Real Faith Grows in Hard Times
Series: Real Faith (in the Book of James)
Brad Bailey – Sept. 13, 2020
Intro
Hey everybody. I’m so glad you’re a part of this gathering. I’m excited to launch our new Fall series and focus today. As I shared last week...I believe this season of changes and challenges... is one in which we will become worse versions of ourselves...or better versions of ourselves. And today we are beginning a series that provides a guide to becoming the better version of ourselves... becoming bigger and better people.
There's a book in the Bible that remarkably relevant to this season in our lives. It's called the book of James. James is one of the smaller "books" in the New Testament... that you will find after the four Gospels...towards the end of the Bible. It’s written by James....who was a half-brother of Jesus himself. It’s fascinating that James and the other brothers weren’t a part of the initial team that followed Jesus... it’s doesn’t appear that they even recognized Jesus to be the Messiah...and their savior. Their lack of belief wasn’t because of what they saw in Jesus...but because of what their religious culture had come to expect about the Messiah. Like so many others...they were likely amazed by what Jesus said and did... but he wasn’t seeking to be a new king like they had expected.
But then we are told in the Gospel accounts, that after Jesus was raised from the dead... that among the many that Jesus came to... James is one of the few who is mentioned by name. When James saw him raised from the dead...everything became clear. James realized that God had said through the prophets that the Messiah would suffer and be sacrificed... to save all people from the consequences of death. And James became one of the leaders in the early church in Jerusalem. In fact history suggests that he was one of the most respected of all leaders. [1a]
And James introduces his letter this way...
James 1:1 (NLT)
This letter is from James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am writing to the “twelve tribes”—Jewish believers scattered abroad. Greetings! - James 1:1 (NLT)
He now identifies as being a slave...or servant bound to God and to Jesus...who he now refers to as his Lord...and as the "Christ"... which means the anointed one of God. It’s really remarkable when you think about it. He is acknowledging that the one he had been raised with... was indeed from God. Do you think that you could convince one of your siblings into believing that you’re the special son and savior of God? James knew the behind the scenes life of Jesus. And he knows he is the holy one of God. He is so confident that he accepts the same harsh fate in helping to lead the church in Jerusalem... despite the cost. And we know that he would ultimately accept even death... when he refused to recount his faith. [1b]
And in this introduction, he notes the nature of this writing. He is writing to all those who were now scattered. [2] The people to whom James wrote were those experiencing very real troubles and trials. James is writing primarily to Christian Jews in the first century. They were scattered from their homeland. In addition, when a Jew began to follow Christ in the first century, their families disowned them. They not only lost their inheritance but they were ostracized from family and friends. Most of them lost their good jobs and had to take the lowest paying jobs because they would not bow to the pagan gods of the Roman cities. These people James is talking to are experiencing enormous hardship.
And James now speaks into their experience...and speaks about how real faith is discovered and developed in the real world of challenges they face. I imagine most of us have a sense that the word “faith” can be hard to define or grasp. Sometimes the word “faith” is used to refer to a set of beliefs... in the way we might speak of the Christian Faith. But when we hear the Scriptures speak...when we hear Jesus speak about faith... we hear something that is more than something that lives in our heads. It’s something that we step into... a reality that we choose among the versions... the operating system for all that we do.
And when we understand that faith is not just what we say we believe...but is what is actualized in how we actually live... we can begin to see that real faith is about real change in the real world. James understands that it’s during times of crisis... that real faith is forged. He knows that the enemy of our souls will use such times to try and tear us down into the worst versions of ourselves...while God will use the challenges to develop a better version of ourselves. And James provides a guide to becoming the best versions of ourselves.
Through this Fall series, we are going to find that James speaks to every feeling we might face during a crisis. And each week there's an outline for each of these messages in this series available to you on our Westside Vineyard app. It can help you follow along, have all the Bible verses at hand, and even take notes. And then all our Life Groups will have a distinct group study to go further in personal engagement and application.
