[The video of this sermon is on the church Facebook page at https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/4409sspotswoodrdgordonsvilleva<\/p>\n
Here we are and it\u2019s the first Sunday in July\u2014just about the mid-point in 2024.\u00a0 So, it\u2019s 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.\u00a0 What book is it?\u00a0 Well, it\u2019s actually better to call it a \u201cletter\u201d or \u201cepistle\u201d than a book:\u00a0 It\u2019s the wonderful letter written by James.\u00a0 Now, who was James?\u00a0 \u00a0Well, he grew up in a poor family with at least six other siblings.\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t a very big man and was described as small in stature (Mark 15:40).[1] \u00a0He had something in common with such noted Christians of today as C. S. Lewis, Josh McDowell and Lee Strobel.\u00a0 These three men were initially all unbelievers.\u00a0 But, each had their personal encounters with Jesus that radically changed their lives.\u00a0 James\u2019 situation was similar, but for one big thing.\u00a0 James knew Jesus personally because he was raised in the same family with Jesus.\u00a0 That\u2019s right\u2014the James we are talking about was the half-brother of Jesus.[2]<\/p>\n
But, for Jesus\u2019 first 33 years, James scoffed at the idea that Jesus could be the Messiah.\u00a0 When the Pharisees heard Jesus\u2019 teachings, they claimed Jesus was insane.[3]\u00a0 James couldn\u2019t have agreed more and joined the chorus of Jesus\u2019 detractors by claiming that He was \u201cout of His mind.\u201d[4]\u00a0 But later, James witnessed something that proved Jesus was exactly who He claimed to be.\u00a0 What did James witness that gave him proof of this?\u00a0 He saw with his own eyes the pierced hands, feet and side of the Resurrected Christ![5]\u00a0 From then on, James\u2019 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]\u00a0 After he became a believer, James became the leader of the Christian church in Jerusalem.\u00a0 His fellow Christians knew him to be a righteous man and nicknamed him the \u201cJust One.\u201d\u00a0 It was said that \u201chis knees grew hard like a camel\u2019s because of his constant worship of God, kneeling and asking forgiveness of his people.\u201d \u00a0And, why did James do so much praying?\u00a0 Well, for one thing, he loved to commune with God.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 In fact, that is why James wrote this letter.<\/p>\n
This letter was James\u2019 way of providing encouragement and direction to various groups of scattered churches.\u00a0 As we will see, he referred to them as the \u201ctwelve tribes scattered among the nations.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 These were the new Christian churches whose members had lived in Jerusalem and the surrounding areas.\u00a0 They had been scattered when they fled from Jerusalem due to the harsh persecution. \u00a0We 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). \u00a0So, 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.\u00a0 And, James himself was no stranger to persecution.\u00a0 In fact, around 66 A.D., Annas, the high priest in Jerusalem, ordered that James be executed.\u00a0\u00a0 He was thrown from the top of the Temple but survived the fall.\u00a0 As he lay there in agony, the Jews stoned him to death.[7]\u00a0 James lived out his faith even unto death.<\/p>\n
Some theologians pit the teachings of the Apostle Paul against James\u2019 letter.\u00a0 This goes way back in Church History.\u00a0 For example, consider one of the principal founders of the Protestant faith\u2014Martin Luther.\u00a0 Back in the 16th century, Luther emphasized Paul\u2019s teaching that faith in Christ, and not works, is the foundation of our salvation.\u00a0 Surely, that is absolutely true\u2014we are saved by our faith in Jesus Christ and not by any \u201cworks\u201d or \u201cgood deeds\u201d on our own part.\u00a0 Luther\u2019s problem with James was that he thought James put too much emphasis on works as they relate to faith.\u00a0 In fact, Luther was so against James\u2019 teachings that he referred to his letter as the \u201cepistle of straw.\u201d\u00a0 Most of the other leaders of the Protestant Reformation, such as John Calvin, didn\u2019t share Luther\u2019s views.\u00a0 Fortunately, they held that the James\u2019 letter was truly inspired by the Holy Spirit and must be treasured for what it had to offer.