Let's Talk About Faith

Hebrews 11:1-3

Under the ministry of Dr. Alverson at Grace Independent Baptist Church, I learned something about taking God at His Word.  Pastor Alverson was absolutely enthralled with Faith Promise Giving and he enthusiastically taught us the principles and promises of faith giving. With countless illustrations from his own experiences, he detailed for us how to stand on God’s promises.  He would present endless accounts of how faith has become the axiom for his entire life.  He constantly assured us from Scripture and his adventures with God that life must be lived by faith.  Because we dared to look through the window of his experiences—his years of trusting God to meet ministry, directional, family related, physical, spiritual, and emotional needs—we found ourselves inspired and emboldened to trust God also.

Living by Faith is the highest principle for Christian experience. In doing so, we are sure to please God, sustain a distinctively Christian confession, secure eternal rewards, and effectively face the hazards of a righteous lifestyle.  Though staggering challenges pervade our lives, confidence in Christ enables us to respond with joyful obedience to still triumph in them all.  Forsaking Christ in fear ceases to be a consideration as we live by faith. 

But, what are we talking about when we talk about faith? What is God's concept of faith? When we are willing to accept as fact what God’s Word says, and in response reach out to seek and to experience relationship with Him, then we have begun to live by faith. And then we will be rewarded.

This living by faith—accepting as fact the truths that we cannot touch or feel or see, and then acting on them—seems such a simple prescription for life. Lest we make the mistake of equating simplicity with ineffectiveness, Hebrews 11 details the accomplishments of faith. –Adapted from The Teacher's Commentary

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. [2] For by it the elders obtained a good report. [3] Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. (Hebrews 11:1-3)

God tell us we can perceive reality as He knows it by faith. This transfers us well beyond human investigation and discover into the realm of the supernatural and spiritual. Such faith has substance and presents reliable evidence though. It is not limited to what is physically perceptible, what currently exists, or even the visible. Faith is like an extra ability to sense and see the supernatural, spiritual, heavenly, and invisible realities.

How does faith provide a basic framework for understanding and dealing with reality? (Heb. 11:1-3)

With the mention of faith (“believe” and “faith” are the same concept), in Heb. 10:38-39, the groundwork was laid for a fuller discussion of the life that pleases God in this illustrious eleventh chapter.  The first eight verses of Hebrews 11 describe faith and illustrate how faith in God and His Word provide a basic framework for understanding and dealing with reality. The chapter emphasizes the vision and endurance of faith. It introduces us to men and women of the Old Testament who had 20/20 spiritual vision and who endured tremendous shame and suffering rather than renounce their faith.  From these verses we can discern what faith is, what faith is not, and what it does.  In doing so, we understand the basic framework for reality.

1. What Faith is Not (11:1).
1. “This chapter centers on and focuses upon what faith is.…It might help to show, first of all, what faith is not. Faith, for instance, is not positive thinking; that is something quite different. Faith is not a hunch that is followed. Faith is not hoping for the best, hoping that everything will turn out alright. Faith is not a feeling of optimism. Faith is none of these things though all of them have been identified as faith.…
2. “Faith is believing there is another dimension to life other than those which can be touched, tasted, seen or felt.… Faith believes that God, in His grace, has stepped over the boundary into human history and told us some great and very valuable facts. Faith believes them and adjusts its life to those facts and walks on that basis.”—Ray Stedman, What More Can God Say?
2. What Faith Is (11:1).
1. Faith is confidence in the trustworthiness of God. It is the conviction that what God says is true and that what He promises will come to pass (11:1).

                                                               i.      Faith must have some revelation from God, some promise of God as its foundation. It is not a leap in the dark. It demands the surest evidence in the universe, and finds it in the Word of God.

                                                            ii.      It is not limited to possibilities but invades the realm of the impossible. Someone has said, “Faith begins where possibilities end. If it’s possible, then there’s no glory for God in it.”

                                                          iii.      The nature of faith, according to the NT, is to live by the truth it receives; faith, resting on God’s promise, gives thanks for God’s grace by working for God’s glory. –Evangelical Dictionary of Theology

                                                           iv.      Faith is a belief in or confident attitude toward God, involving commitment to His will for one's life.—Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary

2. Faith, mighty faith the promise sees,  And looks to God alone; Laughs at impossibilities And cries, “It shall be done.” —Author unknown.

3. There are difficulties and problems in the life of faith. God tests our faith in the crucible to help us see if it is genuine (1 Pet. 1:7). But, as George Müller said, “Difficulties are food for faith to feed on.”
4. There are three fundamental considerations about faith: its basic nature, the honor associated with it, and its way of seeing things.

                                                               i.      In its essence faith is being sure of God and certain about unseen hopes and realities He communicated.

