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REAL FAITH FOR A REAL WORLD
THE MARKS OF THE MATURE CHRISTIAN
JAMES 1


James 1
What is the purpose of trials?
Faith is always tested. (Genesis 22:1-14; Hebrews 11:6; 1 Corinthians 3:11-15; 1 Thessalonians 2:4)
Testing works for us—not against us. (1 Peter 1:7)
Trials work for the believer, not against him. (Romans 8:28; 2 Corinthians 4:17)
Trials rightly used helps us to mature. (Romans 5:3-4)
Joy in trials?
What is biblical joy? (See Nehemiah 8:10; Psalms 16:11; Psalm 51:12; Psalms 126:5-6; Ecclesiastes 2:26; Galatians 5:22).
How is joy different from happiness?
How is it possible to have joy in the midst of the chaos all around us? Read Psalm 31 and be ready to share some of the ways the psalmist was able to continue to joy in the Lord in the midst of his trials.
Why does James seem to take a time-out to mention asking for wisdom?
What possible role could wisdom play during a trial? See Proverbs 1:1-7; Proverbs 8.
Do you think trials are the only time we need to ask for wisdom? Explain.
Have you ever found yourself being double-minded in spiritual matters? When?
How does faith, belief and unbelief effect your response during these times? (See Mark 9:24; Romans 4:18-25; Hebrews 12:2-8)
How does our sin nature fit in? (Romans 7:18-25.)
Does submission have any part to play during these times? If so, how? (See Hebrews 5:7-10.)
a. Is being weak in our faith the same thing as being double-minded? What, if any, is the difference? (Romans 14:1-10.)
b. Can you be double-minded and still be a child of God? (Ephesians 4:14-15.)
James is careful to remind us of being humble during our trials.
How do you define humility?
Describe the humility of Christ. (See Philippians 2:3-8.)
Would you say that the world pictures humility as a sign of strength or weakness?
Do you see your humility as actually exalting Christ? (See Acts 20;19-24
Read Isaiah 2:12-22. What awaits those who exalt themselves?
6. What is it about perseverance, what I call “sticking it out” or “sticking to it” that matures and completes us as followers of Christ? Scripture calls it “standing firm.” See 1 Corinthians 15:58; 1 Corinthians 16:13; 2 Corinthians 1:21; 2 Corinthians 1:24; Galatians 5:1; Ephesians 6:14; Philippians 1:27; Philippians 4:1; Colossians 4:12; 2 Thessalonians 2:15; James 5:8)
7. Verse 12 seems to indicate that if we truly love Christ, we will persevere. Can you think of an incidence where your love of the Lord enabled you to press on? Share.
8. Crown of life. Some say these are literal crowns. However, I like what the Holman Commentary has to say on this subject: “Crown did not refer to the ornament of a ruler but to a garland wreath given to the victor in an athletic contest. [The type of crown mentioned here is] God’s reward to us for faithfully enduring trials…it is recognition from God for spiritual victory…a spiritual privilege which gives a deeper, fuller life on earth (John 10:10) and an unending, joyous life in the world to come…God has stored up marvelous blessings for those who love him. Glory!
9. Blessed. In the beginning of our study on Jesus—Our All Sufficient Savior, we touched on the Beatitudes as seen through the eyes of Max Lucado. We saw how we are blessed if we come to Jesus mourning, thirsty, hungry. Now, let’s see what awaits us if we do humble ourselves, see our need and come to Jesus:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit…for theirs is the kingdom of God.” Max Lucado calls it the “Kingdom of the Absurd—its citizens are drunk on wonder!” Jesus knocks on the door, we open it and in He walks (Revelation 3:20.) “True, He changes a few things—first our names (2 Chronicles 7:14; Acts 11:26 and Revelation 2:17). Then he changes our minds (1 Corinthians 2:16b; Romans 12:2), our faith (Romans 1:17; Romans 5:1; Romans 10:17; Galatians 2:16; Hebrews 11:1), our attitudes (Philippians 2:5-8; 2 Peter 1:4-8; Ephesians 4:23). He sees something in us, we can never see. (Never, ever forget Romans 4:17—know that our God is a faith God!) We say, “No way—Jesus says, “My way!” Jesus said, “My power is best displayed in the weak things (people) of this world (2 Corinthians 12:9). God is looking for cracked, broken, empty jars of clay to fill to overflowing with His powerful Spirit (2 Corinthians 4:7)! If we try to make a name for ourselves—we remain nameless!. But, call on the name of Jesus’ and we get new names, and even more, new life!

