SCRIPTURE BY LECHA PRICE
Scripture Lesson Text: James 1:1-8, 12-18
Related Scriptures: Matthew 4: 1-11; 5;10-12; 1 Peter1: 3-9; 3: 13-18; Revelation 2: 8-11
The first chapter in the book of James, sets the tone for the rest of the letter. God desires for us to trust Him more as we continue to learn of Him, because God calls us to find joy even in troubled times because it develops us to trust God more. In Matthew ,the third chapter ended with the Holy Spirit coming to rest on Jesus and the voice of God the Father declaring that Jesus is His Son. Matthew 4:1-11 describes Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness. After forty days and nights of fasting, Jesus faces three temptations from Satan….. but….!!! ,Jesus refuses to worship the devil in exchange for the kingdoms of the earth.
In 1 Peter 1:3-9, 3:13-18, speaks of the state of being defined by God’s great mercy which gives us a “ new birth into a living hope”, and faith that is for salvation. Peter continues to teach Christians about living in harmony with each other and refuse to seek revenge when wronged, but to do good to those who hurt us. Revelation 2:8-11 contains Jesus’ message through John, to the church@ Smyrna. Christians in Smyrna were undergoing tense persecution at the time these words were written, but Jesus told the believers not to fear.
SYNOPSIS BY DEBORAH HILLMAN
This week’s lesson tells us of blessings amid trials as we are introduced to the truth that there is a purpose in the trials we face. The trials increase our faith in Jesus Christ, as we grow in faith in the Word of God. Wisdom is knowledge but the true growth in His word is to know how to apply that knowledge through godly wisdom.
Persevering through life’s trials can be difficult but it takes faith and belief in God’s word. We look forward to the ultimate blessing, not to be received in this life ‘the crown of life’ that is promised only to those who love the Lord. Trials and temptations can come from a variety of sources, some bad decisions, and sinful desires. The sin may be pleasurable for a season, but left unforgiven or unchecked will bring death to the sinner. “ For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord”( Romans 6:23)
James warns his Christians friends not to be deceived, and this is a repeated warning in scripture. But..! the good news is that our Heavenly Father, who gives us every good and perfect gift does not change, and is all- powerful, sovereign , and all-loving. For these reasons we can be confident that our trials will soon be gone and will lead us to fellowship with God forever.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION BY RAUFU SPAGNOLETTA
In our lesson James illustrates “mature” faith that endures in the midst of trials, calls on God for wisdom, and does not succumb to temptation. Through this teaching we learn maintaining a joyful resolute in the midst of trials enables God’s perfecting work of grace to produce patience (endurance/ hypomone G5281) in us. “Hypomone” describes the quality of character which does not allow one to surrender to circumstances or succumb under trials. “The picture is that of steadfastness, constancy and endurance. It has the ability to focus on what is beyond the current pressures” (Sermon Index).
James says, If we lack the wisdom to endure trials, and ask God for wisdom, God will generously give us wisdom without rebuke or chastisement. But let our asking be undergirded by authentic faith which says, “God I wholeheartedly trust You to hear my sincere heart and answer my cry!” God will not respond to wavering faith. God will not answer double-minded faith, which is unstable in trusting God. “Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” (Mark 11:24)
God promises the Crown of Life to those who love Him and does not succumb to the enticement to sin. James sternly warns the reader, “Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”. For temptation does not originate from God, but from our own sinful desires because God cannot be tempted by [what is] evil, and He Himself tempts no one. But each one is tempted when he is dragged away [from God] enticed and baited [to commit sin] by his own [worldly] desire (lust, passion). Then when the illicit desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin has run its course, it gives birth to death.” (James 1:13-15; Amplified).