[8] \u00a0We are blessed that they did accept James\u2019 letter because his teachings and those of Paul actually complement each other.\u00a0 Together, they provide a firm understanding of the relationship between our Christian faith and the \u201cgood deeds\u201d that must proceed from our relationship with Jesus Christ. \u00a0And, 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.\u00a0 In the society in which we live, that is not a very popular message to hear.\u00a0 Instead, so many today love to preach that \u201cGod never wants you to be sick or poor, and you should name and claim the health and wealth\u201d He has awaiting you.[9] \u00a0But, James negates such false theology and prepares us mentally, emotionally and spiritually to face hard times when they descend upon us.<\/p>\n
This morning, I would like you to consider something very important that James had to say about the development of our faith. \u00a0Quite often, when we cover his letter, the topic centers on \u201cfaith\u201d vs. \u201cworks.\u201d\u00a0 That is an important topic that we\u2019ll get to in another sermon. But today, we\u2019ll consider something different that\u2019s also very important.\u00a0 Let\u2019s see how James explained the relationship between faith and all those trials and difficulties that Christians face in life.\u00a0 So, let\u2019s dive into the Epistle of James and consider how a message given 2000 years ago remains so relevant and encouraging today:<\/p>\n
1 \u00a0James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings. 2 \u00a0CONSIDER IT PURE JOY, MY BROTHERS, WHENEVER YOU FACE TRIALS OF MANY KINDS, 3 \u00a0BECAUSE YOU KNOW THAT THE TESTING OF YOUR FAITH DEVELOPS PERSEVERANCE. 4 \u00a0PERSEVERANCE MUST FINISH ITS WORK SO THAT YOU MAY BE MATURE AND COMPLETE, NOT LACKING ANYTHING. James 1:1-4 (NIV)<\/p>\n
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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.\u00a0 During the interview, they were talking about the tremendous pressure that is put upon coaches for their teams to win.\u00a0 The bottom line is that if you don\u2019t win, you get a pink slip and you are out of a job.\u00a0 The Florida State coach, Leonard Hamilton, was asked how he dealt with that pressure.\u00a0 He said that when things are not going well on the team\u2014maybe key players are hurt, losses are piling up, the fans are booing and the sports commentators are calling for your head\u2014he thinks about these opening verses of James, chapter one.\u00a0 Then, he recites to himself the words we just read:\u00a0 \u201cConsider it pure joy\u2026 whenever you face trials of many kinds, \u00a0because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.\u201d\u00a0 \u00a0Coach Hamilton could say that because he has faith that, whatever happens, it is God\u2019s will. \u00a0And so, he knows God is always in control. \u00a0And, 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.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s right in line with Paul\u2019s teaching in 1st Thessalonians. Paul wrote: \u00a0\u201cAlways be joyful\u2026 \u00a0Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God\u2019s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.\u201d 1st Thessalonians 5:16, 18 (NLT2) \u00a0\u00a0And, in Romans 5, he expresses something very close to what James is saying here.\u00a0 Paul said: 3\u00a0\u201cWe also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 \u00a0perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 \u00a0And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.\u201d Romans 5:3-5 (NIV)\u00a0 Ultimately, that hope is the blood of Christ that cleanses us of our sin and makes us acceptable in God\u2019s sight.<\/p>\n
There are some thoughts to focus on in James\u2019 opening statement that we need to understand before we can fully appreciate what he really means.\u00a0 First, think about the word \u201cJOY.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 He says whenever you are going through difficult times, consider it \u201cPURE JOY.\u201d\u00a0 When we read that on a surface level, it sounds crazy.\u00a0\u00a0 Why would anyone in their right mind be joyful over pain and suffering?\u00a0 Is James a glutton for punishment? \u00a0NO!\u2014of course not! \u00a0But, the tendency is to skip over this verse and pretend that James is just exaggerating.\u00a0 But, he is not exaggerating.\u00a0 Christians are called to REJOICE whenever they experience the pains of life.\u00a0 We rejoice, not because we love the present pain, but because we can SEE BEYOND THE PAIN.<\/p>\n
