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As we saw previously, the epistle of James is one of, if not the, most practical books in all of Scripture. In this little 108-verse, five-chapter epistle we have some fifty imperatives commanding us to either do or stop doing something. James deals with the general and practical issue of doing the Word that we profess to believe and he spells this out in areas such as controlling our tongues, caring for the helpless, avoiding favouritism, getting along peaceably with one another in the church, and avoiding conflict and a judgmental spirit. He also warns those who oppress God’s people and he upon the church to pray for one another. But underlying all of these exhortations are two fundamental strands: trials and spiritual maturity.

James specifically mentions the issue of trials in chapters one and five (1:2–3, 12; 5:10) but this theme runs throughout the epistle even from the opening verse. When James addresses his readers he speaks of those who are scattered abroad, which clearly hints at the troubled times in which these “brethren” found themselves. As indicated in our last study, it is quite likely that James was thinking of the Jews who generally lived in the dispersions (as the result of God’s scattering them through the conquest by other nations), but also included in this would be the large number of believers who had been scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose around the stoning of Stephen (see Acts 8, 11). Thus, these Jews for whom James was pastorally concerned were undergoing difficulties. As one author has noted, the recipients of this letter were scattered, not sheltered.

But a very much related theme to that of trials or sufferings is that of spiritual maturity. The word that James uses with regard to this subject is “perfect” (1:4, 17, 25; 2:22; 3:2). He was concerned about the maturity, the spiritual development about these believers and thus he reminded them frequently that they were to make progress towards this in their dispersed and disturbed state.

We may not be suffering dispersion in the same way that these first-century believers were yet we, like them, indeed face difficulties on every hand. We face the onslaught of temptations to sin, we experience sickness and other social maladies by virtue of living in a fallen world, and we are also the objects of the scorn and mistreatment that accompany our walk with and for Christ. But in addition to these various trials we, as God’s children, are His special objects of affliction! Hebrews informs us that we are chastened, disciplined, and tried by God in order to produce in us the peaceable fruit of righteousness. That is, God ordains trials for us so that we might develop spiritual maturity.

Since trials are a fact of the believer’s life we would do well to learn from God how to respond as Christians. And James’ assignment seems to be just this. In his vivid, direct, realistic, practical and stimulating way, he tells us in this first chapter what our response is to be.

As we study verses two to four of the opening chapter we will learn of five factors that must be included in a Christian response to trials. I trust that we will be further equipped to practically and maturely follow our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

A Relational Response

James uses the word “brother” or “brethren” (v. 2) some 19 times in his epistle and this is significant. We should remember that he is a Jewish man writing to Jews. In a Judaic setting, the term “brethren” highlighted the close relationship that Jews historically shared with each other. But James is writing as a Christian Jew and thus to him this term has a heightened emphasis. Now he emphasises the relationship that believing Jews have with one another by virtue of the fact that they are children of God. This is important because believers who are undergoing trials need to keep before them the fact that they are not alone in their difficulties. That is, they have the attention of God and the affection and sympathy of the family of God. James therefore emphasises their vertical and horizontal relationship as a source of comfort.

As the readers were confronted with this first of many imperatives in this letter they found themselves handled tenderly as “my brethren.” In a very genuine way this was the anaesthetic before the surgery. And an important one it was.

When believers are undergoing trials they need to be handled sympathetically and tenderly. Yes, strong words may need to be spoken but they are far more effectively received when they are administered from a concern of brotherly love. And this is precisely what James was doing. He wanted them to know that his counsel was not cold and unattached. He knew that their difficulties were very real, and in many cases very painful and thus with concern he addresses them. But more than this, he wanted to remind them of the relationship that they have with their heavenly Father. And how often do we need this reminder when we are under what seems to be the heavy hand of troubles.

When we are undergoing difficult times we must reflect upon the fact that we are members of God’s family. Our Father cares, and so do others.

