I hope you are all having a good week so far. Here are the notes from Sunday!
Rolling Stone
James 1:1-11
June 16, 2013
The Greeting:
· As a recap from last week, this book was authored by James, the brother of Jesus, written to Jews (12 Tribes) in the dispersion.
· The term “servant” here means slave. Again, although James had a special blood relationship to Christ physically, he did not claim so or make mention of it here, emphasizing his spiritual relationship is what is qualifying him to author this letter, and also the relationship that will endure into eternity.
The Pursuit of Spiritual Wholeness – James 1:2-11
· James comes out of the gate with all guns blazing. Chapter one of this letter seems to be just stock full of the thoughts James has been having and he just starts blasting out his thoughts on paper. In other NT letters, there was often a thanksgiving or blessing to the audience, but here James goes straight into his purpose for the letter, emphasizing the difficulties this audience was experiencing was one of his main reasons for writing to them.
· Vs. 2-4
o “Joy” is defined by Webster as a “source or cause of delight.” James argues that the believers not only CAN experience joy in the time of trial, but SHOULD experience joy. Not only joy, but “all” joy, or “pure” joy.
o James says trials of various kinds. This casts a large net that can include a multitude of difficulties. The scattered Christians he is writing to were probably facing many trials, including poverty, persecution, loneliness, illness, disappointment, even prison or death.
o James tells them why they can have joy: the testing of their faith produces steadfastness, perseverance, endurance.
o Don’t give the enemy too much credit in the time of trial. It is the Lord that is sovereign over these things. Nothing comes to you, good or bad, without it first passing through His hands. If this is so, then we know that God has a purpose in the trial.
o Experiencing a trial does not mean that we have sinned or done something wrong, and receiving a blessing from the Lord does not mean we have earned it or done something right. Look at the life of Job as an example. God always wants to mold us into his image, and He always wants to display His glory in and through His children.
o James goes on to say that steadfastness or perseverance, as valuable as it is, is not the main goal. This should ultimately lead to spiritual wholeness or completeness. James makes it clear that this is the goal. It is not necessarily ever obtained this side of heaven, but it is certainly the goal that God has for us in the time of trial, is that it will bring about growth, maturity, and move us closer to the completion of the work that He began in us. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
· Vs. 5-8
o “Ask and you shall receive.” If you lack wisdom, ask God to give it to you, for he is a generous and loving God, and knows how to give good gifts to His children.
o Ask in FAITH! He just got done encouraging the believers that the testing of their faith produces perseverance, and endurance will lead to spiritual wholeness. Now when they go to ask for wisdom, it requires faith, with no doubt.
o James compares the one who doubts to a wave that is tossed by the wind. Without faith, we will be subject to our ever shifting desires and motives, desiring the wisdom of the Lord one day, and the wisdom of the world the next. We often lose patience if we don’t feel like we receive wisdom from the Lord right away. We will take matters into our own hands, and that is when we typically swerve from the correct path. We are tossed to and fro as we try to work everything out on our own. Proverbs 3:5-6
o Faith and steadfastness produce stability. Not stability on our own merit or ability, but stability on the one who is constant and forever unchanging.
· Vs. 9-11
o Whenever a brother of less means is given good circumstances, or catches a break (Msg), rejoice. Whenever a rich man is humbled or faces a difficult season, rejoice. Why? Because both will pass. These things can often serve as a reminder of what is ultimately important.
o Have you ever driven by a cemetery or thought about the people that a building is named for? They were once just like you and me, working to produce and provide for their families, raising kids, facing fears and worries. And now they are gone, like a flower that yesterday was here and is now gone, withered away. Our wealth and our beauty will fade. It is uncertain, and cannot be depended upon. You have never seen a hearse dragging a UHaul.
o The rich will also fade away in the midst of their pursuits. These words would have been a reminder and comfort to those who were poor, and a warning to those who were rich.
Discussion:
o Why do bad things happen to good people? Why do good things happen to bad people?
o Can you think of an example of when you went through a trial and were able to experience and see the good that came out of it or God’s purpose through it?
o Share some examples of how your spouse has been an incredibly helpful gift in the time of trial.