“Blessed are those who mourn…for they will be comforted.” What parent would not naturally, willingly and joyfully reach out to comfort their beloved child? Then, why are we so sure that God isn’t willing or able to comfort us? Why is it that we so often run to Him last? What is the thing that keeps us from letting Him comfort us? I like the words to the song, “Sometimes He calms the storm and sometimes He calms the child.” Remember Peter on the water ? (Matthew 14:25-33). He actually did walk on water—the only natural man to do so! When he took his eyes of Jesus and began to sink, Jesus was right there to reach out and pull him up from the raging waters! He’ll be there for you, too! Trust Him!

“Blessed are the meek…for they will inherit the earth.” Fear wants to rob you—rob you of your peace of mind—your joy! He snatches away your courage to press forward. Oh, we try to cover fear up—with power, status, popularity—whatever. Those things are not courage! Real courage does not come from outside sources or factors. No, real courage is internal. Max Lucado says that our realization of our own weakness leads us to the source of our strength—God. He renews us and through this internal renewal, real courage (faith in our God) comes when we submit our wills and our lives to Him for His good purposes!

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness…for they will be filled.” Earthly treasures just cannot satisfy! Oh, they pacify, but that isn’t the same thing at all! Max Lucado says we should hold our earthy possession with open palmed hands. True wealth is found elsewhere—in Jesus, our Joy! Let go! All this is temporary! (See Matthew 6:19-21; John 15:11)

“Blessed are the merciful…for they will be shown mercy.” Our hearts are storehouses and sometimes they have deep, deep wounds—voids. They store up hurts, brokenness, bitterness. Sometimes, they harbor resentment and even seek revenge! One unkind word is enough—an accusing or mocking glance. Someone spurns us. We’re so fragile! Are you allowing your hurts to turn to hatred? How’s that working for you? When I think of receiving God’s mercy, I picture Mary—washing Jesus’ feet with her tears and wiping them dry with her hair (Luke 7:36-50). I bet her heart had many holes. Unloved, used up, rejected by society. No future, no hope! How great her hurts must have been. How great were her sins. But, praise God, greater still was the mercy and grace of Jesus! Have you ever wondered how those moments must have changed her life? You know she was changed! The whole town would not have been able to miss that! Do you think her circumstances changed? I think that’s were the above passage on meekness comes in. (Remember, we spoke about how these Beatitudes build upon one another.) Don’t you just know that Jesus gave her that courage! Jesus went on to say that he who is forgiven much—loves much! She came in with wounds—inwardly she had to be bleeding to death—she left healed! I can just see her shining, basking in the love of Christ and you can be sure that she went out into that town and starting spreading what she had to others! That’s how it is with us and how can we not offer that same forgiveness to those who hurt us? Come to Jesus and let Him heal your heart!

“Blessed are the pure in heart…for they will see God.” Many come. There are those who come to receive a gift and overlook the Giver of gifts. There are those who come out of a sense of duty (they are usually forced into it) and these are soon bored, squirming, yawning. They sleep through glory of His Presence. Then, there are those who come because they remember (Luke 17:11-19). It is these that come expecting and leave having received. What is it they remember? Who He is, why He came, what He accomplished! They remember their life before Him. And, oh, one more thing—they are looking for His promise—His return (Acts 1:11). How do you come before the throne of God?

