James 1:2-3-The Testing of Your Faith

April 5, 2024

James 1:2-3-The Testing of Your Faith

These particular passages of Scripture were written by Jesus’ half-brother James. He was not always a believer of Christ but had a powerful conversion when the Lord Himself showed up right before his eyes after His resurrection. This significant event transformed him into an on fire Christian willing to live his life fully submitted to the Lord Jesus Christ.

We can see that conversion displayed in his epistle to his brethren. James 1:1 details, “James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings.” He considered himself a bondservant of God and the Lord Jesus. This is a complete transformation from how he viewed the Lord prior to His death.

Then James goes on to address his brethren (believers of Jesus Christ) giving them encouragement regarding the tribulations that he knew they were going to face as Christians. We can’t think it is abnormal when we go through trials in our life 1 Peter 4:12 gives us insight when it states, “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you.”

Whether you are a believer of Jesus Christ or a non-believer, you are going to experience trials of various kinds. Matthew 5:45 discloses to us “that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” God’s Word is very clear as it explains that we are all going to experience storms that will affect our lives in one way or another.

The difference between children of God and an unbeliever is the fact that believers have a guideline on how to navigate through those trying times found in the Holy Bible. That is why it is so imperative that we make it a habit to read God’s Truth, study it, digest it, and apply it to our life. It is the Lord’s perfect Law that He has established for us to abide by.

Make no mistake about it every time that you learn something that the Lord is teaching you in the Word of Truth, there will be a test. The Lord is testing your faith to see if you lean on Him in your time of need and whether or not you truly believe everything that is written in His Word.

Now let’s take a look at what James has to say about the testing of our faith.

James 1:2

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,”

The words “count it” being used is the Greek word “hēgeomai” which means: to consider, deem, account, and think. The word “joy” that is being used is the Greek word “chara” which means: the cause of occasion of joy. The word “trials” being used is the Greek word “peirasmos” which means: adversity, affliction, and trouble: sent by God and serving to test or prove one’s character, faith, and holiness.

There is so much to unpack here in this passage of Scripture. James is basically letting us know that as Christians when trials and tribulations hit we are to consider it to be pure joy or great joy. The kinds of troubles, various temptations, and the bad things that are happening to you are a test sent by the Lord to prove your character, faith, and uprightness with the Lord.

You can study for a test and still not know the answers when it is put down in front of you. We are fighting a powerful adversary that wants nothing more than to kill, steal, and destroy every one of us, John 10:10. We don’t have time to be nonchalant when it comes to our readiness: reading God’s Word which will sharpen our Sword and applying it to our daily lives living upright in the eyes of the Lord.

It is easy to say that you are a Christian but does your life reflect that you are? What is the first thing that you do when difficult times occur? Do you proclaim God’s Word over your situation, ask the Lord for direction, and stand on your faith; or do you allow your circumstances to overwhelm you? Remember, the Lord is the One that examines our heart and will allow trials of many kinds to occur so that your faith is tested.

Then the Lord gives us some vital information in the next passage of Scripture regarding the outcome of the tests that you are experiencing.

James 1:3

“Knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.”

The word “testing” being used here is the Greek word “dokimion” which means: the proving. The word “faith” being used is the Greek word “pistis” which means: a strong and welcome conviction or belief that Jesus is the Messiah, through whom we obtain eternal life and salvation in the kingdom of God. The word “patience” being used is the Greek word “hypomonē” which means: steadfastness, constancy, and endurance.

So when we piece together these keys words out of this verse we can determine the message that James is conveying. He is letting us know that your faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior can be proven when you face trials in your life. Those challenging circumstances are what are going to produce determination and strength knowing that if Jesus got you through it this time He will do it again and again and again!

The only way that you are going to build your endurance as a warrior for Jesus Christ is if you actually go out to the battle field and fight. God is building an army and just like in the military you have to train and be tested so that you can be ready when the enemy comes at you like a roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8) because it isn’t a matter of if he is coming after you, but when!

Also, don’t forget to check out my other blogs:

Who is Jesus’ brother James?

Breaking Spiritual Strongholds-Fight Back

Breaking Spiritual Strongholds-Feed Your Spirit

Breaking Spiritual Strongholds-Renouncing

Breaking Spiritual Strongholds-Confess and Repent

Recognizing Spiritual Strongholds

What are Spiritual Strongholds?

The Spiritual Laws of God-Poverty Part 1

The Spiritual Laws of God-Poverty Part 2

The Spiritual Laws of God-Restoration

The Spiritual Laws of God-The General Principles