Last Day's Essentials-18

Testing of Your Faith

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

We are constantly faced with temptations. It’s just a part of life. And in each temptation there has to be a decision on our part, whether or not we are going to walk in the flesh or to walk in the Spirit. For temptation is any situation that would draw me into the flesh and into a fleshly reaction. I have to choose. Will I walk after the flesh? Will I walk after the Spirit? And we realize that there are all kinds of temptation. They come from all directions.

The temptation of responding or reacting in the flesh to the foolish moves of other people.

Temptations that come because of our possessions. Something happening to my possession because we try to possess our possessions. We so often find ourselves angered, responding in the flesh because something has happened to my prized possession.

Temptations that come because of interpersonal relationships. Temptations that come from so many areas. Divers temptations where I am prone to respond after the flesh. I want to respond after the flesh.

Now we are told to count it all joy, a strange response to temptations. Usually I don’t like to be tested. I would rather that everything went very smoothly. I would rather that no one got in my way. I would rather that no one cross me. No one cut in front of me. That I would much rather see. But it doesn’t happen that way. Life isn’t that way. Life is filled with disappointments. There are always those that are going crosscurrent to you. There will always be those who will be irritants to you. An irritating situation. I cannot rule and order my life, as I would have it.

If I did, I would become so spoiled and rotten and pompous. Wanting everybody to bow. Wanting everybody to yield. Wanting everybody to submit. Doesn’t happen that way. And so for my growth, for my development, temptation is necessary. It’s a part of the testing and that’s what we are told here.

My...

μοῦ

mou

moo

The simpler from of of me: - me, my, mine; of me: - I, me, mine (own), my.

brethren,...

ἀδελφός

adelphos

ad-el-fos'

From the first (as a connective particle) and δελφύς delphus (the womb); a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like [father]): - brother.

count...

ἡγέομαι

hēgeomai

hayg-eh'-om-ahee

Middle voice of a (presumed) strengthened form of properly to lead; to lead, that is, command (with official authority); figuratively to deem, that is, consider: - account, (be) chief, count, esteem, governor, judge, have the rule over, suppose, think.

it all...

πᾶς

pas

pas

Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole: - all (manner of, means) alway (-s), any (one), X daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no (-thing), X throughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever.

joy...

χαρά

chara

khar-ah'

From to be full of “cheer”, that is, calmly happy or well off; cheerfulness, that is, calm delight: - gladness, X greatly, (X be exceeding) joy (-ful, -fully, -fulness, -ous).

when...

ὅταν

hotan

hot'-an

From at which “thing” too, that is, when: - after and wish, possibility or uncertainly; whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causative (conjugationally) inasmuch as: - as long (soon) as, that, + till, when (-soever), while.

To fall into; to be caught by. Here; Luke 10:30; Acts 27:41.

ye fall into...

περιπίπτω

peripiptō

per-ee-pip'-to

From properly through all over and through the idea of alighting, to fall - fail; to fall into something that is all around, that is, light among or upon, be surrounded with: - fall among (into).

Different trials, trial; attack; put to proof; examine; question (see, Gal. 4:14). A trial of any kind, not necessarily temptation to sin (Jas. 1:2-4, 1:12; 1Pet. 1:7).

divers...

ποικίλος

poikilos

poy-kee'-los

Of uncertain derivation; motley, that is, various in character: - divers, manifold.

Temptations;...

πειρασμός

peirasmos

pi-ras-mos'

From to test, that is, endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline: - assay, examine, go about, prove, tempt – er, try ; a putting to proof (by experiment [of good], experience [of evil], solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication adversity: - temptation, X try.

Rejoice in diverse trials

All too often trials prompt groanings and complaints. This kind of response does not contribute to Christian maturity. It only makes matters worse. Trials are not to be seen as tribulations but testings. A test is given to see if a student can pass, not pass out. James gave sound advice on how to score high on every test. One who brings the right attitude to the trial, who understands the advantage of the trial, and who knows where to obtain assistance in the trial will certainly end up on God’s honor roll.

Attitude In Trials

To persecuted Jewish believers scattered among pagan peoples, James gave the surprising advice, Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds. Trials should be faced with an attitude of joy. Trials should not be seen as a punishment, a curse, or a calamity but something that must prompt rejoicing. Furthermore they should produce “pure joy” (lit., “all joy”; i.e., joy that is full or unmixed), not just “some joy” coupled with much grief.

Though James’ command was direct and forceful, he did not preach at his audience. He identified with them. He addressed them warmly as “my brothers.” This mode of address is characteristic of the epistle. He used this familiar form no less than 15 times. James’ direct commands are coupled with deep compassion.

It is important to note that James did not say that a believer should be joyous for the trials but in the trials. The verb translated “face” might more literally be expressed as “fall into,” peripesēte, much as the poor man “fell among robbers” (Luke 10:30). The “trials of many kinds” (peirasmois… poikilois) were also referred to by Peter, who used the same Greek words, though in reverse order (1Pet. 1:6). When surrounded by these trials, one should respond with joy. Most people count it all joy when they escape trials. James said to count it all joy in the midst of trials (cf. 1Pet. 1:6, 1:8).

It is clear that the reference here is to external trials, or tests of stamina (peirasmois) whereas later in the same chapter (Jas. 1:13) the verb form (peirazomai) of that noun is used to speak of inner temptations, or solicitations to sin.

Obviously the question arises: How can a person find joy in trials?

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first-fruits of his creatures. Amen