Category: Faith
James 1:12 As our faith is tested, proven and set in perspective, James then says: Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James seems to bind together the various things that he has been talking about in this sentence. The need for faith to be tested and proven; seen in the true light of godly perspective. These James has covered in his previous verses. After all these things, James says, one is then approved through the…
James 1:9-11 After James’ opening verses, his following words may seem quite confusing: The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. What the? The opening verses of trials and prayer are now turned into a practical example of how one should understand their position. The person of humble circumstances, to put it bluntly, is one who lacks material necessity and possession, the poor. Is James trying be funny? What high position? No. Quite the opposite, James is talking about the riches of one’s faith to see themselves from the perspective of God rather than the…
This is a past journal entry from September 6th 2004:
James 1:6-8 I praise God that He is One who gives generously to all who ask, but… But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt… James has begun his letter by encouraging Christians to allow their faith to be tested and refined by trials. Through perseverance their faith grows and strengthens over time. If anyone is lacking wisdom, James encourages them to ask, for God is One who gives generously…but when asking you must believe.
James 1:4-5 Foolishly, look at my comments yesterday, it would seem only natural that I should have continued a bit further. So, let me just pick up from where I was and hopefully not lose any of the momentum. James closes his first statement: Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. I used an illustration of muscles yesterday to look at perseverance. Continuing on from…
