The God of James 1

Dear Radiant Friends looking to Christ, 

You might not know this, but I have been praying for you. I pray for those who read this blog. And as I prayed for you this past couple of weeks, I couldn’t help but wonder how my last blog post impacted you. I can see how it could be pretty challenging to read! We looked at the possibility that James has provided us with more than a list of instructions, but a collections of tests…tests of our faith. We looked a number of ways to examine our walk to see if our faith is genuine and whether it will be steadfast.  

In the test I labeled the “Blame Game” or “Knowing Who’s Who in Trials," we were challenged to ask ourselves whether we accurately understand who God is and accurately understand His character. I feel strongly that we need to elaborate on this today, in this, our last blog post on James 1. Yes, we spent about 5 months in James 1. If you’ve stuck with me so far, you are definitely developing steadfastness! :-)

Any time I study a book or passage of Scripture, I love to take time to really notice how the Holy Spirit-inspired writer has described God. For instance, if we look at James 1, what do we learn about God? Take a few minutes now to re-read James chapter one, then let me share a few things that struck me as significant! 

We learn from the very first verse, James 1:1, that God is worthy of being served. James opens with the words, “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.” As a servant, James appropriately acknowledged God as his Master and Lord. I wonder if these ideas are foreign concepts for us modern day Americans. A master or lord is someone who owns, possesses, and has the power over someone or something. It means they have the rights to the person or thing as well. It also indicates a position of sovereignty and control. And finally, it is a position that is to garner reverence and respect. This is one way James has helped us see God’s greatness.   

We also learn early on that God is wise. Already in verse 5 James makes it clear that God is our source of true wisdom. We can ask Him for wisdom, and He will provide it. That leads us to another theme of chapter one…

More than one time in chapter one, James lets his readers know that

God is a Generous Giver.

James 1:5 tells us that God gives wisdom, and that He gives it generously. James 1:17 says it most clearly, “Every good and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights.” James reminds us in verse 4 that even the trials of life serve to ensure we “lack nothing.” And the chapter ends with an appeal to care for those who lack physical means. Our generous God had provided for James and the impoverished church in Jerusalem, and James is sure to remind his readers that we are to imitate God's generosity by caring for orphans and widows. 

Notice too that our God who is worthy to be served, wise, and generous - is not tempted by sin and does not tempt anyone to sin (James 1:13). Our God is pure and holy! Have you ever just sat and meditated on that!? I have - and not near often enough! How much does it mean to you that our God will not, cannot sin against you? Not ever! Absolutely never. If, in the middle of pain and confusion, you have found yourself wondering if something sinful might actually be God’s will for you…NO! It is NOT! I know the enemy is bold enough to tell you such lies. Please be bold enough to walk away. Actually, run away. Remain steadfast!

Let’s look at one other way James has described God in the first chapter of his letter. In verse 17 James says that with the Lord, "there is no variation or shadow due to change.” He has reminded us that God never changes. We can always count on Him to be the same perfect God He always has been! There will never be even the slightest shift in His holy character! We can always count on Him!

If we look at what James has said about God, we see God’s greatness expressed in His sovereignty and power. And we see that greatness balanced with God's goodness, expressed in His wisdom, generosity, and holiness. And because these are all true…and will never change…this all means

HE IS TRUSTWORTHY.

In times of trials.

In times of testing.

In times of need.

In times of confusion.

In times of temptation.

He is great, and He is good.

He is worthy of our steadfast faith.

We can trust that He wants good for us

…AND…

He has the power to carry it out!  

What does this mean for us? What type of response does this require from us? In general, here’s one way to look at it: 

God is always worthy of being trusted  

AND 

God is always worthy of being obeyed.

We can be steadfast because He is steadfast.

Specifically, here are the examples James has given us for application in every day life. Act in faith instead of doubt. Follow wisdom when you’re confused. Keep a humble view of material wealth and use it to help the vulnerable. Bridle your tongue and listen rather than speaking in anger. Live holy lives like the Lord rather than being stained by worldliness, wickedness, or filthiness. Read Scripture - and then put it into practice.  Respect, revere, and serve your Master.  He is a good Master. 

These are all things that mattered to James very much. They mattered so much that he will revisit them again in the coming chapters! That’s one reason I’ve spent so much time in chapter 1. It truly introduces the rest of James’ letter. So next time, we will move into chapter 2! Buckle up though! It’ll be quite a ride! Let’s see this book through to the end! Let’s remain steadfast!

Looking to Him,

Tina

P.S. As I’ve been studying for today’s blog post, I have been reminded over and over of the hymn Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing. I encourage you to take time to look up its lyrics. Then find an arrangement you like, and sing it! Worship the God and Master from whom all blessings flow!

P.S.S. As you may already know, I’ve written a Bible study called Through Seasons of Beauty. It’s based on Ecclesiastes 3 and highlights that even in the hardest of seasons and trials, God makes all things beautiful. In this study, I’ve emphasized God’s greatness and goodness as much as possible, because I believe one of our biggest obstacles in remaining steadfast is misunderstanding God’s heart in the hard seasons. If you’d like to check out the Bible study and teaching videos, they are available right here on this website.