[The video of this sermon is on the church Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/4409sspotswoodrdgordonsvilleva
Here we are and it’s the first Sunday in July—just about the mid-point in 2024. So, it’s the perfect time to start a sermon series on one of the books in the New Testament that teaches us so much that applies to our lives today. What book is it? Well, it’s actually better to call it a “letter” or “epistle” than a book: It’s the wonderful letter written by James. Now, who was James? Well, he grew up in a poor family with at least six other siblings. He wasn’t a very big man and was described as small in stature (Mark 15:40).[1] He had something in common with such noted Christians of today as C. S. Lewis, Josh McDowell and Lee Strobel. These three men were initially all unbelievers. But, each had their personal encounters with Jesus that radically changed their lives. James’ situation was similar, but for one big thing. James knew Jesus personally because he was raised in the same family with Jesus. That’s right—the James we are talking about was the half-brother of Jesus.[2]
But, for Jesus’ first 33 years, James scoffed at the idea that Jesus could be the Messiah. When the Pharisees heard Jesus’ teachings, they claimed Jesus was insane.[3] James couldn’t have agreed more and joined the chorus of Jesus’ detractors by claiming that He was “out of His mind.”[4] But later, James witnessed something that proved Jesus was exactly who He claimed to be. What did James witness that gave him proof of this? He saw with his own eyes the pierced hands, feet and side of the Resurrected Christ![5] From then on, James’ entire perspective on life changed as he no longer viewed Jesus as merely his half-brother, but rather submitted to Him as his Lord and Savior.[6] After he became a believer, James became the leader of the Christian church in Jerusalem. His fellow Christians knew him to be a righteous man and nicknamed him the “Just One.” It was said that “his knees grew hard like a camel’s because of his constant worship of God, kneeling and asking forgiveness of his people.” And, why did James do so much praying? Well, for one thing, he loved to commune with God. The other reason prayer dominated his life was that he prayed for the LORD to help so many Christians who were experiencing a very tough period of church history. In fact, that is why James wrote this letter.
This letter was James’ way of providing encouragement and direction to various groups of scattered churches. As we will see, he referred to them as the “twelve tribes scattered among the nations.” These were the new Christian churches whose members had lived in Jerusalem and the surrounding areas. They had been scattered when they fled from Jerusalem due to the harsh persecution. We read about this in the Book of Acts when such early Christian martyrs as Stephen were stoned to death in Jerusalem for proclaiming Jesus as Lord (Acts 7). So, James wrote this letter to these churches to offer them comfort and to remind them that their faith would actually be enhanced by the trials they were experiencing. And, James himself was no stranger to persecution. In fact, around 66 A.D., Annas, the high priest in Jerusalem, ordered that James be executed. He was thrown from the top of the Temple but survived the fall. As he lay there in agony, the Jews stoned him to death.[7] James lived out his faith even unto death.
Some theologians pit the teachings of the Apostle Paul against James’ letter. This goes way back in Church History. For example, consider one of the principal founders of the Protestant faith—Martin Luther. Back in the 16th century, Luther emphasized Paul’s teaching that faith in Christ, and not works, is the foundation of our salvation. Surely, that is absolutely true—we are saved by our faith in Jesus Christ and not by any “works” or “good deeds” on our own part. Luther’s problem with James was that he thought James put too much emphasis on works as they relate to faith. In fact, Luther was so against James’ teachings that he referred to his letter as the “epistle of straw.” Most of the other leaders of the Protestant Reformation, such as John Calvin, didn’t share Luther’s views. Fortunately, they held that the James’ letter was truly inspired by the Holy Spirit and must be treasured for what it had to offer.[8] We are blessed that they did accept James’ letter because his teachings and those of Paul actually complement each other. Together, they provide a firm understanding of the relationship between our Christian faith and the “good deeds” that must proceed from our relationship with Jesus Christ. And, as we will see, James and Paul work together to teach us something important about the trials of life that all Christians will inevitably face at one time or the other. In the society in which we live, that is not a very popular message to hear. Instead, so many today love to preach that “God never wants you to be sick or poor, and you should name and claim the health and wealth” He has awaiting you.[9] But, James negates such false theology and prepares us mentally, emotionally and spiritually to face hard times when they descend upon us.