                                                             ii.      The fact that faith is honorable is illustrated by Old Testament believers, who were commended by God for living by faith.

                                                            iii.      Faith is also a way of viewing all experience since it is the way in which believers see the universe for what it is—a creation by God. –Adapted from John Walvoord

3. What Faith Does—Accomplishes (Heb. 11:2-3).
1. Faith Sees the Future and the Invisible (11:1). 

                                                               i.      Verse 1 is not really a formal definition of faith; rather it is a description of what faith does for us.

                                                             ii.      It makes things hoped for as real as if we already had them, and it provides unshakable evidence that the unseen, spiritual blessings of Christianity are absolutely certain and real. In other words, it brings the anticipated within the present and makes the invisible seen or realized.

                                                            iii.      Therefore, faith is a very practical thing (Heb. 11:3), in spite of what unbelievers say.

                                     1.      Faith enables us to understand what God does. Faith enables us to see what others cannot see (note Heb. 11:7, 13, 27). As a result, faith enables us to do what others cannot do! People laughed at these great men and women (Heb. 11) when they stepped out by faith, but God was with them and enabled them to succeed to His glory.

                                     2.      Dr. J. Oswald Sanders put it perfectly: “Faith enables the believing soul to treat the future as present and the invisible as seen.”

2. Faith Secures God’s Approval (11:2).

                                                               i.      Because they walked by faith and not by sight, the OT elders received divine approval—“obtained a good report.” The rest of Hebrews 11 is an illustration of how God has borne witness to them. These Old Testament worthies believed God, and for them it was not a leap in the dark and it was not a hope-so type of scenario. Their faith rested upon solid evidence.

                                                             ii.      Witness or “obtained a good report” is an important thought in Hebrews 11.

                                    1.      It occurs not only in verse 2, but twice in verse 4, once in verse 5, and once in verse 39. This is important to note because trusting God and living by faith is often perceived as foolish, unscientific, and irrational. Those who have insisted on living by faith had to live with some element of shame and social discomfort. It takes real faith to endure shame or reproach for your commitment to Christ and His principles.

                                    2.      The summary in Hebrews 12:1 calls this list of men and women “so great a cloud of witnesses.” They are witnesses to us because God witnessed to them. Their testimony is the fact that living by faith does work regardless of the incredible challenges we will face. In each example cited, God gives witness to that person’s faith. God is pleased with a person who believes His Word and acts on that trust. Though people will question our sanity because we are governed by our faith, God is pleased with the "Faith life" and that is all that really matters!

                                    3.      This witness was His divine approval on their lives and ministries. It is not that these individuals were perfect, but that in these instances they trusted God while enduring some incredible and intimidating circumstances. Faith in God will get us through the hard stuff as well. 

                                                            iii.      The problem with many of us today is that when a crisis comes to us and we ought to be able to rest in God and lay hold of Him, but we are not able to do so. When we haven’t been doing it all along, it is such a new experience for us that it is very difficult to do. However, if you learn to trust God when the sun is shining, it is easier to trust Him on the day when … you are in one of life’s storms.—McGee, J. Vernon

                                                           iv.      The best way to grow in faith is to walk with the faithful. The remainder of Hebrews 11 is devoted to a summary of the lives and labors of great men and women of faith found in the Old Testament. In each instance, you will find the same elements of faith:

                                    1.      God spoke to them through His Word;

                                    2.      Their inner selves were stirred in different ways;

                                    3.      They obeyed God;

                                    4.      He bore witness about them.—Adapted from W. W.  Wiersbe

3. Faith Comprehends the Creation (11:3).

                                                               i.      Faith provides us with the only factual account of creation. God is the only One who was there; He tells us how it happened.

                                     1.      We believe His word and thus we know also.

                                     2.      McCue states: “The conception of God pre-existent to matter and by His flat calling it into being is beyond the domain of reason or demonstration. It is simply accepted by an act of faith.”

                                                             ii.      Through faith we understand. The world says, “Seeing is believing.” God says, “Believing is seeing.”

                                     1.      Jesus said to Martha, “Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?” (John 11:40).  Believe in order to see!

                                     2.      The Apostle John writes, “These things have I written unto you that believe ... that ye may know” (1Jn. 5:13). In spiritual matters faith precedes understanding.

                                                            iii.      The worlds were framed by the Word of God. God spoke and matter came into being (Gen. 1:3, 6, 9, 11, 14). This agrees perfectly with man’s discovery that matter is essentially energy. When God spoke, there was a flow of energy in the form of sound waves. These were transformed into matter, and the world instantly sprang into being.