So, when James says that we are to have \u201cJOY\u201d during our troubles, he is not saying that Christians are to \u201cput the best face on trouble\u201d or \u201ctry to look on the bright side.\u201d\u00a0 The JOY Christians have in trials is NOT in the pains and sufferings themselves\u2014for no one but a sadist enjoys pain.\u00a0 Rather, James is talking about an ANTICIPATED FUTURE JOY.\u00a0 We rejoice, not because we are presently suffering, but because we know suffering is a temporary thing.\u00a0 And, it\u2019s temporary because, when we pass from this earth, we\u2019ll come face to face with Jesus.\u00a0 What a JOYOUS day that will be!\u00a0 And, someday soon, that JOY will be compounded when Jesus comes again and establishes His Kingdom here on earth! [10]\u00a0 \u00a0And so, we can\u2019t help but REJOICE in knowing that we are looking ahead to our time with Jesus.\u00a0 That is what salvation is all about:\u00a0 Spending eternity with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.\u00a0 Do you ever express that kind of JOY that looks forward to when Jesus will come again?\u00a0 Of course, you do!\u00a0 You do it whenever you recite the \u201cLord\u2019s Prayer.\u201d\u00a0 In fact, that is the prayer\u2019s opening joyous plea: \u201cOur Father which art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. 10 \u00a0THY KINGDOM COME.\u201d Matthew 6:9-10 (KJV)\u00a0\u00a0 Think about that boundless kind of joy the next time you say the Lord\u2019s Prayer.<\/p>\n
What James is telling us is supported by the other letter-writers in the New Testament.\u00a0 For example,\u00a0 both Peter and Paul urge us that even through the pain, we need to keep looking forward to the prize!\u00a0\u00a0 Peter puts it this way:\u00a0 4 \u00a0\u201cWe have a priceless inheritance\u2014an inheritance that is kept in Heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. 5 \u00a0And 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.\u201d 1st Peter 1:4-5 (NLT2) \u00a0Paul affirms this in saying:\u00a0 23 \u00a0\u201cAnd 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 \u00a0We were given this hope when we were saved. . . Romans 8:23-24 (NLT2) \u00a0[So,] REJOICE in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.\u201d Romans 12:12 (NLT2)<\/p>\n
There is another key word in James\u2019 statement that is very important.\u00a0 It is the word \u201cPERSEVERANCE\u201d\u2014sometimes referred to as \u201cENDURANCE.\u201d\u00a0 James assures us that these trials and difficulties \u201cTEST\u201d our faith.\u00a0 Perseverance is holding true to our faith and trusting in God throughout these times of testing.\u00a0 So, what does he mean by the \u201ctesting of our faith\u201d?\u00a0 Well, we know what faith is. \u00a0Faith is what saves us and guarantees us a place in God\u2019s Heavenly Kingdom.\u00a0 Faith is believing in both heart and mind that God is good and that He is always looking out for our good.\u00a0 \u00a0Faith is surrendering our lives to God and trusting in His goodness.\u00a0 And so, Paul proclaims, we are saved by grace through faith.[11]\u00a0\u00a0 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.\u00a0 Rather, he is referring to the purifying of one\u2019s faith that already exists.[12]<\/p>\n
When James speaks about the \u201ctesting\u201d of our faith through the trials of life, those trials can be various things.\u00a0 They can be inward trials of temptation that cause struggle within your soul.\u00a0 Or, they can be outward trials of suffering from disease, disability or injury\u2014both those that are personal as well as those affecting loved-ones and friends. Or, outward trials can involve material loses\u2014things like losing your home, losing your wealth, losing your job, etc.\u00a0 They may even involve outward trials of persecution.\u00a0 The Greek word that James uses for \u201ctesting\u201d is \u201cdokimion\u201d (dok-im\u00b4-ee-on).\u00a0 \u00a0It\u2019s a word that is rarely found in the Bible.\u00a0 In the Greek translation of the Old Testament, it appears only twice.\u00a0 Both times it is used to describe the refining of silver or gold to make it more pure\u2014more valuable.[13]\u00a0 That is how James uses the word \u201ctesting\u201d here. \u00a0\u00a0It is related to a Greek word for \u201cCHARACTER\u201d (d\u014fkim\u0113, dok-ee-may\u00b4) that Paul used in the Scripture we read earlier in Romans 5:4.