This morning, I would like you to consider something very important that James had to say about the development of our faith. Quite often, when we cover his letter, the topic centers on “faith” vs. “works.” That is an important topic that we’ll get to in another sermon. But today, we’ll consider something different that’s also very important. Let’s see how James explained the relationship between faith and all those trials and difficulties that Christians face in life. So, let’s dive into the Epistle of James and consider how a message given 2000 years ago remains so relevant and encouraging today:
1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings. 2 CONSIDER IT PURE JOY, MY BROTHERS, WHENEVER YOU FACE TRIALS OF MANY KINDS, 3 BECAUSE YOU KNOW THAT THE TESTING OF YOUR FAITH DEVELOPS PERSEVERANCE. 4 PERSEVERANCE MUST FINISH ITS WORK SO THAT YOU MAY BE MATURE AND COMPLETE, NOT LACKING ANYTHING. James 1:1-4 (NIV)
I was listening to a recent Christian podcast of a former ESPN producer named Jason Romano. He was conducting a panel discussion with several coaches and school administrators who worked for major college basketball programs. During the interview, they were talking about the tremendous pressure that is put upon coaches for their teams to win. The bottom line is that if you don’t win, you get a pink slip and you are out of a job. The Florida State coach, Leonard Hamilton, was asked how he dealt with that pressure. He said that when things are not going well on the team—maybe key players are hurt, losses are piling up, the fans are booing and the sports commentators are calling for your head—he thinks about these opening verses of James, chapter one. Then, he recites to himself the words we just read: “Consider it pure joy… whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” Coach Hamilton could say that because he has faith that, whatever happens, it is God’s will. And so, he knows God is always in control. And, by remaining faithful during those tough times, he is confident that God is using it all to make him a better Christian with a stronger faith.
That’s right in line with Paul’s teaching in 1st Thessalonians. Paul wrote: “Always be joyful… Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1st Thessalonians 5:16, 18 (NLT2) And, in Romans 5, he expresses something very close to what James is saying here. Paul said: 3 “We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.” Romans 5:3-5 (NIV) Ultimately, that hope is the blood of Christ that cleanses us of our sin and makes us acceptable in God’s sight.
There are some thoughts to focus on in James’ opening statement that we need to understand before we can fully appreciate what he really means. First, think about the word “JOY.” He says whenever you are going through difficult times, consider it “PURE JOY.” When we read that on a surface level, it sounds crazy. Why would anyone in their right mind be joyful over pain and suffering? Is James a glutton for punishment? NO!—of course not! But, the tendency is to skip over this verse and pretend that James is just exaggerating. But, he is not exaggerating. Christians are called to REJOICE whenever they experience the pains of life. We rejoice, not because we love the present pain, but because we can SEE BEYOND THE PAIN.
So, when James says that we are to have “JOY” during our troubles, he is not saying that Christians are to “put the best face on trouble” or “try to look on the bright side.” The JOY Christians have in trials is NOT in the pains and sufferings themselves—for no one but a sadist enjoys pain. Rather, James is talking about an ANTICIPATED FUTURE JOY. We rejoice, not because we are presently suffering, but because we know suffering is a temporary thing. And, it’s temporary because, when we pass from this earth, we’ll come face to face with Jesus. What a JOYOUS day that will be! And, someday soon, that JOY will be compounded when Jesus comes again and establishes His Kingdom here on earth! [10] And so, we can’t help but REJOICE in knowing that we are looking ahead to our time with Jesus. That is what salvation is all about: Spending eternity with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Do you ever express that kind of JOY that looks forward to when Jesus will come again? Of course, you do! You do it whenever you recite the “Lord’s Prayer.” In fact, that is the prayer’s opening joyous plea: “Our Father which art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. 10 THY KINGDOM COME.” Matthew 6:9-10 (KJV) Think about that boundless kind of joy the next time you say the Lord’s Prayer.