                                                           iv.      So that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear (are visible). Energy is invisible; so are atoms, and molecules, and gases to the naked eye, yet in combination they become visible. The fact of creation as set forth in Hebrews 11:3 is unimpeachable. It has never been improved on and never will. Thus we have a framework for perceiving and understanding reality as God knows it. We live in a universe that was created by God; it did not evolve. We are not alone in the universe, God is here and we are accountable to Him. Believing these truths establishes the framework for our fundamental worldview. As we face challenges, we know we are not alone; we can turn to God in faith as the Hebrews 11 believers did. We understand that we have significance because God made us; all things have some importance because we all our creatures and part of His grand design. 

How do Christ and His work fit into the category “of things hoped for” and “things not seen”? (Heb. 11:1-2)

The Work of Christ is the primary focus of faith considered in these verses. In fact the entire book of Hebrews is extremely Christ focused; it is Christocentric! The person and works of Jesus Christ is the discussion of every preceding chapter! Accordingly, two words in Hebrews 11:1 convey what authentic Bible faith is: substance, and evidence. These words will point us to what Christ has done for us, galvanize our convictions about His High Priestly work, and secure God’s approval upon our lives (Heb. 11:1-2).

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. [2] For by it the elders obtained a good report. (Hebrews 11:1-2)

1. Faith has Substance (Heb. 11:1). The word “substance” literally means “to stand under, to support.” It is the thought of a foundation or basis.  So faith is the foundation supporting our hope or the bases of what was anticipated.
1. Faith is to a Christian what a foundation is to a house: it gives confidence and assurance that we will stand.  When a believer has faith, it is God’s way of giving him confidence and assurance that what is promised will be experienced.  
2. Faith is the foundation on which our hope rest. Yes, our hope for salvation and the assurance thereof rests squarely on faith in the clear statements of God. Real faith is never baseless; it has the best possible foundation--The Word of God.  

                                                               i.      Faith then provides a foundation “of things hoped for,” or a basis for whatever is anticipated (Heb. 11:1).  Spiritual hopes are to be built upon or constructed on faith. What were people hoping for in Hebrews? They were hope for an authoritative message from God, an entrance into God's rest, a faithful and understanding Great High Priest, and a complete and effective Sacrifice to take away sin's guilt. All of these spiritual realities or hopes rest on the foundation of confidence in what God said. 

                                                             ii.      Vincent says, “The key is furnished by verse 27, as seeing him who is invisible. Faith apprehends as a real fact what is not revealed to the senses. It rests on that fact, acts upon it, and is upheld by it in the face of all that seems to contradict it. Faith is real seeing.” –Wuest, Kenneth.

                                                            iii.      “Faith is the title-deed of things hoped for.” The Holy Spirit energizes our faith and we exercise it in the Lord Jesus; this is the title-deed God gives us, guaranteeing to us what He promised. For these first-century Jew, faith in Messiah as High Priest would be the title-deed God would give them, guaranteeing to them the possession of the salvation for which they trusted God. Thus, they would have assurance.—Adapted from Wuest 

3. But what are “the things hoped for?” 

                                                               i.      This is directly linked to the blessings afforded believers because of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Our hopes are linked to the substance—this foundation or basis.

                                     1.      Consider the fact that Jesus has satisfied the Old Covenant requirements (Heb. 10:9) and established the New through His sacrifice. 

                                     2.      Also think about how He fulfilled the will of God by sanctifying—perfecting—“once and for all” every believer (10:10, 12). 

                                     3.      Now note the reality that His “one sacrifice” absolutely “took away sin” forever for all who repent believing the gospel (10:12). 

                                     4.      In addition, the Spirit of God testifies to us (10:15) that we are truly forgiven and God has forgotten our sins, He lives in our bodies; therefore, we stand in need of no additional sacrifices (Heb. 10:16-18). 

                                                             ii.      On this foundation we can confidently enter the very Presence of God boldly through “the new and living way” Christ has secured for us (10:19-22). Beloved, this is what we hope for! 

2. Faith has Evidence (Heb. 11:1).
1. The word “evidence” presents the concept of “that by which something is tested or proof” and simply means “conviction.”

                                                              i.      Thayer commenting on its use in this verse defines it as: “that by which invisible things are proved and we are convinced of their reality.”

                                                             ii.      Real faith in our soul is the proof of the invisible and the persuasion the invisible is absolutely real.Once we believe, trust, act on what God stated in His Word, we receive the peace and assurance He promised. 

                                                            iii.      The evidence is the inward conviction from God that what He has promised, He will perform. It also points to what God promised He has performed for us personally. The presence of God-given faith in one’s heart is conviction/proof enough that He will keep His Word or that He has kept His promise. Beloved, we cannot see all spiritual realities and we cannot demand to see invisible truths before we believe God. We cannot examine or reproduce what God claims in order to believe it. No, we take an honest God at His Word and act on it. In return He grants us this conviction or evidence deep within our souls. 