\u00a0 Both words (\u201cTESTING\u201d and \u201cCHARACTER\u201d) are derived from the same Greek root word (d\u014fkim\u014fs, dok\u00b4-ee-mos) which literally means: \u201cSomeone or something that has been put to the test and has measured up\u201d[14]\u2014in the sense of being \u201ctested\u201d or \u201capproved.\u201d[15] \u00a0Paul\u2019s thoughts are right in line with those of James when Paul stated: 4 \u00a0\u201cEndurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 \u00a0And 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.\u201d Romans 5:4-5 (NLT2)\u00a0\u00a0 Both Paul\u2019s use of the word \u201cCHARACTER\u201d and James\u2019 reference to the \u201cTESTING\u201d of our faith make sense when you think about how pottery was made in the ancient Middle East.<\/p>\n
The potter would make a jar by starting out with soft clay.\u00a0 The clay was good, but in its soft condition, it really could serve no useful purpose until the potter shaped it to his liking.\u00a0 Then, the shaped clay would be passed through the intense fires of a kiln. \u00a0Throughout this process, the fire would strengthen the clay as it solidified.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 But, here\u2019s the thing: In order for the jar to be made complete, it had to endure the heat without cracking. \u00a0But, if it endured and came out without being broken, the potter would turn the jar over and stamp the word \u201cD\u014eKIM\u014eS\u201d (dok\u00b4-ee-mos) on its underside meaning it had been \u201cTESTED\u201d and found \u201cAPPROVED.\u201d\u00a0 Such a \u201cjar\u201d had \u201cPERSEVERED\u201d and had proven itself to be a \u201cjar\u201d of \u201cCHARACTER.\u201d[16]<\/p>\n
I know that we don\u2019t live in a culture that necessarily relates to the making of clay pottery.\u00a0 So, let me give you a more modern illustration that makes the same point.\u00a0 How did you get to church this morning?\u00a0 You came in your car, truck or van\u2014right?\u00a0 Well, the manufacturer of your vehicle didn\u2019t start selling that model vehicle to the public without first thoroughly TESTING it.\u00a0 The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration puts a new model vehicle through 90 to 125 tests before it can be approved. \u00a0A significant part of this involves crash testing. [17]\u00a0 These crash tests are hard on the vehicles.\u00a0 In fact, sometimes the vehicles hit walls that send pieces flying in all directions.\u00a0 But, the test results reveal safety flaws that can be corrected.\u00a0 As a result, the vehicle model goes through a redesign that ends up making the vehicle stronger and better before it goes on sale.\u00a0 The trials, difficulties, pains, suffering and temptations that Christians go through serve as our \u201ccrash testing\u201d as the Holy Spirit strengthens our faith and rebuilds our hearts into a design more pleasing to God.\u00a0 <\/p>\n
And, what is the end result for a Christian whose faith starts out as mere \u201cclay,\u201d but perseveres through the fiery trials of life?\u00a0 What becomes of that completed \u201cjar\u201d of Godly character, or a faith that\u2019s endured the \u201ccrash tests of life\u201d? \u00a0\u00a0The Apostle Peter reinforces Paul and James by answering: \u201cThese trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold\u2014though 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.\u201d 1st Peter 1:7 (NLT2)<\/p>\n
And so, we should strive to progress from \u201csoft clay\u201d to something more substantial in our faith.\u00a0 We can\u2019t get there without the heat of life\u2019s furnace.\u00a0 Those who persevere and endure the heat become beautiful, completed jars filled with the love of Christ.\u00a0 You want a life that is driven by a strong faith that\u2019s been crash-tested and improved by the testing.\u00a0 If you live that kind of life\u2014faithfully persevering, \u00a0you will one day hear Jesus declare that you are \u201cmature and complete\u201d in your faith.\u00a0 When you are stamped with His approval, then one day He will turn to you and say, \u201cWell done, good and faithful servant!. . . Come [into My Heavenly Kingdom] and share your Masters happiness!\u201d Matthew 25:23 (NIV) \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0But, before we get to that Heavenly destination, Pastor Peter Marshall explains the present reality in which we live with the following paraphrased quote: \u201cIt is a fact of Christian experience that life is a series of high, sunny peaks followed by dark, lonely valleys. \u00a0In His efforts to get permanent possession of a soul, God relies on the valleys more than the peaks. \u00a0And some of his special favorites have gone through longer and darker valleys than anyone else.\u201d[18]\u00a0 James couldn\u2019t have said it any better.<\/p>\n
