior that he was truly changed. We are no different. Many know about Jesus, but it is when they know him in a relationship as Lord, that their world changes.
James became the leader of the church at Jerusalem when they were transitioning from the “law” to “grace.” From the old covenant to the new covenant. This was a very difficult time, but James handled it well. Paul calls him a pillar of the church in Galatians 2:9, and he was the moderator of the church conference in Acts 15.
The book of James teaches us lessons that are geared toward helping you to “grow up” in your faith in Jesus Christ. If you are not truly saved they will mean nothing. It takes the leadership of the Holy Spirit to understand the Bible and when you are saved he lives within you to teach you and guide you.
John 16:13 “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.”
If you are not truly saved, now is the time for you to make sure of your salvation. Go to the page on my website that is tabbed as Salvation. You will find step by step details about how to know you are truly saved.
This book was written to the churches to the twelve tribes that were scattered abroad.
James 1:1 “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting”.
They must have been going through many problems both within and without the church. James begins by telling them in James 1:2, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers, (different kinds) temptations. Not what you want to hear as a new believer, but the facts are the facts, and we will face many trials in this life. Therefore, we need to know how to properly handle them.
First, we need to understand we will have trials in this life. There are three different categories of trials. The one you are going into, the one you are in, or the one you are exiting. That is life. We all face them. The difference is how we handle them.
Second, James says we need to “count it all joy.” The key word is “count”. It is a financial term meaning “to evaluate”. When we face the trials of life, we must evaluate them in the light of what God is doing for us. This helps us understand how the Christian can have joy in the midst of trials: he lives for the things that matter most. It is all in your perspective. It is an honor to be tested by the God of all gods. You can get excited about what God is trying to do through you. Do we desire trials? No, but we shouldn’t get “down in the mouth,” and bitter about being in them. You are not to consider it as a punishment, but more of a test. Job was tested and tried but his goal was to come forth as gold.
Job 23:10 “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.”
Third, determine in your heart and mind that nothing is going to keep you from obeying God. Because of his love for you, he died for you. Because of your love for him, you will obey. Cultivate a grateful heart within yourself, and continue to press forward. Keep your eyes focused on Him and stay away from those who were like Jobs friends and his wife.
Job 16:20 “My friends scorn me: but mine eye fourth out tears unto God.
Job 2:9 “Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die.
If you will endure trials following these guidelines you will be able to have a deep-seated awareness of God in your life. You will be able to have joy that no trial can alter. Keep these three reminders;
- Know they will come.
- Keep the proper perspective.
- Obey at any cost.
As you go through trials in the right way you will grow spiritually. Becoming a mature Christian is our goal on this earth, and we will be getting further down the road to that goal, through each situation. It takes an entire lifetime, as we continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