2. Now “evidence” is linked to “things not seen.” 

                                                               i.      We cannot see Christ or His sacrifice, His High Priestly ministry, His Heavenly Tabernacle, or the satisfaction of the Father with Christ’s sacrifice.  But, we have evidence that these are still realities though we cannot currently see them.  We simply know them and understand they are realities because of this knowing in our heart of hearts.  Our faith is the evidence that these, though invisible, are yet realities—actualities, and factual! Beloved, just because we cannot see something does not mean it is not real. We cannot see air, electricity, or influence, but everyone of us knows these things are real! Faith enables us to realize spiritual realities that are beyond the capabilities of our natural senses. Our world is far more than a physical existence; there are extraordinary supernatural and spiritual realities as well.  

                                                             ii.      Just as our natural senses provide evidence of the existence of matter, solidness, color, of heat and cold, of the differences in the qualities of items...our faith provides evidence of invisible realities whether past, present or future. God gives us faith—an extra perception or a sixth sense that is spiritual in its orientation, a supernatural intuition—as evidence of spiritual realities. By faith we can interact with the Lord God and the heavenly realm beyond our physical perception. Through faith we know Christ's Sacrifice is sufficient payment for our sins and God was fully satisfied with it. Through Faith we know we have a faithful and merciful High Priest in Heaven making intercession for us believers. Through faith we have entered into God's rest and are assured of an eternal home with Him. By faith we face the challenges of life knowing we are not alone, but God is with us working on our behalf. By faith we have, are, and will realize all God has promised in His Word. 

Once again living by Faith is the highest principle for Christian experience. In doing so, we are sure to please God, sustain a distinctively Christian confession, secure eternal rewards, and effectively face the hazards of a righteous lifestyle.  Though staggering challenges pervade our lives, confidence in Christ enables us to respond with joyful obedience to still triumph in them all.  Forsaking Christ in fear ceases to be a consideration as we live by faith. 

So why should we remember people of faith who lived in the past? What made the faith of these people extraordinary? (Hebrews 11:4–8)

Well, to recall the people of faith from history links them with our own reality and affords us hope, inspiration and guidance.  Since these were real people and faith proved effective for them as they trusted God, it will indeed be a legitimate way of coping with the challenging realities we face today.  Their faith is extraordinary because it enabled them all to please God in spite of their contemporary challenges and difficulties.  God has pleasure in those who continue to live by faith, but not those who draw back in doubt and unbelief (Heb. 10:38-39). My recommendation is press on on in faithful interaction with the true and living God each day of life. Also encourage others to enter a faith-relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. Finally, cast away the anxieties and fears that have made you more immobile and reluctant to act; step out in faithful obedience to the Lord. He is pleased to work through our lives allowing us to experience the wealth of life with Him.

If you have not placed your trust in the Sacrifice of Jesus Christ for our sins then I encourage you to acknowledge you are a sinner. Look seriously at what Jesus did for us at Calvary and call upon Him for forgiveness to establish a relationship with God. Believe the gospel--Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and He arose again the third day exactly as the Bible said He would. God accepted Christ's payment for our sins; will you accept Christ's payment on your behalf? Yes, Jesus suffered greatly for our sinful thoughts, behaviors, and the attitudes with which we justify our sin. Like myself, you can be forgiven as I was. Place your faith in Jesus Christ and turn to God today. 

What To Do With Trouble!

James 1:1-8

Theme: God counsels and calls us to an insightful and faith-filled response to the trials and adversities of life.

Introduction:

It would likely be shocking to note how we react when various forms of testing come into our lives.  At times we complain bitterly against the misfortunes of life, but on a few occasions we rejoiced and thanked the Lord for them.  Perhaps we have advertised our trials before we thought to bear them quietly. On yet other occasions we attempt to live in the future, waiting for our circumstances to improve, and yet we should live in the present, seeking the face of God in all that comes to us.  We may even be able to recall indulging in self-pity seeking sympathy when we should have submerged ourselves in service for others. Yes, it is difficult to know what to do with trouble! 

James informs us that our trials can help us mature if we handle them God’s way.  There are two things God provides in this passage to help us cope with the various temptations we face: His counsel and wisdom. Both are found in His Word! So what should we do with trouble?

Lesson:

I.                  Rejoice Because Trials Help us Grow (Js. 1:2-4).

A.     Rejoice in the Opportunity to Grow (1:2).

                                                1.      Refuse to Complain.  All too often trials prompt groaning and complaints. This kind of response does not contribute to Christian maturity. It only makes matters worse by stunting our growth.

a.      Trials are not to be seen as tribulations but testings. A test is given to see if a student can pass, not pass out.

b.      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.—The Bible Knowledge Commentary

                                                2.      Remember the usefulness of trials.  “Count it all joy” (James 1:2): “Count” means to “consider, deem, reckon, evaluate, or judge.”

a.      Therefore, the phrase does not describe a forced or flippant emotional reaction to trials (see 1 Pet. 1:3–6).

b.      But a seasoned judgment of the will and mind based on an understanding of the purpose of trials—spiritual enlargement. Out of this base of knowledge comes true rejoicing in anticipation of the glorious maturity the trial will produce.