Is it not true that trials have a tendency to drive us to alienation? Perhaps we feel that no one else can understand what we are going through and thus we may be tempted to isolate ourselves from others. We may feel embarrassed that we are undergoing certain trials or we may simply commit the sin of self-centredness and act like our problems are no one else’s business. Regardless, it is at such times that we must reflect upon our relationship with other believers. We are not meant to carry all our burdens alone. Yes, there may be instances under the all wise providence of God in which we walk a lonely path, but the exception is not the norm. In fact, even when this is the case we are to reflect upon the truth that “there has no trial overtaken you but such as is common to man” (1 Corinthians 10:13). In other words, our experience may be unique to us but it is not unique to the Body of Christ.

“My brethren,” remember in your trials that you have a wonderful, everlasting relationship with the Heavenly Father and with His children. This is reality.

A Realistic Response

James informs his readers that they can expect to experience “various” or “divers” types of trials (v. 2). He uses a word that was also used by Peter to speak of the “manifold” trials and the matching manifold grace of God which attends them (1 Peter 1:6; 4:10). The word speaks of “diversity,” and thus of the different kinds of trials that the brethren face. A few words need to be said regarding this phrase.

First, the word “temptations” (KJV) or “trials” (NKJV) in v. 2 can mean sinful inclinations (hence, “temptations”), or it can refer to troubles and difficulties that come from without (hence, “trials”). And the truth is that there is an intimate connection between the two. When we are faced with difficulties we indeed may be tempted to respond in a sinful way. When we are faced with a lurid picture this is indeed a trial of our faith; that is, how will we respond? The fact remains that James is clearly telling us how to respond in whatever trials we encounter, whether those of the mind, the flesh (sin nature), the body, or the spirit. James is telling us to face the reality that troubles do come, in varied ways into the life of the believer. And the sooner that we grasp this fact, the sooner we will be equipped to maturely handle them.

There is a lot of nonsense being taught in the church today (much of it being disseminated over the airwaves of television) which tells us that Christians should expect to have all their troubles fly away once they “really believe” God. If James were alive today he would shout from the housetops, “Rubbish!” Listen to these words of Derek Tidball: “James is a realist. He’s no doorstep evangelist seeking to sell his readers a cheap gospel while keeping the small print from their view.” James is upfront with the fact that believers face difficulties—of all kinds. In fact, they experience many of the same trials that unbelievers face, and then some!

When James used the word “divers” or “various” he meant what he said. Believers do “fall into” (encounter) trials of all shapes and sizes. For example, believers are not exempt from financial difficulties, or from physical maladies, or from the social ills of crime, disease, inflation, corrupt and inept governments. Believers have to endure working with ruthless people. They bury their loved ones, they lose their jobs, and they have shorter paycheques than days in the month. These are all common maladies due to living in a sin-cursed world. Believers sometimes sin and they get themselves in trouble; relationships are strained and serious consequences are encountered. Pagans and believers alike experience these trials.

But believers also experience two additional spheres of trials. They are sometimes persecuted for their faith. Our Lord told His disciples that in this world they would have tribulation. He forewarned them that they would be arrested and persecuted for their faith. Paul told Timothy to tell his church that “all who will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). And so, in addition to the above-mentioned trials, the follower of Christ can expect to be scattered rather than sheltered from less trials than his pagan neighbour.

But another sphere of trial for the believer to “fall into” is that of God’s loving discipline. When the believer sins God, as a loving heavenly Father chastens His own. And this is painful. The unbeliever does not need to experience this trial and in fact won’t. God only disciplines those who belong to Him. Thus the believer has an additional area in which he will experience trials. But further, because God is committed to our spiritual development, He will, as in the life of Joseph, often bring things into our lives for this very purpose. We may be sailing along in wonderful obedience to Christ but then the Lord will bring a trial our way to further stimulate our growth. And again, the unbeliever knows nothing of this.

Thus when trials, of all kinds, come our way we must respond with a good deal of realism. And this realism must be rooted in the revelation of God’s Word. We must face the fact that nowhere are we promised smooth sailing (and, by the way, we don’t deserve it!) but rather we are forewarned of difficulties. Too many believers stumble along in their discipleship because they have embraced unrealistic view of life. They have adopted the false worldview which says that all will be easy for the child of God because after all, we are “the King’s Kids.” Nonsense! If our Redeemer had a lifetime of trials, all the way up until and including His death, why would we who have been redeemed think that our lot will be any different? “My brethren,” listen well: Expect troubles! We are not to look for them, neither are we to create them. But we can fully expect to encounter them. And if we have this realistic mindset, if we will adopt this kind of revealed realism, then we will not be surprised and subsequently dismayed when the difficulties come. We must wake up to this reality and we must grow up in light of this reality.