“Blessed are the peacemakers…for they will be called sons of God.” Pride—the sin of Lucifer, as well as Adam and Eve—to be like God. With men, the issue is usually power—position. With women, it is usually social influence, beauty, possessions. We all have different areas where we consciously or unconsciously seek to reach to the top of the heap. On and on we plod. It’s useless—it’s vanity! God has called us His sons and daughters! (2 Corinthians 6:18; 1 John 3:1).

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness…for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward…” It didn’t take long for persecution against the followers of Christ to begin. Even before Jesus’ death and resurrection, John the Baptist was imprisoned and later beheaded for baptizing and foretelling of His kingdom (but, mostly for telling Herod he was sinning—his wife really didn’t like that!). (See Mark 6:16-27). While waiting in prison, John naturally began to doubt and sent word to Jesus to ask if, in fact, he was the One (See Matthew 11:3). Imagine yourself in John’s place. He knew from conception (see Luke 1:39-44) that Jesus was the promised Messiah. John had worked faithfully for Him. Yet, there he was in prison! Chained! What must have been going on in his head? Now, Jesus had already told His followers that there was not a greater man born of women. (See Matthew 11:11.) How did Jesus respond to his doubt? (See Matthew 11:4-6.) Jesus answered John by telling him the kingdom of heaven was now being fulfilled on earth. Yes, Jesus was God and He could have set his cousin free, but His kingdom had a bigger and far greater agenda—the freeing of our souls and making it possible for us to freely enter in to God’s kingdom (Luke 17:20-21)! Of course, we still see through a glass darkly. But, it is a truth—right now—this very moment—we sit in heavenly places with Christ Jesus (Ephesians 1:3). Amazing! But, one day the heavens will split and we’ll enter into the home of God—eternal heaven. Ever wonder who will be there? The Bible gives us several clues. Read Matthew 22:1-9. What kind of people do you find on street corners? Not your usual wedding guests! Thank God. I was once on one of those street corners—in the lost sense! I think we’ll all be a bit surprised by who is there, but more likely—by who is not!

10. If God doesn’t tempt—who or what does? There are numerous incidences of sin in the Bible, but let’s look at two more closely. Genesis 3:1-7 and 2 Samuel 11.
Who or what tempted Eve?
Who or what tempted David?
i. How did temptation enter into Eve?
ii. How did temptation enter into David?
h. There is another avenue that sin enters—look up Colossians 3:5; 1 John 2:15:17.
11. God is the Giver of good gifts (See Matthew 7:11)! Name a few of the gifts He gives us. (See Acts 1:4-5; Romans 5:17; Romans 6:23; Romans 12:6-9; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; 1 Corinthians 12:29-31; 1 Corinthians 13:1-8; Ephesians 2:4-9; Revelation 22:17; and most importantly, John 3:16.
12. Oh boy! I hate to say it but, I think this is more of a problem for women! I know it’s a biggie for me! We’ll be touching on this in the near future, so stayed tuned. Feel free to share something you may have experienced in this area.
13. Be doers of the Word! Most of us women can appreciate how Jesus referred to a mirror! We always want to look our best! Now hang with me for a bit. Imagine your hair is sin! How many times a day do you check to see if each and every hair is in place? Is it look fresh or a little wind blown? Well, that is how we should be examining our lives to see if we are measuring up to the light and beauty of our Lord, Jesus Christ. After all, we are to become like Him! Perseverance comes in handy here. Oh, we’re not there yet! So, we press on…one step closer, another step closer—until we see Him face to face. And, guess what! We shall be like Him! Shining bright like the stars! So, don’t give up—don’t become discouraged—it’s a process! God started it and God will complete it until the day of our Lord. (Philippians 1:6)
14. Pure Religion requires self-control, self-sacrifice and self-denial—selfishness in reverse! See Isaiah 1:11-20, Isaiah 58: 6-14; Micah 6:8; Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 2:13 and finally, Romans 12:1. I have some work to do!