                                                3.      Rejoice in the trials.

a.       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”; ie., joy that is full or unmixed), not just “some joy” coupled with much grief. —Walvoord, John

b.      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 (see 1 Peter 1:6, 8).

                                                4.      Rejoice for the trials. 

a.       Such trials clearly refer to external trials, or tests of stamina whereas later in this same chapter (James 1:13) the verb “tempted” is used to speak of inner temptations, or solicitations to sin.

b.      It is important to note that James does impress us to be joyous for the trials as well as in the trials. When we understand God will use even bad experiences to make us more mature, we can rejoice for the trials.

c.       James’ argument may seem logical, but it is still difficult to see how trials can be welcomed with an attitude of joy. Where does one turn for help to understand this paradox? Obviously we need divine wisdom and perspective.

B.     Respond to Trials with Insight (1:2).

                                                1.      Consider the various facets of temptation (2).

i.        The word “temptation” has a twofold meaning.

ii.      First it means to test in a good sense with the goal of confirming the believer in matters of righteousness (See Gen. 22:1; Deut. 8:2-3; Exod. 20:20).  This is God’s purpose in temptations.

a.      Second it means to test in a bad sense with the goal of corrupting one in matters of righteousness (See Gen. 3:1-6; Matt. 4:1).  This is Satan’s purpose in temptations.

b.      Consider these related passages on trials: 2 Corinthians 4:16–18; 2 Thessalonians 1:3, 4; Hebrews 12:2–13; 1 Peter 4:12–19; Revelation 2:3.

                                                2.      Consider the various facts about temptation (2).

i.        They are often sudden—“ye fall into”

a.      To “fall into” trials is much like the poor man “fell among thieves” (Luke 10:30).

b.      The phrase “fall into” does not suggest a stupid accident. It means to “encounter, come across.” A Christian certainly should not manufacture trials.

ii.      They are certain—James says when ye fall, not, if ye fall

a.      The Christian life is filled with problems. They come uninvited and unexpected. Sometimes they come singularly and sometimes in droves. They are inevitable. James reminds us that we can never get away from them.

b.      The question is, “What are we going to do about them?” There are several possible attitudes we can take toward these challenges and adversities of life.

                                                                                                                          i.      We can rebel against them (Heb. 12:5) by adopting a spirit of defiance, boasting that we will battle through to victory by our own power.

                                                                                                                        ii.      On the other hand, we can lose heart or give up under pressure (Heb. 12:5). This is nothing but fatalism. It leads to questioning even the Lord’s care for us.

                                                                                                                      iii.      Again, we can grumble and complain about our troubles. This is what Paul warns us against in 1 Corinthians 10:10.

                                                                                                                      iv.      Another option—we can indulge in self-pity, thinking of no one but ourselves, and trying to get sympathy from others.

                                                                                                                        v.      Or better, we can be disciplined and trained by the difficulties and perplexities of life (Heb. 12:11). We can say, in effect, “God has allowed this trial to come to me. He has some good purpose in it for me. I do not know what that purpose is, but I will try to find out. I want His purposes to be worked out in my life.”

c.       This is what James advocates: “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations.” Do not rebel! Do not faint! Rejoice! These problems are not enemies, bent on destroying you. They are friends which have come to aid you in the development of Christian character.

d.      God is trying to produce Christ-likeness in each of His children. This process necessarily involves suffering, frustration, and perplexity. The fruit of the Spirit cannot be produced when all is sunshine; there must be rain and dark clouds. Trials never seem pleasant; they seem very difficult and disagreeable. But afterwards they yield the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by them (Heb. 12:11). How often we hear a Christian say, after passing through some great crisis, “It wasn’t easy to take, but I wouldn’t give up the experience for anything.” –MacDonald, William

iii.    They are sorted—“into divers [various] temptations.”

a.      “Divers” means “various, varicolored.” These may be financial, physical, spiritual, mental, and social trials.

b.      Troubles of many kinds were also referred to by Peter (1 Peter 1:6). “Ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations.”

c.       The adversities of life differ greatly; they are like variegated yarn that the weaver uses to make a beautiful rug. God arranges and mixes the colors and experiences of life. The final product is a beautiful thing for His glory.