Now here at the start of his epistle... which is essentially a letter that was to be shared to entire communities... James begins with the most important truth about such times....
James 1:2-4 (NLT) ?Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. - James 1:2-4 (NLT)
?The first part of verse 2, he says, " When troubles come your way …” Notice he doesn't say “IF” troubles come into your life, but “WHEN.” The first thing James says is this: Troubles are inevitable. He says, "Count on it, you will have trouble." Now, James wasn't the first person to say this. Jesus said it. Jesus said, "In the world, you will have troubles." Peter said, "Don't be surprised when troubles happen in your life." Expect them!
This is so important...because it means we don’t have to live in denial of problems... we don’t have pretend everything is easy. And we don’t have to live in despair as if something unique has happened just to us.
Troubles are inevitable. A part of the current condition...but they are not the final state.
And James uses a term that means “various” troubles or trials. The original language includes that which means “all kinds of troubles.” -- different kinds of trials....trials that come in all shapes and colors. The word he uses for trouble or trial (peirasmos) can refer to both external circumstances or internal temptations and struggles. If we consider our own experience... the two can’t be completely separated. When the circumstances that surround us become difficult...it often causes struggles within us. We will all face troubles that can be troubling. Your troubles might be financial. Your troubles might be related to your health. Your troubles might be relational.
Some trials are the result of choosing to be faithful to God....some may be self-inflicted problems of our own choices....and some simply emerge from the condition of this world.
In different ways, we are all facing troubles and trials right now...in the nature of a pandemic.
And James notes that troubles are unpredictable. He says... “when they come...” Troubles don't warn you in advance. They just show up when you least expect it. They're unpredictable. And we can naturally feel they’ve come at the wrong time. Part of what makes problem a problem is that we couldn’t plan for them.
A doctor may say, “I’m sorry. You’ve got cancer.” Or the voice on the phone may inform you that your child has just been arrested. Or you may lose your job without warning. Or you may lose your spouse without warning.
Life will involve problems... of many types...that will often surprise us.... they often catch us off guard.
And to this James says... there is something vital to realize. You need to consider something... and the word translated “consider” or “count” is an accounting term. It means to take stock of. Consider carefully. Investigate fully. Line up all the numbers them add them all up. Consider the facts about trials. He says to us..."When you realize certain things, you're going to have a whole lot better handle on the problems, the trials, the crisis, and the pandemic that you're going through." If we can get a proper perspective... it will change how we go through this season.
And in particular...he says, "Consider it an opportunity for great joy."
That may sound a little simplistic. It may sound like he is saying “let’s all just put on a happy face.” But that is not at all what he is saying. He is not saying we should find joy in the trail....but from considering... realizing...the opportunity that it provides. James says troubles have the ability to produce something. Every problem brings the potential to produce something good. The joy is not in the trouble...the joy is in the growth that arises.
It's about seeing troubles as a means to maturity.
So the first thing James tells us.., is that ...
When trouble comes....
1. See the Potential to Grow (v. 2-4)
Verse 3... “For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.” Faith is like a muscle and the only way a muscle grows is to have it stretched, to have it strengthened, to have it put pressure on it, to put weight on it. The way your strength in your character grows is by having your faith tested and it has to be stretched. You have to put weight on it like you have to put weight on a muscle.
If we don’t use our muscles... we might think we’re comfortable...but they simply atrophy.
Being comfortable can kill us. Literally.
Researchers at the University of California at Berkeley did an experiment some time ago that involved introducing an amoeba into a perfectly stress-free environment: ideal temperature, optimal concentration of moisture, constant food supply. The amoeba had an environment to which it had to make no adjustment whatsoever. So you would guess this was one happy little amoeba. Whatever it is that gives amoebas ulcers and high blood pressure was gone. Yet, oddly enough, it died. Apparently there is something about all living creatures, even amoebas, that demands challenge. We require change, adaptation, and challenge the way we require food and air. Comfort alone will kill us. [3]
It's the challenges of life that develop our inner character. [4]
A more familiar example is the process by which a caterpillar becomes a butterfly. The caterpillar is enfolded by a cocoon—force creates the color & structure of the wings. If the cocoon is opened before it's proper time... one will find that the wings are not strong enough to fly. In the same way, it’s the challenges that we rise to each day...that develop us.