Is it possible that the reason that so many in the church live lives of immaturity and thus fruitlessness is due to the fact that they have been shell-shocked by the sudden (and frequent) appearance of trials? There is no excuse for this. This is reality. Let us accept this; yea, let us joyfully embrace it!

A Radical Response

In the opening words of this passage James issues forth the first imperative of the epistle: “Count it all joy.” I would submit that this is one of the most radical statements made in all Scripture, and it is thus extremely countercultural. After all, what kind of advice is this to an age that is intoxicated on victimisation and whose favourite pastime seems to be that of whining? If a postmodern behaviourist were writing this letter they would doubtless say something like, “Vent all of your pent up anger when you encounter the various trials of life.” Or perhaps they would give the injunction to “find someone to blame when troubles invade your life.” Or in our increasingly litigatious society we might hear, “Speak to my lawyer, I’m Legalwise and thus I refuse to take this trouble lying down.” Am I being facetious? Perhaps, and yet I am probably not too far off the mark. The fact of the matter is that we no longer (neither as a culture which has had a Christian foundation, nor as a church which used to get her cues from the Word) understand the root of the matter when it comes to trials. That is, we no longer seem to understand that trials, particularly in the lives of God’s sheep, are under the sovereign and loving control of God and that they are thus profoundly advantageous to us. This is why we are to “count it all joy” when we encounter all of the various kinds of trials in life.

James tells us that we are to properly evaluate what is happening when these diverse trials occur. The word “count” is an interesting word which contains the idea of “esteeming highly.” We are being told here to have a high regard for these trials; we are to place a proper estimate upon their value. Yes, we are to rejoice in our trials because they are valuable. Indeed this is a radical, if not revolutionary view on facing the difficulties of life. But this is precisely what we would expect for those who have a worldview which is informed by Scripture. One author stated it very well: “If we are to line up with scripture a whole revolution in thinking is called for.” And this is because the instructed believer understands that the trials may surprise us (“fall into”) but they are no surprise to God. He has ordained them for His glory and for our good.

James tells us that not only must we properly evaluate our trials but also to make a deliberate, definitive decision in response to them. This is implied in the imperative force of “count it all joy.” In other words we are to have a “settled conviction” regarding our response to the troubles that we will invariably experience. And the only way that we can have such a definitive response is to put God into the whole picture of life.

All too often we merely drift to a certain kind of response when trials come. We tend to allow our circumstances or our culture to determine how we will respond in times of trouble. Even when we consider a theological response we all too often drift to a deistic mindset which says that “things just happen and certainly God is not in the details.” But James will sanction none of this. No, he commands a decisive and God-centred response. The imperative is upon us, how will we respond?

Consider that one of the great strengths of trials is that we never know what the trial is going to do next. But if we understand that God knows, then we indeed can highly esteem the fact that God is about to do something awesome! And therein lays our joy. Now, without me getting too far ahead of myself let me note that “joy is not a human emotion but a theological perception” (Robert Wall). Thus we can turn our thoughts immediately to God as we encounter any and all trials and therein lies our joy. And not only can we do so but we must for we are so commanded. James emphasises “all joy which means that we do not let our understanding of them ultimately be determined by how they feel at first” (Mark Dever).

We need to engage our minds (as we shall see again in a moment) when we encounter trials and to go straight to the root of the matter. We must stop and grasp the fact that these trials comes from God and thus we have plenty reason to rejoice. This response proves that indeed we do trust God as we say that we do. If our first response is to whine and complain and to play the victim card then perhaps we need to re-evaluate our theology. Once this is corrected then we will be able to properly evaluate our trials and to then express joy in the trials of life.

I think that it would be helpful to articulate that the Bible never exhorts us to rejoice for the trial but rather to rejoice in the trial. For example, upon receiving the news that you or someone you love has a terminal illness you are not expected to be joyful for the disease. But rather you are to be joyful that God knows what He is doing and thus look with eyes of faith at what God is going to do in this situation.