d.      Years ago, my wife and I were active duty Air Force when we went on a temporary assignment to Turkey.  While there we visited a Turkish rug factor and watched the weavers as these women work on the looms. I noticed that the undersides of the rugs were not very beautiful: the patterns were obscure and the loose ends of yarn dangled. This reminded me of a statement from my pastor at that time, “Don’t judge the worker or the work by looking at the wrong side.” In the same way, we often look at the wrong side of life; only the Lord sees the finished pattern. Let’s not judge Him or His work from what we see today. His work is not finished yet!

iv.    Immature Christians want the “easy side” of God’s love which asks little of them and doesn’t test their faith. But James shows that it is the adversities of life which prove our faith. And it is our response to the enticements of the enemies of the soul which reveal the true foundation and integrity of our love for God. In chapter 1, James teaches that we can joyfully grow in the midst of trials and temptations if we understand the purpose, provisions, and potential of trials (1:1–12); refuse to fall prey to temptations (1:13–18); and listen and do the word of God (1:19–27).

C.     Recognize the Fruits of Trials (1:3-4).

Does persecution brings perfection? Writing to Jewish Christians who had fled persecution, James urged them to take a positive view of their trials, focusing on the character development those trials can produce—the various fruits of temptation (3). “Temptations” or trouble and trials (1:2) come to test our faith (1:3; see Gen 22:1; Ex 20:20; Deut 8:2-3). 

                                                1.      Proving—Trials prove our faith is genuine—“trying of your faith” (1:3). There is the aspect of proving. James speaks of the testing of our faith (1:3).

i.         He pictures faith as a precious metal which is being tried by the Assayer (God) to see if it is genuine. The metal is subjected to the fires of persecution, sickness, suffering, or sorrow. Without problems, we would never develop endurance.

ii.       Even men of the world realize that problems strengthen character. Charles Kettering, noted industrialist, once said, “Problems are the price of progress. Don’t bring me anything but problems. Good news weakens me.”—MacDonald, William

iii.      When God called Abraham to live by faith, He tested him in order to increase his faith. God always tests us to bring out the best; Satan tempts us to bring out the worst. The testing of our faith proves that we are truly born again. —Wiersbe, Warren

                                                2.      There is the aspect of approving—“trying of your faith.”

i.         It is the true part or approved portion of faith that produces perseverance. The testing refers more to “approval” than to “proving.” Faith is like gold; it stands in the test of fire. Without this approved standard of faith, trials would not yield perseverance. There would only be ashes. True faith, like pure gold, endures, no matter how hot the fire. —Walvoord, John

ii.       The word trying can be translated “approval.” Again, Peter helps us understand it better: “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth” (1 Peter 1:7). A gold prospector brings his ore sample into the assayer’s office to be tested. The sample itself may not be worth more than a few dollars, but the approval—the official statement about the ore—is worth millions! It assures the prospector that he has a gold mine. God’s approval of our faith is precious, because it assures us that our faith is genuine. —The Bible Exposition Commentary

iii.    Trials work for the believer, not against us. Paul said, “And we know that all things work together for good” (Rom. 8:28); and, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2 Cor. 4:17).

                                                3.      Patience—a tried faith produces perseverance.

i.         The meaning of patience transcends the idea of bearing affliction; it includes the idea of standing fast under pressure, with a staying power that turns adversities into opportunities.—Nelson Study Bible

ii.       What does God want to produce in our lives?

a.       True faith “worketh” or develops persevering patience or staying power (see Js. 1:12). Patience means steadfastness or endurance in the face of difficulties (Js. 5:11). In the Bible, patience is not a passive acceptance of circumstances. It is a courageous perseverance in the face of suffering and difficulty.

b.      Patience, endurance, and the ability to keep going when things are tough. “We glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope” (Rom. 5:3–4).

iii.      Immature people are characterized by impatient; mature people are patient and persistent. Impatience and unbelief usually go together, just as faith and patience do. “Be... followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises” (Heb. 6:12). “For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise” (Heb. 10:36). “He that believeth shall not make haste” (Isa. 28:16).

iv.     God wants to make us patient because that is the key to many other blessing. The little child who does not learn patience will not learn much of anything else.

a.       When the believer learns to wait on the Lord, then God can do great things for him. Abraham ran ahead of the Lord, married Hagar, and brought great sorrow into his home (Gen. 16). Moses ran ahead of God, murdered a man, and had to spend forty years with the sheep to learn patience (Ex. 2:11). Peter almost killed a man in his impatience (John 18:10–11).

b.      The only way the Lord can develop patience and character in our lives is through heavy weather experiences. Staying power cannot be attained by reading a book, listening to a sermon, or even praying a prayer. We must go through the difficulties of life, trust God, and obey Him. The result will be patience and character. Knowing this, we can face trials joyfully. We know what trials will do in us and for us, and we know that the end result will bring glory to God.