What James is telling us is supported by the other letter-writers in the New Testament. For example, both Peter and Paul urge us that even through the pain, we need to keep looking forward to the prize! Peter puts it this way: 4 “We have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in Heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. 5 And through your faith, God is protecting you by His power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see.” 1st Peter 1:4-5 (NLT2) Paul affirms this in saying: 23 “And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as His adopted children, including the new bodies He has promised us. 24 We were given this hope when we were saved. . . Romans 8:23-24 (NLT2) [So,] REJOICE in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.” Romans 12:12 (NLT2)
There is another key word in James’ statement that is very important. It is the word “PERSEVERANCE”—sometimes referred to as “ENDURANCE.” James assures us that these trials and difficulties “TEST” our faith. Perseverance is holding true to our faith and trusting in God throughout these times of testing. So, what does he mean by the “testing of our faith”? Well, we know what faith is. Faith is what saves us and guarantees us a place in God’s Heavenly Kingdom. Faith is believing in both heart and mind that God is good and that He is always looking out for our good. Faith is surrendering our lives to God and trusting in His goodness. And so, Paul proclaims, we are saved by grace through faith.[11] With this understanding of faith in mind, notice that when James speaks of the testing of our faith, he is not questioning whether a person has faith or not. Rather, he is referring to the purifying of one’s faith that already exists.[12]
When James speaks about the “testing” of our faith through the trials of life, those trials can be various things. They can be inward trials of temptation that cause struggle within your soul. Or, they can be outward trials of suffering from disease, disability or injury—both those that are personal as well as those affecting loved-ones and friends. Or, outward trials can involve material loses—things like losing your home, losing your wealth, losing your job, etc. They may even involve outward trials of persecution. The Greek word that James uses for “testing” is “dokimion” (dok-im´-ee-on). It’s a word that is rarely found in the Bible. In the Greek translation of the Old Testament, it appears only twice. Both times it is used to describe the refining of silver or gold to make it more pure—more valuable.[13] That is how James uses the word “testing” here. It is related to a Greek word for “CHARACTER” (dŏkimē, dok-ee-may´) that Paul used in the Scripture we read earlier in Romans 5:4. Both words (“TESTING” and “CHARACTER”) are derived from the same Greek root word (dŏkimŏs, dok´-ee-mos) which literally means: “Someone or something that has been put to the test and has measured up”[14]—in the sense of being “tested” or “approved.”[15] Paul’s thoughts are right in line with those of James when Paul stated: 4 “Endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love.” Romans 5:4-5 (NLT2) Both Paul’s use of the word “CHARACTER” and James’ reference to the “TESTING” of our faith make sense when you think about how pottery was made in the ancient Middle East.
The potter would make a jar by starting out with soft clay. The clay was good, but in its soft condition, it really could serve no useful purpose until the potter shaped it to his liking. Then, the shaped clay would be passed through the intense fires of a kiln. Throughout this process, the fire would strengthen the clay as it solidified. The really valuable jars that endured the most intense and prolonged heat developed a beautiful glaze that caused the jar to shine whenever light hit it. But, here’s the thing: In order for the jar to be made complete, it had to endure the heat without cracking. But, if it endured and came out without being broken, the potter would turn the jar over and stamp the word “DŎKIMŎS” (dok´-ee-mos) on its underside meaning it had been “TESTED” and found “APPROVED.” Such a “jar” had “PERSEVERED” and had proven itself to be a “jar” of “CHARACTER.”[16]
I know that we don’t live in a culture that necessarily relates to the making of clay pottery. So, let me give you a more modern illustration that makes the same point. How did you get to church this morning? You came in your car, truck or van—right? Well, the manufacturer of your vehicle didn’t start selling that model vehicle to the public without first thoroughly TESTING it. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration puts a new model vehicle through 90 to 125 tests before it can be approved. A significant part of this involves crash testing. [17] These crash tests are hard on the vehicles. In fact, sometimes the vehicles hit walls that send pieces flying in all directions. But, the test results reveal safety flaws that can be corrected. As a result, the vehicle model goes through a redesign that ends up making the vehicle stronger and better before it goes on sale. The trials, difficulties, pains, suffering and temptations that Christians go through serve as our “crash testing” as the Holy Spirit strengthens our faith and rebuilds our hearts into a design more pleasing to God.
