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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
