Faith and Wisdom

Background Scripture: James 1:1 – 11 Lesson Passage: James 1:1 – 11 This series of Sunday School lessons closes out the summer quarter by examining the letter written by James, the Lord’s brother. Although Jesus’ siblings did not follow him during his earthly ministry, at least two of them, James and Jude, became leaders among the first century Christians. In fact, James was considered one of the pillars of the Jerusalem church. As such, he was part of the group responsible for establishing and defending the doctrine of the Christian faith. The Apostle Paul looked to James and the other apostles in Jerusalem for guidance whenever a matter concerning church doctrine arose among the Gentile congregations. In the letter James wrote to the Jewish Christians who were scattered away from Jerusalem by the early persecution, he had a lot to say about faith, money and prayer. This lesson presents some of his words of wisdom about faith. James began by equating a Christian enduring trying times in life as a result of their spiritual conviction to a test of their individual faith. In this context, he defines faith as patiently relying on God in difficult situations. Difficult situations can be used by God to help a person’s patience develop into Christian maturity. Christians who demonstrate extreme patience in difficult life situations probably are not facing their first trial as a Christian. Previous trials have helped their patience mature. Simply put, they have learned to trust God by trusting God. It is a person’s faith in God that allows them to develop such steadfastness of character. Those who have lived a few years as a Christian can attest that this is not an easy process to go through. Spiritual maturity that is manifest through patience results from practice, practice, practice, and more practice. The more a Christian endures patiently the more they can patiently endure. James implied that the results of the trials justify the process used by God to achieve those results. Put another way, although suffering is not desired, Christian maturity is desired. Therefore, God may choose to use suffering as a process for spiritual maturation. When one can see the end results, then going through the process gets a little easier. For this reason, James declared that Christians should count all trials of their faith as something to rejoice in. Our joy is not in the trials but in the end results of them. Our faith in God must be sincere and not wishy-washy. True faith stands up during times of trials and doesn’t fall apart. Divine wisdom allows us to understand this. James’ letter declares that God gives wisdom to whoever ask Him for it in faith. In other words, if you don’t really want to receive this type of wisdom, then you should not ask God for it. To do so shows spiritual instability and not steadfast faith. Although it might not feel like it at the time, trials of faith benefit Christians. Next, James addressed how a Christian should respond to changes in their personal station in life. We readily understand the first part of this. When a poor person is elevated, or given things of value in this life, then they should glorify God for it. Ultimately, God is the one who promotes individuals in life. On the other hand, when the rich or wealthy are demoted or humbled in life, then they should likewise glorify God for it. Taken together, these perspectives allow all Christians to understand that God determines a person’s station in life. It also is a reminder that everything in this life is temporary. Never treat that which is temporary as though it is permanent and never treat that which is permanent and eternal as though it is temporary. We can learn from James that faith and wisdom are both virtues developed within believers by a loving God. Robert C. Hudson July 20, 2020