Search the Scriptures

Search the Scriptures: James 1:1-18

1 This letter is from James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is written to Jewish Christians scattered among the nations. Greetings! Faith and Endurance 2 Dear brothers and sisters,* whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. 3 For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything. 5 If you need wisdom—if you want to know what God wants you to do—ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. 6 But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 People like that should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 They can’t make up their minds. They waver back and forth in everything they do. 9 Christians who are* poor should be glad, for God has honored them. 10 And those who are rich should be glad, for God has humbled them. They will fade away like a flower in the field. 11 The hot sun rises and dries up the grass; the flower withers, and its beauty fades away. So also, wealthy people will fade away with all of their achievements. 12 God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. 13 And remember, no one who wants to do wrong should ever say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else either. 14 Temptation comes from the lure of our own evil desires. 15 These evil desires lead to evil actions, and evil actions lead to death. 16 So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God above, who created all heaven’s lights.* Unlike them, he never changes or casts shifting shadows. 18 In his goodness he chose to make us his own children by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his choice possession.

Reflections:

Verses 2-7,12
Our attitude to trials/troubles should be: Rejoice! Because:
The purpose of trials is: They test our faith and produce endurance which builds our character and make us ready for anything.
The Goal of trials: Know that God blesses those who endure testing patiently, expect a reward for loving God-Crown of Life – whatever that is! (V12)
In trying situation we need wisdom, how can we obtain it?
Ask God for wisdom and believe that He will answer, and do not doubt!

Verses 13-15
The origin of temptation: The lure of our own evil desire/lust.
The inevitable products of yielding to it habitually without repentance: Evil actions/sin and death.

How to avoid being deceived and gain strength to overcome:
Don’t take it as from God. Know that God will not let us be tempted beyond our strength. (1Cor 10:13) Be aware of the consequences of yielding to it. Rely on God,(Prov.3:5,6) ask for wisdom, look for God’s provision for a way of escape (1Cor10:13)
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Verses 9-11, 16-18
What is God’s will for us? How did He fulfill it?
His will is to make us His children by giving us His true word. We become his children by faith in Jesus, and faith comes from hearing of God's word. (Somewhere in Romans 10 i believe)

You and I who believe and remain in Christ have and will become His choice possession/first fruit!

Rejoice! Rejoice always, even in the midst of trials and temptation!