Some Trials Christians Face
Introduction
James 1:9-18
{9} But let the brother of humble circumstances glory in his high position; {10} and let the rich man glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away. 11} For the sun rises with a scorching wind, and withers the grass; and its flower falls off, and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so too the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away. {12} Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. {13} Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. {14} But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. {15} Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. {16} Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. {17} Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation, or shifting shadow.
I just returned from the Southern Baptist Convention in Atlanta. Billy Graham spoke even though his doctors told him to cancel all his speaking engagements. You know Billy Graham was just last week in the hospital. He told a funny joke. He said a man was skipping up and down the hallway in the hospital and was asked why he was doing that. The man said, "The doctor told me to take my medicine one day but to skip the next." Billy Graham then said, "I'm here today because this is my day to skip."
This great servant of God has faced many trials and most recently trials related to health. In the text James shares with us concerning trials. We can look at these words as:
1. The Trials Related To . . Substance.
2. The Trials Related To . . Steadfastness
3. The Trials Related To . . Sincerity.
I. Trials Related To . . Substance. v 9-11
9 But let the brother of humble circumstances glory in his high position; 10} and let the rich man glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away. {11} For the sun rises with a scorching wind, and withers the grass; and its flower falls off, and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so too the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away.
A. Trial of being Poor in Substance. v 9
"But let the brother of humble ircumstances. . . "
1. Note the . . Condition of the poor. ". . . of humble circumstances. . . "
a. Humble. Strong's # 5011 tapeinos (tap-I-nos'); of uncertain derivation;
depressed, i.e. (figuratively) humiliated (in circumstances or disposition):
James 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. (KJV)
2. Note the . . Contrast of the poor. v 9 b
". . . glory in his high position; . . . "
a. The cross brings down the high and lifts up the low.
b. He is a King's Kid. King of Kings and Lord of Lords
B. Trial of being Rich in Substance. v 10-11
10} and let the rich man glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away. {11} For the sun rises with a scorching wind, and withers the grass; and its flower falls off, and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so too the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away.
1. Note the . . Humility of the Rich. ". . . and let the rich man glory in his humiliation,. . . "
Rich 32 times 30 times rich or richly, 2 times abundantly
Strong's # 4146 plousios (ploo-see'-oce); adverb from 4145; copiously:
Strong's # 4145 plousios (ploo'-see-os); from 4149; wealthy; abounding with:
Strong's # 4149 ploutos (ploo'-tos); from the base of 4130; wealth (as fullness),
2. Note the . . Handicap of the Rich. v 10 b & 11 b
"... like flowering grass he will pass away. " v 10 b
"... the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away. " v 11 b
ILLUSTRATION: # 1
James uses an Illustration of the grass or a flower beautiful in spring but faded and dead looking in the fall. Look at these two roses one is beautiful and one is drab an unappealing. Life for the rich man ends just like the poor man. Rich persons need to glory in the Lord and not their riches.
ILLUSTRATION: # 2
A Queen of England is supposed to have said, "I got into heaven by the grace of God and the letter "M". You see the bible in 1 Cor 1:26 says ". . . not many noble, it does not say, not any noble."
APPLICATION:
There are trials related to substance. A trial of too much substance and a trial of too little substance. James teaches us to focus on our salvation and our trials will lessen.
II. Trials Related To Steadfastness v 12-15
A. Steadfastness in Trails Brings Wisdom about . . Approval. v 12 b
12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
Temptation in NT 20 times always temptation. Perhaps more the idea of Temptation from the outside.
Strong's # 3986 peirasmos (pi-ras-mos'); from 3985; a putting to proof (by experiment [of good], experience [of evil], solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication, adversity:
Temptation in NT 38 times various translations; try, prove examine. Perhaps more the idea of Temptation from the inside.
Strong's # 3985 peirazo (pi-rad'-zo); from 3984; to test i.e. endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline:
Strong's # 3984 peira (pi'-rah); from the base of 4008 (through the idea of piercing); a test, experience:
1 Cor 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (KJV)
temptation=3986, tempted = 3985
Tried v 12 7 times in KJV, 6 Times translated approved.
Strong's # 1384 dokimos (dok'-ee-mos); from 1380; properly, acceptable i.e. approved:
Strong's # 1380 dokeo (dok-eh'-o); a prolonged form of a primary verb, doko (dok'-o) (used only
in an alternate in certain tenses; compare the base of 1166) to think; by implication, to seem
(truthfully or uncertainly):
KJV "Tried" only in James 1:12
2 Tim 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (KJV)
also check 1 Pet. 4:12
B. Steadfastness In Trials Brings Wisdom about . . Awards. v 12 b
Note the different use of the Greek words according to Strongs numbers.
12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
Crown v 12 - Strong's # 4735 stephanos (stef'-an-os); from an apparently primary stepho (to twine or wreathe);
Mark 15:17 And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head. (KJV)
5 Crowns mentioned in the NT
Soul Winner's Crown
Philippians 4:1 (NASB) Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, so stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.
1 Thessalonians 2:19 (NASB) For who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation? Is it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming?