James describes our potential to grow strong… to acquire the strength of “endurance” (RSV- steadfastness, NIV- perseverance) This is not some kind of passive patience, but the kind of inner strength that can stay calm in a crisis. The word describes a depth of strength with a quiet hope. [5]
It's a quality that comes from going through hard times. We learn to handle hard times...through going through hard times.
If you were going to be placed in a battlefield...would you rather be with a new recruit full of zeal or a veteran of battle?
If you were facing a really hard situation in life...the person we would like alongside is someone who has been through hard times. Why? Because they have that "enduring" quality James speaks of.
So James continues... “So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”
As you allow your faith to be tested... it will grow....and you will become more mature. You will stop being controlled by your circumstances... because you will discover that God is with you in all circumstances. You will become mature... ... a person of integrity.... of consistency.
So the first thing James says...is that when trouble comes... see it as an opportunity to grow. He says we can find joy in that. It doesn’t mean we have to put on a fake smile or pretend things aren’t hard. No ...what he is saying...is that your assessment of life will change when you consider that the goal is not personal comfort...but personal growth.
It begins with realizing that if our goal is simply personal comfort...we will find we are always frustrated by the inevitable challenges of life. But is we see that the goal is our personal growth...we can begin to see the opportunity of becoming bigger and better people.
This can change your whole life. When we consider of what brings real satisfaction in life... we often miss what affects satisfaction most. Satisfaction is based on expectations. Your satisfaction is related most to your expectations...to what you expect. If your expectation of life is that it’s easy... you will never be satisfied. But if you see that life is not just about personal comfort... but about personal growth... then you can find something of purpose... something good in every challenge.
But sometimes it’s hard to get that perspective. How do we see the potential for growth?
James continues...?
James 1:5-8 (NLT) ?5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. 6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. 7 Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.
When the unexpected trials of life land on our doorstep, How are we to respond? How are we to pray –– what should we ask God for? James gives the answer, Prayer for WISDOM.
When trouble comes....
2. Seek God's Wisdom and Will (vv. 5-8)
Wisdom is more than knowledge...it's insight...it’s perspective. Wisdom helps us see things from an elevated view.?Have you ever listened to a traffic report from a guy in a helicopter? Think about it. Why is he better qualified to help you than someone in the car ahead of you? The traffic reporter can see things you can’t. He is seeing the big picture, he knows what is coming up around the bend......and he gives you accurate information because he see’s farther, clearer than you do in the middle of the traffic jam. He may tell you to take an alternate route. Sometimes they may suggest a route that seems longer, out of your way...but they are trying to steer you clear of major problem that laying down the road.?Wisdom is about navigating life from a larger perspective.
We do well to consider: Have we asked for God to give us wisdom on how to handle this pandemic? Have you asked him for wisdom on what to do about how to see the larger perspective on this strange year? How to see what is at hand in the change in this year’s patterns and plans? God says ask for wisdom... for perspective.
When you go through trouble, like what we're going through right now with the pandemic, the primary question that will help us is not “why...why is this happening?" But rather what.... what do you want me to learn?" As one man said, “When hard times come, be a student, not a victim.” That’s good advice. A victim says “Why did this happen to me?” while a student asks, “What can I learn from this?”
That is the vital question. Because this pandemic season will change us. The enemy wants to use it to defeat us... to it is so valuable to ask "What do you want me to learn God from this crisis?" because it will make something And I'll tell you, the devil wants to use trouble to disorient you and discourage you ...and defeat you, but God wants to use trouble to develop you.
