Steadfast Faith: The Tests of a Genuine Faith

Greetings to you, Radiant Friends,

Are you wondering how much longer we will sit right here parked in the middle of James 1? Well, not much longer, I promise. There’s just so much Truth to explore! This chapter is so dense with necessary instruction for running the race and staying the course!  

From the beginning, we’ve noted that this whole book is filled with commands and instructions. But there’s something else to be found as well. Some believe that the book of James contains not only a series of instructions, but also a series of tests.  

A Series of Tests of Genuine Faith.  

These tests may very well be ways for us to evaluate our own spiritual growth. And even more weighty than that, these chapters may even test the genuineness of our faith in general! Think back to the two articles I wrote to you about “What to Do,” and “What Not to Do.” What if those illustrations and word pictures are not only instructions…what if they are also a litmus test. That would mean 

James is imploring us to first have a genuine faith

AND ALSO

develop a steadfast faith.

I'm sorry I didn't warn you in advance that today was test day.  Below, I’ll outline the tests I see just in chapter one. You might want to take a minute to re-read James 1, then see what you think. I’ve given names to each test - just because I think that sort of thing if fun. :-) In fact, I’ve given each test more than one title. Feel free to pick your favorites. :-)

Test #1 

The Test of Steadfastness in Suffering 

Patience in Pain 

Endurance in Trials

(I know. That’s 3 different titles. I couldn’t stop myself!)

Parts of the Test

A. Have you exhibited consistent, gradual, spiritual growth over time?

B. Do you consistently put your faith into action even when life is hard?

C. Do you seek and also heed God’s wisdom?

D. Do you faithfully pray to the Giver of Good Gifts when you lack something?

E. Does your faith remain steadfast in the face of pain and life’s pressures?

F. Do you have a humble posture toward material wealth?

Test #2

The 'Blame Game' in Temptation

Knowing Who’s Who in Trials

Part of the Test

A. Have you falsely accused God? Or do you tend trust Him and His character when you’re confused?

B. Are you in the habit of taking responsibility for your own sin?

C. Are you careful to repent and forsake sin and evil desires rather than persisting in sinful desires and actions?

D. Do you tend to trust the sufficiency of God’s good gifts to you in times of temptation or trial? 

E. Have you been careful not to misuse God’s gifts for sinful purposes?

Test #3

The Hearing Test and the Mobility Test

The Test of Being a Hearer and Doer of the Word

The Test of Responding to the Word

Parts of the Test

A. Are you usually slow to speak - remaining quiet and listening when needed?

B. Are you known to be patient rather than quickly giving in to anger?

C. Do you regularly renounce sin and anything unholy, impure, or worldly in your life? Do you maintain a life that is “unstained” by the world by living beyond reproach?

D. How teachable are you? Is your heart posture humble enough to hear God’s voice of conviction and engage in a regular process of self-examination?

E. Part One of Hearing and Doing

Are you a regular hearer of the Word? Do you believe you are 'super-spiritual' for reading, studying, memorizing, or even teaching the Bible?  

No matter how you answer these questions, please see part two of this test. 

E. Part Two: Part Two of Hearing and Doing

Has the Word of God gradually and consistently changed the way you live? Specifically, has it transformed your attitudes, beliefs, speech, decisions, and morality? 

F. Do you have a heart of compassion for the vulnerable? AND how are you taking action on their behalf?  

For the sake of spurring one another on toward love and good deeds - and just encouraging each other - I wish we could sit around the table and discuss these tests together. Please sit before the Lord and discuss your answers with Him. I pray you also have at least one friend you can discuss and pray with as well.  As we are instructed in James 5:16, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”

May we all be people of genuine faith in the Lord Jesus. And may our perseverance develop in us a steadfast faith that honors Him.

Looking to Him,

Tina

P.S. Which parts of these tests are hardest for you? What might this mean for you? What might you need to do?