c.       This fact explains why studying the Bible helps us grow in patience (Rom. 15:4). As we read about Abraham, Joseph, Moses, David, and even our Lord, we realize that God has a purpose in trials. God fulfills His purposes as we trust Him. There is no substitute for an understanding mind. Satan can defeat the ignorant believer, but he cannot overcome the Christian who knows his Bible and understands the purposes of God. –Wiersbe, Warren

                                                4.      “But let patience have its perfect work,” says James (1:4).

i.        Perseverance is only the beginning of benefits. There are more advantages to adversities. Perseverance must finish its work. Just as tested and true faith works to produce perseverance, so perseverance must be allowed to continue its perfect or finished work to produce the ultimate by-products of maturity and spiritual fulfillment. This, of course, is the lofty goal that serves as this epistle’s unifying theme. James’ main point was to show how to achieve spiritual maturity.—The Bible Knowledge Commentary

ii.      Sometimes when problems come we become desperate and use frantic means to cut short the trial. Without consulting the Lord as to His purposes in the matter, we rush to the doctor, for instance, and gulp down large doses of medicine in order to shorten the trial. By doing this, we actually may be thwarting God’s program in our lives. And it is just possible that we may have to undergo a longer trial in the future before His particular purpose is realized in us. We should not short-circuit the development of endurance in our lives.--MacDonald 

                                                5.      Perfection—a persevering saint will mature (4).

i.        Perseverance must be allowed to continue its perfect and ultimate work—maturity and spiritual fulfillment. This is James’ target throughout this letter—to show how to mature spiritually.

a.      Two words describe the goal: “perfect” or mature and “entire” or complete. God wants us to become “finished,” “complete,” and “whole.” That is perfected all over or fully developed in every part.

b.      Trials can be faced with joy because, infused with faith, perseverance goes full-term it will develop a thoroughly mature Christian who lacks nothing. He will indeed be all God wants him to be.

c.       By cooperating with God we will become mature, well-rounded Christians, lacking in none of the graces of the Spirit.

d.      We should never become despondent or discouraged when passing through trials. No problem is too great for our Father. Some problems in life are never removed. We must learn to accept them and to prove His grace sufficient. Paul asked the Lord three times to remove a physical infirmity. The Lord did not remove it, but gave Paul the grace to bear it (2 Cor. 12:8–10).

ii.      When we face problems in life that God obviously is not going to remove, we should be submissive to His will. The gifted blind hymn-writer wrote these lines as a girl of eight:

a.      O what a happy soul am I

Although I cannot see;

I am resolved that in this world

Contented I will be.

How many blessings I enjoy

That other people don’t.

To weep and sigh because I’m blind

I cannot and I won’t. —Fanny Crosby

b.      Peace comes through submission to the will of God.

iii.      Some problems in life are removed when we have learned our lessons from them. As soon as the Refiner sees His reflection in the molten metal, He turns off the heat. Most of us lack wisdom to view the pressures of life from God’s standpoint. We adopt a short-range view, occupying ourselves with the immediate discomfort. We forget that God’s unhurried purpose is to enlarge us through pressure (see Ps. 4:1).—MacDonald, William

II.               Request Wisdom from God with Confidence (Js. 1:5-8). God does avail to His people the needed wisdom to view troubles from His perspective and to learn as much as possible through these challenging experiences.

A.     The Encouragement to Ask for Wisdom (1:5).

                                                1.      Ask God for wisdom (5).

i.         “Wisdom” (James 1:5), is a practical wisdom which works with knowledge but goes beyond it. It is a comprehensive insight into the true nature of a particular situation which leads to a correct and skillful application of knowledge (Acts 6:10, “wisdom.”).

ii.      In short, this wisdom reveals what to do. On one hand, it helps one to avoid a wrong, sinful response. On the other hand, it directs one toward the way of righteousness.

iii.    Without this kind of wisdom, we may waste the opportunity God has given for growth in spiritual maturity. For this reason, we should keep asking for and applying wisdom throughout the trial. (See: Rom. 8:25–27, which shows that the Holy Spirit joins in the agonizing prayer offered during adversity and makes it effective.)