Now if we want wisdom to do the right thing... James says we actually need to want to do the right thing. Sometimes a master does not want to tell a disciple what they are trying to teach them...because the student might not actually want to learn that lesson. So before you ask...you need to decide if you want to learn.?He says if we ask for God’s will....but are actually in doubt we can’t really receive that will. Most translations say we should not "doubt"...but this is not referring to the natural struggles to understand.... but rather to actually WANT God's wisdom and ways. Here it is translated "waver"...we should not "waver." The Greek word (“dipsuchos”) literally refers to “the one with 2 minds or 2 souls within him.”
If we say we want God's wisdom...but really are not settled on choosing his will....then that double-mindedness will make us like waves tossed about in the ocean. The image is not that of shoreline waves… but mid-sea waves… WIND TOSSED waves. The wave doesn’t get to decide where it will crash onto the shore, it is simply driven without direction.
Some may recall that the Apostle Paul was experiencing some type of “thorn in the flesh.” He asks the Lord to remove it three times…but God’s response was: “My grace is sufficient for you.” In other words... God was going to show his power not my removing the problem...but providing the grace to live with it. Paul had sought wisdom ...God's perspective ....and when he could understand what God’s will had... he could now embrace the potential even in the problem.
This guiding wisdom that come when trust is captured in PROSE that many may be familiar with. It’s often referred to as the prayer of an Unknown Soldier. It says...
I asked God for strength, that I might achieve.
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey…
I asked for health, that I might do great things.
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things…
I asked for riches, that I might be happy.
I was given poverty, that I might be wise…
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men.
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God…
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life.
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things…
I got nothing I asked for—but everything I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am, among men, most richly blessed!
These words reflect a life that has sought both the wisdom of God's perspective...and the will of God for their life.
And they remind us that a big part of getting a true perspective on life... is getting a perspective on what really matters. We tend to assess our lives in relationship to power and prosperity. We think that the more attached we are to power and prosperity ...that we will have found substance and significance. But James says that in hard times... times of loss... we need to assess what really is lasting. So James continues...
James 1:9-11 (NLT) ?Believers who are poor have something to boast about, for God has honored them. 10 And those who are rich should boast that God has humbled them. They will fade away like a little flower in the field. 11 The hot sun rises and the grass withers; the little flower droops and falls, and its beauty fades away. In the same way, the rich will fade away with all of their achievements.
I imagine those James was initially speaking to...those who were dispersed... they lost a lot of security... their homes and good. They probably felt like they had lost everything.
James says, When trouble comes....
3. Set Your Values Based On What Will Last (vv 9-11)
James says in hard times you need to look even more deeply at what really matters...what really lasts. It will all be lost. What he refers to as "the hot sun" ... what other translations describe as the “scorching wind”... it literally refers to a particular S.E. wind that would come straight off the deserts and burst onto Palestine like a blast of hot air when an oven door is opened. It could shrivel all vegetation in just a few short hours.
In the same way James says nothing will last as it is. So size up your life according to what will last. If you have very little, realize that there is a divine honor... in not being bound to what will never last. If you have had a lot... embrace the humility of knowing nothing will last. The God who created the whole universe... is not enamored with what car you drive. What makes your life great...is a relationship with Him. That’s what makes us rich.
The nature of times that may be hard and harsh... times of loss... is that they help us put life into perspective. We do well to ask ourselves...what am I holding too tightly...and what do I need to take hold of even more tightly?
This season that we could tend to see as one of loss... could become a season of significant growth... if we welcome our faith to be tested...ask God for wisdom... and can see life more clearly.
Finally, James encourages us...
James 1:12 (NLT) ?God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
There is a blessing that comes when our faith can be patient and endure. [6] I imagine that many of us sense that patience and endurance are being tested in this time. Some of us may have lost sight of the goal. Like climbers who are trying to reach a summit....but because of harsh weather...they can’t see it. And they have a hard time finding the heart to keep going. Some of us may have lost sight of the goal...of what God can do in this time.