And, what is the end result for a Christian whose faith starts out as mere “clay,” but perseveres through the fiery trials of life? What becomes of that completed “jar” of Godly character, or a faith that’s endured the “crash tests of life”? The Apostle Peter reinforces Paul and James by answering: “These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.” 1st Peter 1:7 (NLT2)
And so, we should strive to progress from “soft clay” to something more substantial in our faith. We can’t get there without the heat of life’s furnace. Those who persevere and endure the heat become beautiful, completed jars filled with the love of Christ. You want a life that is driven by a strong faith that’s been crash-tested and improved by the testing. If you live that kind of life—faithfully persevering, you will one day hear Jesus declare that you are “mature and complete” in your faith. When you are stamped with His approval, then one day He will turn to you and say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!. . . Come [into My Heavenly Kingdom] and share your Masters happiness!” Matthew 25:23 (NIV) But, before we get to that Heavenly destination, Pastor Peter Marshall explains the present reality in which we live with the following paraphrased quote: “It is a fact of Christian experience that life is a series of high, sunny peaks followed by dark, lonely valleys. In His efforts to get permanent possession of a soul, God relies on the valleys more than the peaks. And some of his special favorites have gone through longer and darker valleys than anyone else.”[18] James couldn’t have said it any better.
Let us pray.
Darvin Satterwhite, Pastor
Forest Hill Baptist Church
July 7, 2024
©2024 All Rights Reserved as follows:
Anyone is at liberty to use this sermon or any portions thereof for educational or religious purposes, with or without credit. The pastor believes the material presented herein to be true to the teaching of Scripture, and desires to further, not restrict, its potential use as an aid in the study of God’s Word. The publication of this material is a grace ministry of Forest Hill Baptist Church in Louisa, Virginia.
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[1] Mark 15:41 (PassionNTPsa)—see footnote describing James as “the short one.” Also, see: Cleon L. Rogers, Jr. and Cleon L. Rogers, III. The New Linguistic and Exegetical Key to the Greek New Testament, “James” (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1998), p. 552.
[2] Galatians 1:19 “The only other apostle I met at that time was James, the Lord’s brother.” (NLT2)
[3] John 10:20 “Many of them said, ‘He has a demon, and is insane; why listen to Him?’” (ESV) John 7:5 “For even His brothers didn’t believe in Him.” (NLT2)
[4] Mark 3:21 “And when His family heard it, they went out to seize Him, for they were saying, ‘He is out of His mind.’” (ESV)
[5] 1st Corinthians 15:7 “Then He [Jesus] was seen by James and later by all the apostles.” (NLT2)
[6] Acts 1:14 “They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus.” (NLT2)
[7] Geoffrey W. Bromiley, ed., Volume Two: E-J, (Chicago, IL: Howard-Severance Company, 1915; repr., Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans, 1979), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, 959.
[8] Douglas J. Moo, The Letter of James, (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2000), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, 4.
[9] Platt, David. Exalting Jesus in James. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2014.
[10] Gary Holloway, James & Jude, ed. Jack Cottrell, Ph.D. and Tony Ash, Ph.D., (Joplin, Missouri: College Press Publishing Co., 1996), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, 31.
[11] Ephesians 2:8 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” (NIV)
[12] Douglas J. Moo, The Letter of James, (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2000), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, 54.
[13] Psalm 12:6 “And the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times.” (NIV) Proverbs 27:21 “The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but man is tested by the praise he receives.” (NIV)
[14] “Rejoicing in Our Suffering,” Preaching Today, Tape 74, cited in PreachingToday.com.
[15] New American Standard Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, (Anaheim, CA: Foundation Publications, 1998), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, Under: Greek Nos. 1382, 1383, 1384.
[16] “Rejoicing in Our Suffering,” Preaching Today, Tape 74, cited in PreachingToday.com.
[17] Nick Kurczewski, “NHTSA and IIHS Crash Test Safety Ratings Explained,” https://www.caranddriver.com/features/g35634275/what-to-know-about-the-wrecks-behind-the-ratings-feature/
(February 27, 2021).
[18] Peter Marshall, Leadership, Vol. 5, no. 2., cited in PreachingToday.com. The literal quote is: “It is a fact of Christian experience that life is a series of troughs and peaks. In His efforts to get permanent possession of a soul, God relies on the troughs more than the peaks. And some of his special favorites have gone through longer and deeper troughs than anyone else.”