Thus, let us be committed to a countercultural because radical response to the trials we encounter.

A Reasonable Response

Some may respond that the command of v. 2 is irrational, and if it were standing by itself I might agree. But v. 3 makes it very clear that the believer’s joyful response to trials is very reasonable. In fact v. 2 can only be a practical reality to the degree that the imperative of v. 3 is taken seriously.

James assumes that his readers know the reason for the trials and this (assumed) knowledge is the motivation behind the injunction to “count it all joy.” He assumes that they know that trials are divinely purposeful and this is what will cause them to stop and highly value them. Their informed perspective will equip their response.

First, let’s look at the word “knowing.” This word certainly speaks of cognition but it involves the idea of knowledge by intimacy (see Genesis 4:1; Matthew 1:25). Thus James seems to be saying that he expects that his readers have learned by experience that in their trials produce good results. And since any knowledge worth having is that which comes from God, we can assume that James is expecting that these scattered believers have been taught of God.

Once again I would exhort us that we need to be thinkers. We don’t have the luxury of being flabby in our thinking; at least, not if we desire to be practical and thus productive believers. We need to be taught of God through His Word, by His Spirit and then we need to apply our minds to the various trials of life. We need to be careful to make sure that we are not listening to ourselves but that rather we are talking to ourselves when we are surprised by the various trials of life. We need to stop and ask who or what is behind this trouble? Why is this happening? Is this some unplanned for event in the plan and purpose of God? What is God doing here and how should I respond? It is precisely here where the fight of faith is either won or lost. It is a battle in the arena of the mind (see Philippians 4:1–8). What then are we to “know” about these various trials of life? James tells us very plainly that we must know that the purpose of trials is to develop perseverance. And this perseverance will produce the fruit of spiritual maturity (v. 4).

Peter spoke to this issue as well (see Peter 1:6–7). He, like James, also spoke about the “trying” of our faith and likened our faith to precious gold. The testing of our faith through trials is like that of a metallurgist testing to see whether a claim concerning a precious metal is genuine. Thus the various trials of life are designed by God for us to examine the authenticity of our claim to be brothers in Christ. It is also an opportunity to show others the authenticity of our claim that faith in Christ is indeed precious and real. It is an opportunity, ultimately, to glorify our Heavenly Father. And thus we need to do this!

The Lord Jesus said that only those who endure until the end will be saved (Matthew 24:13).

He was teaching that only those who persevere, only those who are truly “patient” through the various trials of life will prove to be the real deal. And since patience (perseverance) is necessary for one’s final salvation we should be most joyful for that which produces it, namely “various trials” (v. 2). And so as we “know” this we will rejoice in this.

When James speaks of “patience” he is not speaking of some passive acceptance of circumstances but rather he has in mind “a courageous perseverance in the face of suffering and difficulties” (Wiersbe). This word speaks of “steadfastness,” “resoluteness in the face of difficulties.” Another good synonym would “endurance.” But keep in mind that such perseverance has a transcendent context, and thus Douglas Moo has defined patience as “a strong, active, challenging response in which the satisfying realities of Christianity are proven in practice.”

The point of James is that we are to make a deliberate decision to respond with joy when we encounter the trials of life because they are designed to prove that our profession of faith is genuine. In other words, “Rejoice that your response will result in further assurance of salvation!”

“Patience” is a hallmark of the believer for it proves that our faith in Christ is more than an eventual fire insurance policy to be cashed in at the end of our life. When we persevere joyfully we are declaring that we really do trust God as we say that we do. When we courageously face difficulties with a joyful spirit we are declaring that we really do believe the love of the Father as revealed in Christ Jesus. True believers do not turn away from Christ when difficulties come. They do not draw back rather they continue to draw nigh thus proving the genuineness of their faith. Keep in mind that this is not a matter of mere human willpower but rather it is the result of the “divine nature” of which we have been made “partakers” (2 Peter 1:4). It is by the power of God that we are kept (1 Peter 1:4) and He only keeps His own! Thus when we experience trials and we find ourselves persevering anyway, we rejoice that God is in us of a truth. This, my friend, is a very reasonable response. We have very good reason to count it all joy when we fall into divers temptations for we know that this testing of our faith by God will bring forth a perseverance outside of ourselves which will prove that indeed He is our Father. And that is something to be joyful about!