The Righteous Looker's Crown NASB
2 Tim. 4:8 in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.
The Martyr's Crown
James 1:12 (NASB) Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
Revelation 2:10 (NASB) 'Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
The Pastor's Crown
1 Peter 5:4 (NASB) And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
The Victor's Crown
1 Corinthians 9:25 (NASB) And everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.
Losing your crown
Revelation 3:11 (NASB) 'I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, in order that no one take your crown.
C. Steadfastness in Trials Brings Wisdom about . . Announcements. v 13
Note the different use of the Greek words according to Strongs numbers. #551 and #3985
13 Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone.
v 13 Tempted see 3985 above,
v 13 cannot be tempted Strong's # 551 apeirastos (ap-I'-ras-tos); from 1 (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of 3987; untried, i.e. not temptable:
D. Steadfastness In Trials Brings Wisdom About . . Allurements. v 14-15
#3985
14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust.
15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.
v 14 tempted = 3985
v 14 drawn
Strong's # 1828 exelko (ex-el'-ko); from 1537 and 1670; to drag forth, i.e. (figuratively) to entice (to sin):
Strong's # 1537 ek (ek) or ex (ex); a primary preposition denoting origin , from, out (of place, time, or cause;
Strong's # 1670 helkuo (hel-koo'-o); or helko (hel'-ko); probably akin to 138; to drag (literally or figuratively): v 14 lust
Strong's # 1939 epithumia (ep-ee-thoo-mee'-ah); from 1937; a longing (especially for what is forbidden): Strong's # 1937 epithumeo (ep-ee-thoo-meh'-o); from 1909 and 2372; to set the heart upon, i.e. l desire KJV
Luke 22:15 And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer: v 14 enticed
Strong's # 1185 deleazo (del-eh-ad'-zo); from the base of 1388; to entrap, i.e. (figuratively) delude: Strong's # 1388 dolos (dol'-os); from an obsolete primary verb, dello (probably meant to decoy;
2 Pet 2:18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they "allure" through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. (KJV)
v 15 lust = 1939
v 15 conceived
Strong's # 4815 sullambano (sool-lam-ban'-o); from 4862 and 2983; to clasp, seize, specifically, to conceive
Strong's # 4862 sun (soon); a primary preposition denoting union; with or together
Strong's # 2983 lambano (lam-ban'-o); a prolonged form of a primary verb, to take KJV
Luke 1:31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
v 15 finished
Strong's # 658 apoteleo (ap-ot-el-eh'-o); from 575 and 5055; to complete entirely, i.e. consummate:
Strong's # 575 apo (apo'); a primary particle; "off," i.e. away (from something near), I
Strong's # 5055 teleo (tel-eh'-o); from 5056; to end, ie. complete, execute, conclude,
ILLUSTRATION:
Fish are drawn to the bait because of the inward desire for food. There is a similarity to this scripture.
Song I Must Tell Jesus - Last verse "Oh how the world to evil allures me,. . . "
APPLICATION:
Not only do we have trials Related to Substance, and Trials Related to Steadfastness. We have Trials Related To . . Sincerity.
III. Trials Related To Sincerity. v 16-17
A. Sincerity and the trial of . . Deception. v 16 KJV Err
"Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. . . . "
v 16 deceived
Strong's # 4105 planao (plan-ah'-o); from 4106; to roam (from safety, truth, or virtue):
Strong's # 4106 feminine of 4108 # 4108 of uncertain affinity; roving an impostor
2 Tim 3:13 KJV
But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
B. Sincerity and the trial of . . Discerning. v 17
Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation, or shifting shadow.
v 17 variableness
Strong's # 3883 parallage (par-al-lag-ay'); from 3844 and 236; transmutation
Strong's # 3844 para (par-ah'); a near; before, by, # 236 allasso (al-las'-so); from 243; to make different:
v 17 Shadow only time in NT Strong's # 644 aposkiasma (ap-os-kee'-as-mah); from a compound of 575 and a derivative of 4639; a shading off, i.e. obsuration: # 4639 skia (skee'-ah); "shade" or a shadow
v 17 turning Strong's # 5157 trope (trop-ay'); from an apparently primary trepo (to turn); a (figuratively, variation):
1. Discerning . . Good gifts. v 17 a " Every good thing bestowed . . . "
2. Discerning . . Good givers. v 17 b " . . . perfect gift is from above, . . . "
3. Discerning . . God's continued good gifts. v 17 c ". . . coming down from the Father . . ."
4. Discerning . . God's Consistency in giving. v 17 d " . . . there is no variation,. . . " .
ILLUSTRATION:
A pastor visited the hospital. He prayed with one of the members of his church who was a patient. A lady across the hall called out visit me too, visit me too. As he walked across the hall the lady said I heard you pray and I like for you to pray for me too. The pastor asked her if she knew the Lord. She did not but was willing to hear so he told her. He then asked her if she would pray a sinners prayer. She agreed and followed the pastor's lead as he gave her words to pray.
Following the prayer she said "I don't see how just saying those words can make me a Christian". The pastor said "your are absolutely right, you must make those words as a commitment of your life to Jesus as Lord." They prayed again and the lady's face light up like the new born child of God she had just become.
APPLICATION:
The trial of Sincerity begins with a prayer confessing Jesus as Lord and admitting your need for salvation.
We Have Trials of: . . Substance. Steadfastness and Sincerity.