The Trying Of Your Faith

The Epistle of James is a practical book. It deals with everyday matters of our faith and addresses experiences of a believer’s life. It appears to have been written by the Apostle James, one of ‘the twelve’ who is sometimes called James, the Son of Alpheus, or James the Less, to distinguish him from James, the son of Zebedee and brother of John. The epistle is addressed to ‘the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad’. This may suggest a primarily Jewish audience but it may also refer to ‘spiritual Israel’, a title suitable for all the elect, the chosen people of God, both amongst Jews and Gentiles.

No disagreement

Some people have tried to dispute the value of James’ epistle by highlighting what they portray as contradictions between the statements of James and other New Testament writers, especially Paul. However, God willing, we shall see in the coming weeks there is no inconsistency in the Scripture when the meaning and purpose of the writers are accounted for. On the contrary, all who are made humble under the word of God find James’ writing to be beautifully complementary to the rest of the New Testament while occupying a unique place, and contributing distinctive lessons.

Wisdom for the ages

James is called a general epistle because it is written to believers in general and not to a particular individual or local church. The apostle has much to say to believers of every age and he writes to encourage the Lord’s people in times of trouble and suffering, especially such opposition as arises for the sake of the gospel. James speaks about patience. He informs us that hardship is productive and part of our Lord’s purpose for His church. It ought, therefore, to be considered a blessing from our all-wise God.

A good root bears good fruit

James is also particular about the fruit of a believer’s life. He encourages Christ’s people to exercise their faith for practical good in the testimony of Christ and for the support of their brethren. He denounces the evil practices of some who boasted of their faith and knowledge, but lived contrary to the example of the Lord Jesus and the essence of His teaching, for example, in the Sermon on the Mount. The apostle denounces conduct by Christian professors that brings shame on the gospel. 

A servant of Jesus Christ

In these opening verses James introduces himself simply as ‘a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ’. Here, the apostle sets the tone for all that will follow. Like Paul, and though an apostle, he has no desire to ‘pull rank’ or demand respect beyond his role as an ambassador with a heavenly Master. Nevertheless, James speaks with authority. He commands our attention as one who has learned personally from the Lord Jesus Christ when he addresses the spiritual and practical challenges we all face. Only those believers who have no trials in life will be able to pass James by without losing a blessing.

Real faith is tried faith

We note, especially, in the opening how James speaks about ‘the trying of your faith’. The Lord’s apostle is speaking to his spiritual brethren who have faith; faith that is tried, tested and attacked while travelling in this world. James calls this temptation. This is not temptation to sin, he will address that later, but afflictions and persecutions for the sake of Christ and the gospel. Every true believer suffers such temptation and consequently spiritual trials and practical suffering ought to be regarded as a mark of genuine spiritual life and gratefully acknowledged as such.

Trials measured by results

Trials in this life, for a believer, are positive, not negative. While they are not joyous in the moment they produce good outcomes for spiritual men and women. Trials are constructive and encourage us to grow in grace and a knowledge of the truth. They teach believers about separation from this world. Trials for a Christian are helpful, they cause us to realise what is unbecoming in our conduct and attitudes; they help relieve us of the hindrances to useful service. Such temptations bring us closer to the Lord Jesus.

A lesson for personal application

James speaks to believers about the fruit of our Christian testimony and the effect of our spiritual new life in Christ. He is speaking to men and women who possess real, lively faith and yet who must, generation after generation, come to terms with the personal trials of this life. He builds the framework for our Christian practices on a foundation of faith. Any who endeavour to adopt James’ teaching as a lifestyle without its divine spiritual root cannot please God. James is not a book of suggestions for godly living, it is a statement of how Christ’s people live.

 

 

Amen.