James 1:14

It has taken a month for this to really sink in. It’s not that I didn’t understand the truth of this verse or the principle that lay behind it, but the reality and depth of this verse didn’t hit me fully until Sunday past. In this verse James says:

“…but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.”

James has just said that God Himself does not tempt people and, now, tells us clearly and simply that our temptations are birthed by our own evil desires. There’s not much else to it and, yet, this took me a month to fully grasp.

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James 1:13

A common misconception about Christianity and faith in God is that is the miracle cure to whatever problem you might have. So very, very wrong! As we’ve seen through the introduction of James, life is one of trials and hardship for those who faith in God. Let the hard times roll! It’s almost the slogan for the Christian.

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James 1:12

As our faith is tested, proven and set in perspective, James then says:

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

James seems to bind together the various things that he has been talking about in this sentence. The need for faith to be tested and proven; seen in the true light of godly perspective. These James has covered in his previous verses. After all these things, James says, one is then approved through the giving of the crown of life.

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James 1:9-11

After James’ opening verses, his following words may seem quite confusing:

The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position.

What the? The opening verses of trials and prayer are now turned into a practical example of how one should understand their position. The person of humble circumstances, to put it bluntly, is one who lacks material necessity and possession, the poor. Is James trying be funny? What high position? No. Quite the opposite, James is talking about the riches of one’s faith to see themselves from the perspective of God rather than the perspective of man.

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James 1:6-8

I praise God that He is One who gives generously to all who ask, but…

But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt…

James has begun his letter by encouraging Christians to allow their faith to be tested and refined by trials. Through perseverance their faith grows and strengthens over time. If anyone is lacking wisdom, James encourages them to ask, for God is One who gives generously…but when asking you must believe.

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James 1:4-5

Foolishly, look at my comments yesterday, it would seem only natural that I should have continued a bit further. So, let me just pick up from where I was and hopefully not lose any of the momentum.

James closes his first statement:

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

I used an illustration of muscles yesterday to look at perseverance. Continuing on from that illustration, if muscles are not left to finish healing, there is quite a possibility that they may damage themselves. Professional athletes are a clear example of this, instead of taking the necessary time to allow themselves to heal, they push themselves too hard and cause serious, even permanent, damage.

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James 1:1-3

This letter by James, the blood brother of Jesus Christ, is written to the universal church. It is one of the first preserved letters that we have and it addressed issues that any young, actually all, Christians will face in same shape or form. It it both a word of warning and encouragement to each and everyone of us of what the Christian life is like.

In the opening passage of his letter, James addresses something I believe most people overlook in the early life of a young Christian. This issue has been the turning point of so many young Christians that have either spurred them deeper into their relationship with God or deterred them completely from the reality of the Christian life.

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Ephesians 1:3-14 (Link)

This passage, quite interestingly enough, is one sentence (in Greek). With that in mind, this passage can not be neatly broken up and understood in its various verses as we have traditionally done so. While there is worth in the things that are mentioned, it carries more depth within the greater whole. (Also, the writer has an intended message to convey in his writing.)

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As I write this, I am in reality reminding myself of the importance and the place of not only devotions, but daily devotions. I sit here in guilt that I am not able to practice what I preach and only wish that my desire was translated into the outflowing of action. So, I ask myself now, in hope that I will revitalise this most fruitful and pleasant practice.

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