                                                2.      The wisdom God gives is not necessarily information on how to get out of trouble but rather insight on how to learn from one’s difficulties (see also Prov. 29:15). It is not more information about how to avoid times of testing but instead a new perspective on trials. The wisdom of God begins with a genuine reverence for the Almighty (see “the fear of the LORD” in Ps. 111:10; Prov. 9:10) and a steadfast confidence that God controls all circumstances, guiding them to His good purposes (Rom. 8:28).—Nelson Study Bible

B.     The Explanations for Asking for Wisdom (1:5).

                                                1.      Because we need God’s wisdom in trials (5).

i.        When we feel confused and frustrated by the high goal of becoming “perfect and entire, wanting nothing,” James wrote, If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God.

ii.       We don’t have to face the problems of life in our own wisdom. If, in the time of trial, we feel our need for spiritual insight to take the appropriate steps, we should turn to God and tell Him all about our perplexity and ignorance.

iii.      Spiritual wisdom is the practical application of Bible teachings to everyday situations and challenges.

iv.     Why do we need wisdom when we are going through trials? Why not ask for strength, or grace, or even deliverance? For this reason: we need wisdom so we will not waste the opportunities God is giving us to mature. Wisdom helps us understand how to use these circumstances for our good and God’s glory.

A pastor told the story of a gifted secretary who was going through great trials. She had had a stroke, her husband had gone blind, and then he had to be taken to the hospital where (they were sure) he would die. The pastor saw her in church one Sunday and assured her that he was praying for her.

“What are you asking God to do?” she asked, and her question startled him.

“I’m asking God to help you and strengthen you,” I replied.

“I appreciate that,” she said, “but pray about one more thing. Pray that I’ll have the wisdom not to waste all of this!”

She knew the meaning of James 1:5. –Wiersbe

                                                2.      Because God gives wisdom generously (5).

i.         Assistance is readily available from our generous God. When we need wisdom, this valuable resource is available for the asking. At times we all feel the need for wisdom, not just knowledge. God will not only provide wisdom, but will do so generously, not grudgingly.

ii.       All who seek God’s purposes in the trials will be liberally rewarded.

                                                3.      Because God will not rebuke you for needing wisdom (5).

i.         We need not worry that God will scold us; He is pleased when we are teachable and obedient. We all require more of His wisdom.

ii.       The Bible does not give specific answers to the innumerable problems that arise in life. It does not solve problems in so many words, but God’s word does give us general principles. We must apply these principles to problems as they arise day by day. That is why we need wisdom. Spiritual wisdom is the practical application of our Lord’s teachings to everyday situations.

                                                4.      Because God promises to supply wisdom (5).

i.         “And it shall be given him,” This blessed promise reminds us of the words of the Lord Jesus (Matt. 7:7, 11; Luke 11:13).

ii.       This promise regarding wisdom is absolute; and we may be sure that if asked properly, it will be granted us. There can be no doubt about God’s ability and readiness to deliver!

iii.      God's reply is sure. God promises is to supply the wisdom for what must be done. Decisions still will have to be made, and actions will have to be taken. The wisdom is God's guidance, not his removal of our participation.

iv.     We must remember that God’s promises do not submit to our plans. This verse is not permitting us to ask God for wisdom to bring about our will. Instead, we should humbly ask him for wisdom to remain in his will.

C.     The Essential is Asking in Faith (1:6-8)

                                                1.      Ask God in faith (6).

i.         God will respond to our faith.

ii.       God’s provision has some prerequisites. To receive God’s wisdom in trials, the believer must be wise in asking. First, he must ask in faith. We must believe and not doubt, or vacillate.

iii.      We must approach God in faith, free of any doubting. We must believe He loves and cares, and that nothing is impossible with Him.

iv.     God will honor our resolve to follow His wisdom.

                                                2.      Do Not Waver in Faith (1:6-7).

i.         Do not waver when you ask for wisdom.

ii.       We dare not come to God like a wave of the sea, blown horizontally and tossed vertically by the wind.

iii.      If we doubt His goodness and His power, we will have no stability in time of trouble. One minute we might be resting calmly on His promises, but the next we will feel that God has forgotten to be kind. We will be like the surge of the sea, rising to great heights, then falling back into valleys—troubled and tossed. God is not honored by the kind of faith that alternates between optimism and pessimism.

                                                3.      Do not become emotionally unstable while enduring trials (8).

i.         God is not pleased with a double-minded man who is unstable in all he does, like an unsteady, staggering drunk. The answer from God depends on assurance in God.

ii.       He does not give divine insight to such vacillating, unstable people (Js. 1:7, 8).

iii.      In verses 5–8, the source of wisdom is God; it is obtained by prayer; it is available to everybody; it is given liberally and without reproach; the crucial condition is that we ask in faith, without doubting.

Conclusion:

1.       Many Christians live like corks on the waves: up one minute, down the next; tossed back and forth. This kind of experience is evidence of immaturity. Paul used a similar idea in Ephesians 4:14—“That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.” If we have believing and united hearts, we can ask in faith and God will give the wisdom we need. Instability and immaturity go together. –Wiersbe

2.      If you are facing difficult problems, I encourage you to ask God for wisdom. Remember what the Lord Jesus’ promised in Matthew 21:22. Now that you know what to do with trouble...do it.