CHAPTER 1

James 1:1-2 James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings. My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various TRIALS

Note: “when,” not “if.” This word “trials” has the specific meaning of ”putting to the test to see what’s there.” We count it joy, when we see what is there. We see how the Lord has worked.

James 1:2 ”My brethren, count it all JOY”

“Count” is an attitude word. In any testing  our choice is to pick our attitude. This does not mean we live happily over the loss of a loved one or financial loss. Circumstances determine happiness. It means we find our joy in the Lord in spite of our circumstances, because we are anticipating what we will do.

James 1:3 Knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.

The word for testing here (dokimon) means something different than the word for trials in verse 2 (Grk. peirasmos – putting to the test to see what is there). Here testing (dokimon), meaning “putting to a test for approval.” God approves our endurance and enduring trials brings patience proving our trust in the Lord.

James 1:4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

“Complete, lacking nothing” is the definition of “perfect” already in this verse. “Perfect” (teleios) does not mean “having no imperfections.” It means “finding the purpose for which designed.”

James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

Godly wisdom looks at life from God’s point of view. This wisdom comes by the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10), the Word (Col. 3:16), tuning in to the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 2:13). He gives in abundance (James 1:5).

James 1:6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.

Note the kind of asking we  must do.  We receive by asking in faith, hearing God speaking to the situation. God will give us the true wisdom in responding to what He has communicated to us.

James 1:7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;