James 1:2-4, 12 (NIV)

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials (πειρασμοῖς [peirasmois]) of many kinds, because you know that the testing (δοκίμιον [dokimion]) of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial (πειρασμόν [peirasmon]), because, having been approved (δόκιμος [dokimos]), that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

The Greek word for trials (πειρασμοῖς [peirasmois]) can refer to difficulties or adversities intended to refine and prove faith or “baiting” meant to lure us into sin and failure.

The Greek word for testing is δοκίμιον (dokimion), meaning “proving” or “genuineness,” especially regarding faith being tested and shown authentic. Trials (πειρασμοῖς [peirasmois]) act as a neutral arbiter, revealing the intent of the heart and the actions of the individual. Trials can either refine us, proving our worthiness and producing a faith that is complete and mature, or expose a heart sown to the flesh, which results in sin.

If we pass the test, God entrusts us with greater responsibility.

After Abraham’s faith was proven, God blessed him with greater responsibility, making him the father of many nations:
“I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky.” (Genesis 22:17).
Jesus also teaches this principle:
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” (Luke 16:10).
And:
“Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:21, 23).

Temptations—trials (πειρασμοῖς [peirasmois]) that lure us into sin—come from the enemy (see the next section of James). These are meant to undermine our faith and render us ineffective or unfruitful in God’s kingdom. But praise be to God! Through His Holy Spirit, God can transform our trial (πειρασμός [peirasmos]) into a test (δοκίμος [dokimos]) that—after examination—proves our faith and character to be genuine and pure.

Conclusion

1. Trials test our faith and reveal our hearts.
2. The testing of our faith produces perseverance.
3. Perseverance—when the test is complete—produces maturity.
4. Maturity leaves us compete, so we have all we need. 

If any of you lacks wisdom (σοφίας [sophias]), let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him.

The Proverbs of Solomon: To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity, to give prudence to the simple, and knowledge and discretion. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.

Believe and do not doubt. The one who asks in doubt is (δί [di] — “two” or “double“) ψυχή (psyche) (“soul,” “mind,” or “life“). Together, δίψυχος literally means “two-souled.”

This man, though he asks God for wisdom and reads the wisdom of Proverbs, does not believe what he receives. His faith lies elsewhere. If such a man will not receive the wisdom of God plainly given in God’s Word, neither will he receive anything more from God. The soul of such a man is divided between the things of the flesh and the things of the Spirit. He is unstable in all he does, never coming to agreement on direction, dealings, or what is right.

Jesus warns, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).

Both rich and poor are brought low, (ταπεινώσει [tapeinōsei]) and will pass away like a wildflower. But the brother of low degree (ταπεινὸς [tapeinos])—who seems to have little but whose faith in the Lord is great—ought to rejoice in the glory that he is exalted (ὕψει [hypsei]). For life’s light and momentary troubles achieve for us an eternal glory that far outweighs anything we suffer in the flesh (2 Corinthians 4:17).

Above all else, ask for and gain wisdom. From Proverbs:

• The wise listen, learn, and receive discernment and guidance. (1:5)
• The wise receive a garland to grace their heads. (1:9)
• God pours out His heart to those who fear Him. (1:23)
• God shares His thoughts with the wise who revere Him. (1:23)
• Whoever listens to God will live in safety. (1:33)
• Whoever reads and believes God’s Word will be at ease and live without fear of harm. (1:33)
• If you accept God’s Word as truth and store His commands in your heart, you may call out for insight and receive instruction. (2:1–3)
• Those who are wise in God’s Word will cry aloud for understanding. They will look for it as they would for silver. They will search for it as for hidden treasure. They will respect the Lord God and His Word and receive understanding in all things. (2:5)
• The Lord gives wisdom to the humble who submit to Him. (2:6)
• From the Lord’s mouth come knowledge and understanding. If you lack direction and discernment, ask the Lord. (2:6)
• Victory is in store for those who have the righteousness of Jesus in them. (2:7)

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” God cannot—and thus will not—be tempted by evil. God does he tempt anyone. 

Birth of Death 

• Each person is dragged away when by their evil desire they take the δέλεαρ bait.
• In Greek literature, δελεάζω is often used in contexts related to hunting or fishing, describing how bait is used to lure prey. ἕλκω is often paired with δελεάζω, meaning “to drag” or “to draw forcibly.” ἐπιθυμία (epithymia) means desires or lusts, which are the internal “lure” that matches the external bait.
• Then, desire conceives.
• In due time, unless aborted, desire’s conception gives birth to sin.
• Sin, if allowed to live, when full-grown, gives birth to death.

Example: Eve saw the forbidden fruit (bait). In her heart she desired it. The bait aligned with a desire in her heart and Eve conceived. Despite God’s command, Eve took the bait and acted on the desire in her heart. Her sin “conceived” death, leading to spiritual separation from God and bringing death into the world.

The name Eve in Hebrew is חַוָּה (Chavvah), derived from the root חָיָה (chayah), meaning “to live” or “to give life.” Her name is significant because she would become “the mother of all the living.” Eve means “life” or “living,” and yet she gave birth to death. In what ways are we, who are created to give life and nurture all living things God places under our dominion, giving birth to death today? 

God Gives Us Holy Birth

• Through His word of truth, God’s seed σπέρμα (sperma) finds a good heart.
• God’s word seed, when planted in a good heart, takes root. Jesus says:
• “The kingdom of God is like a man who scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.” Mark 4:26-29
• In this way, we are a kind of spiritual firstfruits of all God created. 

Eve, as the “mother of all the living,” represents the flesh, but Jesus, as the “firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20), gives us Jesus’ Spirit and brings eternal life. On the Feast of Firstfruits, Jesus rose, fulfilling the promise of new life through resurrection. At Pentecost, God poured out His Spirit on those who believed in Jesus. Thus, we who are believers became the firstfruits of God’s spiritual harvest, fulfilling the Feast of Weeks. In this way, God redeemed creation God and restored the broken relationship between man and God.

Monday nights at 7, Christ’s Church at Moore Square hosts a “Jesus Study” at the picnic tables in Moore Square or at Subway, 234 Fayetteville St. Dates: December through February—Subway. March through November—picnic tables in the park.