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James 1 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
There are so many believers I talk with who tell me that their favorite book is James. It makes sense. The book structure is written with direct language and plain explanations. James comes across as a fiery, in-your-face pastor who gets right to the heart of the matter without mincing words. He isn’t particularly concerned about deep intellectual persuasion, but practical and personal application. If you like people who give you the truth without any sugar-coating, James is your book!
With that being said, the man of James is also somewhat mysterious to us. Though he was Jesus’ brother, he would initially not believe in Him.
For not even His brothers were believing in Him.
John 7:5 NASB
At some point, after he came to the faith, he was established as a foundational leader in the church. In fact, in Galatians, Paul calls him a “pillar.”
and recognizing the grace that had been given to me, James and Cephas and John, who were reputed to be pillars,
Galatians 2:9a NASB
James as a leader is viewed as lesser in comparison to Peter or Paul. However, it’s worthy to consider that at the Jerusalem conference in Acts 15, it was not Peter or Paul who gave the most powerful speech, but rather, James. It was typically the custom to reserve the final speech for the most influential leader, and in this case, that spot was reserved for James.
In Chapter 1, James comes out firing. His opening statement is enough to make a lukewarm Christian take notice.
Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
James 1:2-3 HCSB
The word translated endurance is the Greek word ‘hupomone.’ Other translations use the words patience, perseverance, and steadfastness. It is a unique trait. A helpful way of understanding what James is describing is to consider sticking with something long enough to see pain turn into opportunity. It’s not just waiting things out. Hupomone means actively moving forward through pain and suffering patiently and expectantly to find the treasure hidden inside. Uhhh… easier said than done right?
I am slowly learning what this means. I have realized that when I am put under stress and suffering I tend to “numb” myself with mindless activities just to get through the day. When I get anxious, I will turn on the TV instead of praying. I will eat comfort food to make me feel better. Some people shop. Others turn to addictive behaviors. James, like always, challenges this type of reaction in the very next verse.
But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.
James 1:4 HCSB
What I’ve come to realize is that ignoring the problem doesn’t make it go away. Numbing my mind will only help in the short term, but more importantly, it will rob me of my opportunity to mature. Allowing my circumstances to overwhelm me to the point of pursuing Christ with patient endurance is what I need. Honestly, I still struggle with this… a lot.
I ask myself, why don’t I want to pray instead of numb my mind? Why don’t I want to worship or open my Bible instead of veg out? I think our culture contributes as well. In our sanitized lifestyle here in the West, we hardly know what it’s like to really suffer. We have so many other vices we can go to try and find comfort, and honestly, the world around us endorses them.
James accurately challenges the idea that trials are above God’s sovereignty. The truth is, people who are spiritually immature do not possess much hupomone. If they did, according to James’ definition, they would be mature! Help me, Father, to view the trials of this life as an opportunity to become an effective disciple of Jesus!