James 1:2-8
Let me offer an explanation first if you will allow me. From this scripture we can deduce four things at a minimum:
EXPLANATION
1. The testing of our faith produces steadfastness.
2. If we allow steadfastness to have its full effect, we will only then be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
3. We who lack wisdom, must simply ask God who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given.
4. Ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.
ILLUSTRATION
1. The testing of our faith produces steadfastness.
Does God test our faith? Certainly not for we are tested by Satan while God watches over us. It may seem cruel but we must remember it was man (and woman) who defied God and it was God who consequently doomed man (and woman) to a life of hardships. He gave us over to Satan who was who man (and woman) made their god instead of the Creator of the universe and all things.
We are all tested by Satan…just as Christ was when in the desert for 40 days and nights.
Matthew 4:1-4 WEB
In the case of Christ, it was to show Satan who was mightier. With us, it is how strong our faith is in Christ who conquered Satan on the cross after being tempted by Satan.
Christ did not succumb nor should you or me. We have Christ in our corner and who better to have than the King of kings and Lord of Lords. Amen.
2. If we allow steadfastness to have its full effect, we will only then be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Steadfastness refines us as iron ore is to steel. We are told that it perfects us and that we will lack nothing. We are also told that completeness can only be achieved if we remain steadfast in our faith. That must be our goal…write that down.
The question becomes what does it mean “to allow it to have its full effect?” It means that our steadfastness cannot be only “sometimes” but at “all times.”
It means that it will take work. By our sinful nature it does NOT come naturally or easily. It will NOT come overnight. You could say that it will take a lifetime, and it will. We will NOT be perfect until we meet Jesus in the clouds, but we must NOT let that keep us from striving for that perfection...that steadfastness.
3. We who lack wisdom, must simply ask God who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given.
Who does not need wisdom. Only those who do not ask…since it is a free gift from God…just waiting for the 'asking'.
What is this thing “without reproach?” It means without disgrace or scorn. If God was NOT a forgiving God, He would have every reason to hold us with scorn and to treat us with disgust and disgrace...But He does NOT. We are always treated as one of His Children, because we are. What love our Lord has for us. It is never-ending and as strong as the day He created us...the day He gave us our first breath of live. Amen.
4. Ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.
When we doubt, it sends a message of mistrust…mistrusting God is never "a good thing!"
The analogy of “driven and tossed...like a wave...driven by the sea is a good one. A wave has nothing to contain it. It is nothing more than water being pushed to and fro.
That is what a person without a steadfast faith without doubt is like. That person goes with the flow...one day to the left, the next to the right, never reaching their destination.
We do NOT want to be that kind of person for that final destination for that person is judgment and possibly a horrible “tormentuous” end. That my friend is a “Timblinism!”
So now that we know more about the ONE THING...How do we apply that which we learned?
APPLICATION
1. The testing of our faith produces steadfastness.
A good example of steadfastness is our position on the age of the earth. If we side with the believers of an "old earth", we have betrayed our faith. We have favored that which is a lie over God's published truth.
How would God view us and our faith? We must defend that which He has written. It shows character and it takes strength…and strength begets strength.
How about evolution? Should we NOT dispel that nasty rumor and lie? Our kids and grand-kids are being taught a lie in their schools and books. What can we do you ask? Attend PTA meetings even if we have not young ones left at home.
2. If we allow steadfastness to have its full effect, we will only then be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
We can begin to practice what is preached. While are steadfastness is taking effect, we can help others to become perfect and complete.
The Bible says that only once His Gospel has been extended around this globe, He will return...so let each one of us do our part.
Matthew 24:13-14
What can you do to spread His Gospel? Write it down. Make goals. Put them on your fridge. Work towards attaining perfection. It’s a long road, but a road is only long that is NOT traveled...another Timblinism.
3. We who lack wisdom, must simply ask God who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given.
When was the last time you asked God for wisdom? Are you full? Do you have enough?
I know that I could use lots of wisdom and I need to ask Him for more and what do with it.
Look what happened to Solomon...the wisest man who ever lived. He asked and he received and we need to do the same. Amen.
1 Kings 3:7-12 WEB
4. Ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.
This last one is tough to apply because it is our nature to doubt and say “NO.”
From the time we could first talk, we said the “N” word.
We must NOT say it to our God.
He wants to lead us to eternal life in Him. He is the “WAY” so let Him lead you and me there and never doubt Him. He knows best.
Sometimes it may feel as though things are going wrong or badly, but that is the time for steadfastness. That is the time to open up His Word. That is the time to kneel and pray. Amen.
BENEDICTION
Father in Heaven, we ask You for wisdom and help with our steadfastness. Let us feel Your touch. Make us stronger O LORD. This is our prayer. Amen.
And always remember, God loves you and so do I.
