James 1: On trials and widsom

I would just like to share the summary notes of a Bible study with all of you, which I have recently done with my disciples. Here it is:

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Passage: James 1:1-8

Greetings

James is a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ (v.1)

Trials

We are to be joyful in our trials (v. 2)

• Consider it joy, meaning that naturally we are not joyful when we face these trials
• Trials… of various kinds, meaning in all types of trials, even those we didn’t ask for or cause us much pain, suffering and heartaches

Why should we be joyful?

• Because these trials produce maturity and growth in Christ-likeness (v. 3 & 4); being purified as gold passing through the fire (1 Peter 1:6-7).
• Christians are disciplined by God the Father for our own good (Heb. 12:7-11). If we do anything wrong, God chastises us in love. All of these may involve trials of various kinds. Non-Christians, however, are punished by God in His wrath.
• Since this is so, any trials we face are given to us from the Father’s loving hand to conform us more and more like Jesus Christ, the author and perfecter of our faith (Heb. 12:2).
• This is manifested in a growing in steadfastness (endurance and tenacity in following Christ) which will move us towards being perfect (sanctified and holy) and complete (being fully sanctified and holy before God).
• Note: the end result of perfect sanctification is never attainable in this life (Rom. 8:23, 1 Jn. 1:8), but we are to strive towards it. God uses trials for such a purpose.

Wisdom from God

Wisdom ≠ Knowledge

Wisdom = the ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting

Wisdom is needed

Wisdom comes from God (v. 5) and thus we are to ask God for it.

• God promises that He will give us wisdom if we ask of it, NOTE: not knowledge

However, we must not doubt God (v. 6) if we want it.

Those who doubt are double-minded.

• They have no faith in God, and without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb. 11:6)

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