Through the Fires of Life

“Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? Are not His sisters here with us?” And they took offense at Him.

John 7:5 NASB95

For not even His brothers were believing in Him.

English Standard Version Chapter 3

21 gAnd when hhis family heard it, they went out to seize him, for they were saying, “He iis out of his mind.”

1 Corinthians 15:5–7 NASB95

and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep; then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles;

1 Corinthians 15:8 NASB95

and last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared to me also.

Titus 1:1 NASB95

Paul, a bond-servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of those chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness,

First Book Written (AD 40s)

Potentially Correcting a Misunderstand of Paul

Romans 5:20–6:2 NASB95

The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, even so grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it?

Jerusalem Council will occur in AD 50

Spiritual Israel

Romans 2:25–29 NASB95

For indeed circumcision is of value if you practice the Law; but if you are a transgressor of the Law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. So if the uncircumcised man keeps the requirements of the Law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? And he who is physically uncircumcised, if he keeps the Law, will he not judge you who though having the letter of the Law and circumcision are a transgressor of the Law? For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh. But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God.

James Greeting to the “Diaspora” (1:1)

Dispersion points first of all to Israel since the time of the Assyrian captivity of the ten tribes (cf. John 7:35). The connection is surely made here with believers in terms of the Old Testament anticipation of the restoration of Israel.10 The use of the term here, however, has been extended to apply to all the people of God in Christ.

Do you have the Right Perspective? (Vss. 2-4)

All Joy (Imperative)

James (1) Joy for Maturity (1:2–4)

James began with pure encouragement, commending to believers the “pure [lit. “all”; NRSV “nothing but”] joy” that was theirs in the face of “trials of many kinds.”

1000 Illustrations for Preaching & Teaching Comments

The opposite of joy is not sorrow. It is unbelief.

—Leslie Weatherhead

Embrace your trials

Not for the trial itself but for what God can accomplish in you

You are on Display as God’s Representative

James (1) Joy for Maturity (1:2–4)

These are testings in the active sense of experiences that prove a person’s intentions.

They were starting out in persecution

James (1) Joy for Maturity (1:2–4)

The God who will save us from the fate of the world will sustain us with joy in the midst of it.

Matthew 10:38 NASB95

“And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.

Matthew 16:24 NASB95

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.

1 Peter 3:13–15 NASB95

Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;

Leads to you perseverance

You can stay the course

You not only witness but Experience the faithfulness of God

You lack nothing because your faith in grounded in the trustworthiness of God

Do you have a Desire for Wisdom? (Vs. 5)

Understanding of the Trial

James (2) Faith without Doubt (1:5–8)

Wisdom30 is required because the faithful do not always know how to persevere nor do they easily find the will to rejoice in future blessings while enduring present trials. A divine vision or perspective is needed in the present to aid the believer in the journey and to fortify the self against temptation. The believer is enjoined to turn to God for the internal and practical means to endure the diverse trials of faith.31

Wisdom has been promised in Trials:

Luke 21:12–19 NASB95

“But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and will persecute you, delivering you to the synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors for My name’s sake. “It will lead to an opportunity for your testimony. “So make up your minds not to prepare beforehand to defend yourselves; for I will give you utterance and wisdom which none of your opponents will be able to resist or refute. “But you will be betrayed even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death, and you will be hated by all because of My name. “Yet not a hair of your head will perish. “By your endurance you will gain your lives.

Yet not a hair on your head

Luke Comments

this proverb is meant to contrast what humanity can do and what it cannot do to God’s people.

God is a Generous Giver

Does not lead to His being mocked

Speaking to the Jews who failed to remain faithful Paul asks does this affect the faithfulness of God?

Romans 3:4 NASB95

May it never be! Rather, let God be found true, though every man be found a liar, as it is written, “That You may be justified in Your words, And prevail when You are judged.”

Is your Faith Grounded in God? (Vs. 6-8)

God is the Source of the Faith

James (2) Faith without Doubt (1:5–8)

God is always the source of the power of faith. The will of God always distinguishes true faith from false faith. Faith to do amounts to nothing if it is not in accord with the revealed will of God. And so this faith is an exercising of trust in the generosity and power of God.

The importance of Trust

Isaiah 26:3 NASB95

“The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in You.

Doubt leads to instability

The Doubt of Man (Might look up Counseling Reference)

Is your Life spinning out of Control? Vs. 6

Is your life full of Uncertainty? Vs. 7

about your relationship with God

whether he can bring you through

1000 Illustrations for Preaching & Teaching Learning from Children

Martin Luther found great comfort in and inspiration from his children. Disturbed and depressed by his enemies, one day he noticed little Martin nursing in his mother’s arms and remarked, “Child, your enemies are the Pope, the Bishops, Duke George, Ferdinand, and the devil. And there you are … unconcerned.” Even as he noticed his child’s complete trust, he realized his own anxiety was unwarranted; God had promised to protect him.

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