A Word from James: Turning Trials into Triumph!

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The church (and me specifically) has spent so much time on the subject of grace and the importance of faith to our salvation that we need to focus our attention equally to the evidence of faith and the spiritual work required of us in this natural world.

The issue of faith and works has been such an issue over the centuries that it has created division in theological circles and a false sense of security in the church. What I mean by this is the perception that as long as we believe, we can live life as we want and there are no consequences. I want to bring balance to us by understanding James. I believe James was trying to bring balance to a misunderstanding of faith and grace. The same misunderstanding that exists today!

James wrote to encourage and teach Christians to live VICTORIOUS in the midst of being dispersed to live throughout the world in a different way. They were being exposed to intense trials (James 1:1; I Peter 1:6), they were falling into sin through weakness of the flesh (James 1:13-15, 21), they were listening to those teaching a faith with no fruit as an expression of a transformed life (James 2:14 – 3:12). James tells us that some Christians were fighting with each other (4:1), filled with pride (4:6), gossips (4:11-12), and some had left God completely out of their life plans (James 4:13-17). James reveals the fact that many Christians had put their faith in the things of this world (James 5:1). This epistle is a wake up call to the people of God. They needed to change their sinful ways and realize that real faith has lifestyle consequences.

Christians need to be reminded consistently about what it means to truly be a follower of Christ. The apostle Peter said, “Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have” (II Pet. 1:12). James’ audience needed to be refocused on the subjects of humility and patience; faith and works.

The apparent intense persecutions that the disciples were undergoing were contributing to the brethren giving up their faith for sinful practices. They did not understand how to function faithfully in the midst of adversity. Humility in the face of exposed sin and patience in the face of intense persecution was the only way one would see the evidence and the end of their faith in a crown of life (James 1:12).

The Epistle of James tells us that we can have triumph in tribulations while revealing our faith in a tangible lifestyle through spiritual work. Whether we are dealing with trials on the outside or temptations on the inside, through faith in God and Jesus Christ we CAN experience victory! 

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