The Trying Of Your Faith

Our Bible passage, introduction to Sunday 9th November service and hymns are below.

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Our principal verses are:

Jas 1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.

Jas 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

Jas 1:3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

Jas 1:4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

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

Hymn 882

“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thess. 5. 17; Eph. 6. 18

J. Hart                    L.M.

1
Prayer was appointed to convey
The blessings God designs to give.
Long as they live should Christians pray;
For only while they pray they live.

2
The Christian’s heart his prayer indites;
He speaks as prompted from within;
The Spirit his petition writes,
And Christ receives and gives it in.

3
’Tis prayer supports the soul that’s weak,
Though thought be broken, language lame,
Pray, if thou canst or canst not speak;
But pray with faith in Jesus’ name.

4
Depend on him, thou canst not fail;
Make all thy wants and wishes known;
Fear not, his merits must prevail;
Ask what thou wilt, it shall be done.

Hymn 801

“All my springs are in thee.” Ps. 87.7

J. Hart            7.6.8.

1
Bless the Lord, my soul, and raise
A glad and grateful song
To my dear Redeemer’s praise,
For I to him belong.
He, my Goodness, Strength, and God,
In whom I live, and move, and am,
Paid my ransom with his blood;
My portion is the Lamb.

2
Though temptations seldom cease,
Though frequent griefs I feel,
Yet his Spirit whispers peace,
And he is with me still.
Weak of body, sick in soul,
Depressed at heart, and faint with fears,
His dear presence makes me whole,
And with sweet comfort cheers.

3
O my Jesus, thou art mine,
With all thy grace and power;
I am now, and shall be thine
When time shall be no more;
Thou revivest me by thy death;
Thy blood from guilt has set me free;
My fresh springs of hope, and faith,
And love, are all in thee.

The Epistle of James is a wonderful and practical presentation of gospel truth. James calls himself a servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ and ministers to the Lord’s people who are tried and hard-pressed by the troubles of this world.