Show notes
All faith has to be tested to prove that it is real faith. This is the opening theme of James’ wonderful letter that we started reading today – and in our continued reading of Job we see him as an extreme example of testing from God – or that God allowed. Paul wrote, “God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” [1Cor.10 v.13]
When we come to James ch, 5, we will read, “Behold, we consider those blessed who remain steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful” [v.11] Being ‘steadfast’ is a stronger word than ‘patience’ – which the old A V. uses, but even the A.V. uses ‘enduring’ for the same Gk word in 2 Cor. 1 v.6.
James is generally believed to be the half-brother of our Lord, Like Paul, James turned from the rejection of Christ (John 7 v.5) to acceptance and to play an important role at the Jerusalem conference (Acts 15 v.13) Note also Acts 21 v.18. Looking further at James’ epistle: what does he tell us that the testing of our faith produces? The most challenging point he makes is that they (and we) should “count it all joy … when you meet trials of various kinds” [v.2] James had become convinced of what some have called, ‘The power of positive thinking!
His next words are, “for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete … “ The 21st Century is producing many challenges to our faith, both as to what we believe and also as to whether there is a God at all! How well is our faith surviving in an utterly godless environment?
Jesus told his disciples, “Behold I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” [Matt. 10 v.16] Do we understand what he meant? We know well what the first serpent said and how that sowed seeds of doubt in the minds of the first humans. Believers have to reverse this – and be “wise” in how to produce doubt in the minds of those who believe there is no God, or trust in idols, or in whatever they trust. But, becoming worldly wise is dangerous, for then they (and we) cease to be “lambs.”
Spiritual wisdom is the most precious possession we can develop. James says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God who gives generously … but let him ask in faith, with no doubting …” [v.5,6] How do you ask God? Prayer of course – and search his Holy Word for wisdom. Of course, in those days no one owned a Bible, you could not go and buy one and read it every day.
What a contrast to our situation! Do we appreciate this blessing? In too many cases our priorities are getting twisted around – but remember what Jesus said! “Everyone to whom much is given, of him (and her) much will be required …” [Luke 12 v.48] Also the words we read last week, “How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation” [Heb 2 v.3] So what is the testing of our faith producing?
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