A Resolute Response

In v. 4 James continues to give imperatives to his readers for when they encounter various trials as he tells them to persevere in their perseverance. In essence he is saying that they must be resolute in the face of their encountered difficulties. They must milk the trying circumstance for all of the good that they can. He tells them that this joyful perseverance not only increases their assurance of salvation but that it is also a means of developing their maturity; of developing their character into that of the Lord Jesus Christ. Let us take these words apart and then draw some principles and practical applications from them.

The word “perfect,” used twice in this verse can speak of either moral blamelessness (morally perfect, see Matthew 5:48 where it is used in reference to God) or it can refer to maturity (see 1 Corinthians 14:20, where it is translated “men”; or Philippians 3:15; Hebrews 5:14 where it is translated “full age”). The fact that James uses the word twice here may indicate that he actually has both meanings in mind especially since he closes the verse with the use of the phrase “that ye may be … entire [“whole,” see 1 Thessalonians 5:23] wanting nothing.” It would thus appear that he is exhorting his readers not to try to shortcut the refining process of trials in their lives, for the Lord is actually maturing them toward the goal of His completing them one day in and with glory. Thus James’ exhortation is that they adopt a resolute attitude that they will not be satisfied with anything less than perfection and hence if this requires more and more trials then they will maintain a joyfulness in them. They are to desire and aspire to be perfect. Nothing less, ultimately, will do. James desired for his readers to develop “a fully rounded uprightness” (Tidball) and that they be whole. We must desire nothing less.

In a very real sense the Christian life is about personality development and for this reason there was a time in which pastors were known as “physicians of the soul.” The Lord has saved us in order to conform us to the glorious image of the Lord Jesus Christ. And just as He, in some mysterious sense, was “made perfect” by “the things which He suffered” (Hebrews 5:7–9), so are we. And thus as we come to see our trials as a divinely orchestrated means to this end we will count them all joy and will take advantage of the opportunity to grow as we experience them. Rather than cursing them, and rather than seeking to cut them short by unbiblical means (for example, stealing in order to relieve the trial of economic hardship) we will joyfully persevere in faith and obedience. That is, we will seek to respond like Christ. The more we do this, the more like Him we become.

We need to face the reality that it takes a long time to develop Christian character. In fact, it will, for most of us, require our death.

Recently Ruth Bell Graham, wife of the well known evangelists Billy Graham, died. She had told friends and family that on her tombstone she wanted these words etched: “End of construction. Thanks for your patience.” That is wonderful. For her the years of growing in Christlikeness have come to an end as she is now with and like her Saviour. And this is the promised destiny for all of God’s children. One day we will be “entire, wanting nothing” as we bask in the presence of our good, great and chief Shepherd, for we will be like Him as we see Him as He is. But until then we must be resolute to joyfully persevere in His ongoing work in the transformation of our character.

I appreciate the words of Alec Motyer concerning this. “Without losing sight of the ultimate aim, here is our present target: maturity of personality.” Dear people do not cut it short by an impatient, thus immature response. Be resolute to obey the Lord regardless of the trials you are facing. Don’t drift, don’t moan and complain, don’t blame God, don’t say, “I don’t need this in my life right now,” and don’t compromise truth in order to avoid hardships. Rather, trust God, obey His Word, stand up for truth, praise Him in the storm, bless His name when the heart is pained, maintain your fellowship with God’s people even though all within you cries out for isolation.

If you do these things then you will find it easier to “count it all joy” when you encounter the unexpected trials of life. For you will be maturing in Christ for the glory of God.

Christian, trials are a fact of life. You can try and protect yourself from them but they will come anyway because God your Father loves you too much to leave you undeveloped. Thus when they are encountered embrace them for your good and for God’s glory by fostering relationships through them, by factoring in the reality of them, by facing them radically, by focusing on the reason for them, and by fully resolving to continue to do all the above. That, beloved, is the Christian response to trials. Thank God that He gives us the grace to respond in this radically fruitful way.