Let us pray.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Darvin Satterwhite, Pastor<\/p>\n
Forest Hill Baptist Church<\/p>\n
July 7, 2024<\/p>\n
\u00a92024 All Rights Reserved as follows:<\/p>\n
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\u2019s Word. The publication of this material is a grace ministry of Forest Hill Baptist Church in Louisa, Virginia.<\/p>\n
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Visit us on our Face Book page at https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/4409sspotswoodrdgordonsvilleva.<\/p>\n
[1] Mark 15:41 (PassionNTPsa)\u2014see footnote describing James as \u201cthe short one.\u201d\u00a0 Also, see:\u00a0 Cleon L. Rogers, Jr. and Cleon L. Rogers, III. The New Linguistic and Exegetical Key to the Greek New Testament, \u201cJames\u201d (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1998), p. 552.<\/p>\n
[2] Galatians 1:19 \u00a0\u201cThe only other apostle I met at that time was James, the Lord\u2019s brother.\u201d (NLT2)<\/p>\n
[3] John 10:20 \u201cMany of them said, \u2018He has a demon, and is insane; why listen to Him?\u2019\u201d (ESV)\u00a0 John 7:5 \u00a0\u201cFor even His brothers didn\u2019t believe in Him.\u201d (NLT2) <\/p>\n
[4] Mark 3:21\u00a0 \u201cAnd when His family heard it, they went out to seize Him, for they were saying, \u2018He is out of His mind.\u2019\u201d (ESV)<\/p>\n
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[5] 1st Corinthians 15:7\u00a0 \u201cThen He [Jesus] was seen by James and later by all the apostles.\u201d (NLT2)<\/p>\n
[6] Acts 1:14 \u00a0\u201cThey all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus.\u201d (NLT2) <\/p>\n
[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.<\/p>\n
[8] Douglas J. Moo, The Letter of James, (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2000), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, 4.<\/p>\n
[9] Platt, David. Exalting Jesus in James. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2014.<\/p>\n
[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.<\/p>\n
[11] Ephesians 2:8\u00a0 \u201cFor it is by grace you have been saved, through faith\u2014and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.\u201d (NIV)<\/p>\n
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[12] Douglas J. Moo, The Letter of James, (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2000), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, 54.<\/p>\n
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[13] Psalm 12:6 \u00a0\u00a0\u201cAnd the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times.\u201d (NIV) \u00a0\u00a0Proverbs 27:21 \u00a0\u00a0\u201cThe crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but man is tested by the praise he receives.\u201d (NIV) <\/p>\n
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[14] \u201cRejoicing in Our Suffering,\u201d Preaching Today, Tape 74, cited in PreachingToday.com.<\/p>\n
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[15]\u00a0 New American Standard Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, (Anaheim, CA: Foundation Publications, 1998), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, Under: Greek Nos. 1382, 1383, 1384.<\/p>\n
[16] \u201cRejoicing in Our Suffering,\u201d Preaching Today, Tape 74, cited in PreachingToday.com.<\/p>\n
[17]\u00a0 Nick Kurczewski, \u201cNHTSA and IIHS Crash Test Safety Ratings Explained,\u201d https:\/\/www.caranddriver.com\/features\/g35634275\/what-to-know-about-the-wrecks-behind-the-ratings-feature\/<\/p>\n
(February 27, 2021).<\/p>\n
[18] Peter Marshall, Leadership, Vol. 5, no. 2., cited in PreachingToday.com. The literal quote is: \u201cIt is a fact of Christian experience that life is a series of troughs and peaks.\u00a0 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.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
[The video of this sermon is on the church Facebook page at https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/4409sspotswoodrdgordonsvilleva Here we are and it\u2019s the first Sunday in July\u2014just about the mid-point in 2024.\u00a0 So, it\u2019s the perfect time to start a sermon series on one of the books in the New Testament that teaches us … Continue reading