So James concludes... that when troubles come....
4. Stay the Course (v. 12)
James reminds us that our current conditions are only our current conditions. There is a goal...and the most important issue now...is how to become more prepared to reach that goal.
Life will bring troubles and trials no matter what... the question is whether we will just waste the challenges of this season... or whether we will get the rewards.
We are launching this series because we want to gain all that God has. I want to challenge you to stay the course for this entire series so you can learn what God wants you to learn in a crisis. The book of James was meant for these kinds of situations.
So I want to invite us to pray. I invite you to join me in bowing our heads and bringing ourselves before God.
If you've never opened your life to Jesus Christ, say something like this. "Jesus Christ, come into my life. Replace my fear with your love. Replace my guilt with your forgiveness. Fill me with your purpose and your power and your peace. I want to trust you in your name."
I understand that you have a purpose even in this pandemic. And I realize today that this season like others... is not just about personal comfort.... but about personal growth. May the uncertainty of this season... be an opportunity to grow in faith.... in trusting you. May you develop my endurance. Jesus... in this time in which the circumstances may seem more closed off.... I know that you are here. I welcome your presence... to be with me... to teach me.
Resources:
Richard Tow: Rick Warren - A Faith That Isn't Troubled By Troubles; David Wilson (James: An introduction and exposition of James I)
Notes:
1a. The people of Israel had never stayed faithful to God... the prophets of God had been killed or passed on...and there had now been 400 years of silence.) The people were so defined by their loss as a great nation people that they were seeking a great warrior who would rise up like King David from the past...and conquer Rome. So when Jesus began his ministry... James was not one of his 12 disciples. I imagine he was amazed at all he did hear and see... the spiritual authority and power...but it didn’t make sense until after he was sacrificed on the cross and rose from the dead.
1b. 9 Historical Facts About Jesus’ Brother James That Provide Evidence For Christianity, January 29, 2019 by Erik Manning
“Do you think that you could convince one of your siblings into believing that you’re the Son of God? Unless they were three years old, it would probably be a tough sell. After all, they’ve seen how you keep your room. So it’s a pretty amazing historical fact that Jesus’ brother James, who probably wore Jesus’ hand-me-downs, later as an adult converted to Christianity. And we know that he was sincere about his belief because he died for it. James’ martyrdom wasn’t just recorded in Christian sources (Hegesippus) but by the 1st-century Jewish historian Josephus.
In his book Antiquities of the Jews 20.200, Josephus wrote:
“But this younger Ananus, who, as we told you already, took the high priesthood, was a bold man in his temper, and very insolent…He assembled the Sanhedrin of judges and brought before them the brother of Jesus the so-called Christ, whose name was James, and some others. When he had formed an accusation against them as breakers of the law, he delivered them over to be stoned.”
James’ conversion cries out for an explanation. How could someone come to believe so strongly that their big brother was the divine Messiah?
1c. Jesus' brothers – James as well as Jude, Simon and Joses – are named in Matthew 13:55 and Mark 6:3 and mentioned elsewhere. James's name always appears first in lists, which suggests he was the eldest among them. In Jewish Antiquities (20.9. 1), Josephus describes James as "the brother of Jesus who is called Christ".
As Richard Tow notes, regarding the original relationship between Jesus and his brothers, see Mark 6:3 and John 7:1-9...in which verse 5 states that had not believed in him. But we discover something very interesting 40 days later, after the ascension of Jesus. Acts 1 takes us to the upper room where the apostles were in prayer shortly before the day of Pentecost. The list of people in the upper room includes these four brothers. Acts 1:9 “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.” In 1 Cor. 15:7 Paul tells us that after His resurrection Jesus appeared to James. That’s when James believed. James became the pastor of the church in Jerusalem. He became so devoted to Christ that he was known as James the Just. Some people said his knees were calloused like camel’s knees because he spent so much time praying. When we look at his leadership in Acts it is clear that he was the most respected leader of the whole church. In Gal. 2:9 when Paul references the pillars of the church, he lists James before Peter and John. Both Peter and Paul deferred to James.
