Did You know

Did You Know

James, written around 45 AD, is the oldest book in the New Testament.

Reflection of James 1: 1-18 Trials and Temptations

 

James 1

New International Version (NIV)

1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,

To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations:

Greetings.

Trials and Temptations

² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,^[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. ⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. ⁶ But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. ⁷ That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. ⁸ Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
⁹ Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. ¹⁰ But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. ¹¹ For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.
¹² Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
¹³ When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; ¹⁴ but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. ¹⁵ Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
¹⁶ Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. ¹⁷ Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. ¹⁸ He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

Reflection of James Chapter 1 1-18

James begins with addressing this book to the twelve tribes scattered among nations. It is actually the descendants of the twelve sons of Jacob.

James informed his fellow brothers and sisters in Christ not to consider it pure joy when they are faced with trials and temptations. He explains that when your faith is tested it brings on perseverance.  Perseverance brings on maturity that will strengthen you. Just like weight lifting comes with pain that ultimately will strengthen you from the maturation so will your faith.  We are to view it as a positive thing. Just as a body builder still feels the burn but enjoys it because he knows the end result will be better than the present. 

 James 1:12 says: Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

He also told the twelve descendants if there is something you lack to ask for it. If you lack wisdom, ask and it shall be given.  However there can be no doubt. He stated a person of doubt is like a wave of the sea…blown and tossed away by wind.  Doubt prevents you from standing firm and holding true to what God has planned and promised you. There is no way to find direction in doubt…just as an always shifting wave. Faith gives you stability and strength.  Faith comes from studying and establishing a relationship through consistent communication with God.

Lastly,
He informs that no man should say God is tempting me. It is impossible for God to be tempted  and he does not tempt. Temptation comes from the enemy and if conceived or acted on brings on sin. Full blown sin brings Death. That is why it is important to ask for forgiveness and repent. We sin daily whether we know or not. However all good and perfect gifts come from God. Through the word of truth he gave a perfect gift of life that we might be the first fruits of all created.  We would be the first taken and of high value.  

James  provided hope during Trials and Temptations by informing it strengthens you in your walk with Christ. God also blesses those that persevere. During those times never curse our Father in heaven or his son for temptations do not come from him but he will be there to guide you through it. It will require faith and without faith you will be lost.  Spend some time strengthening your relationship and Faith in God today.

The Prayer of Faith James 5:13-20

The Prayer of Faith

¹³ Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. ¹⁴ Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. ¹⁵ And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. ¹⁶ Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
¹⁷ Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. ¹⁸ Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.
¹⁹ My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, ²⁰ remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.