History tells us that James was martyred at the time of the Passover in about 62 A.D. Annas, the high priest had him taken to a high place on the wing of the temple and demanded that he renounce Christ. Instead he proclaimed Jesus risen from the dead in heaven at the right hand of the Father. When he did that they threw him down off the temple. When he hit the ground they stoned him and for good measure clubbed him to death. This man, James, was one of the greatest heroes of the faith that ever lived.??2. Further introduction to James by David Wilson
James was written not to one particular congregation, but overall to congregations that were dispersed throughout the known world. Despite that, James scores a direct hit to a common problem in churches both then and now. There were those in the churches that James was writing to that considered themselves to be more spiritually mature than others. They asserted this so-called maturity and attempted to seek positions of authority, social prominence, and power within the church. ?While there were those willing to submit to such assertions and view these assertions as true, others objected and battled in an effort to assert their own prominence within the church.??Into these sad circumstances, James writes his letter, establishing a measuring stick for true spiritual maturity. By the time the churches completed the reading of this letter, I can imagine there were some red faces in the local congregations. Some should have been embarrassed because they had accepted the assertions of superiority. Some should have been ashamed because they had made the assertions. Still others should have recognized areas of shortcomings.?
3. Citation: John Ortberg, If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat (Zondervan Publishing House, 2001), p. 47+
4. I’m not saying that God plans all the bad things that happens to you. He doesn’t have to. We live in a broken world. What we know is simply that nothing comes into your life that God's fatherly heart and hand is not working with. ?Every trouble that comes can work to deepen the good in us.
Robert Browning Hamilton wrote...
"I walked a mile with Pleasure.?She chatted all the way.?She left me none the wiser,?For all she had to say.
I walked a mile with sorrow,?and never a word said she:?Bur, oh, the things I learned from her?When sorrow walked with me."
Similarly, the Apostle Peter also says,
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through as if something strange were happening to you. Instead be very glad (rejoice) because these trials will make you partners with Christ in His suffering, and afterward you will have the wonderful joy of sharing his glory when it is displayed to all the world.” - 1 Peter 4:12-13 (NLT)
Similarly, C.S. Lewis said, "God whispers to us in our pleasure, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts to us in our pain. It is His megaphone to raise a deaf world".
Whatever hardships you’re facing right now are not good as an end in themselves, but they can be a part of providing a means to growing deeper.
5. Regarding the quality referred to as "patience"...
When some translations speak of patience…we think of a patient person is someone who's not in a hurry. But the word actually means a lot more than that. As Richard Tow describes,
The Greek word hupomona that is translated patience in verse 3 is a difficult word to translate into English. It literally means a bearing up under. It’s a quality like fortitude with a component of hope—a settled confidence that is not ruffled by anything because it knows by experience God’s faithfulness. There is a big difference between a green recruit and battle-proven soldier. The recruit may have a lot of zeal but the seasoned soldier has something he doesn’t have. That seasoned soldier won’t be shaken when the shooting starts. I’ve never met anybody with much depth of character that hadn’t suffered something. It’s an almost undefinable quality that is easily discerned if you’ve been through some fire yourself—hupomona, a quality of character that is only produced through the fiery furnace of testing. James is saying, the trial is worth it because you get something in your character you would not have had otherwise.??Paul uses the same word in Romans 5:3. ?“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Rom 5:1-4). Notice how Paul uses the same pattern James does. Romans 5:3 “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations” how? “knowing” knowing what? “that tribulation produces perseverance (hupomona).?.
6. Similar thought in 1 Peter 5:10
1 Peter 5:10 (NIV) ?And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
