Back during the first century in Jewish culture traditionally Jewish Synagogues you had to buy your seat in the synagogue. So obviously the one who had more money, was going to get a better seat in the synagogue. That’s what James is talking about here in the scriptures . James is saying…

My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. (or show favoritism) That’s why here at Church, everyone sits wherever they want. This is the New Covenant in Christ, this is what the Church, the Body of Christ is about, we are all equal or one in Christ. You can sit wherever you want here free of charge.

So then James tells us a story, basically if a rich guy walks in your assembly (Church), he has nice clothes and jewelry, and you give them the best seat in the house, you are showing favoritism. While the poor person walks in and you tell them , you better go sit back there

have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? (4)

So we are making judgements based on peoples physical appearance or social status, ect. And this happens all the time in life, doesn’t it? Even in Churches, One Sunday during our worship service a woman came in here, track marks up and down her arms and legs, high as a kite, and she sat there for most of the service. And we were glad to have her here, because we want her to get saved, we want her to encounter Jesus Christ, but the reality is most Churches from my experience, would probably have thrown her out. Lets be honest, or I hear all the time people are afraid to take their kids to certain Churches because they get scolded or dirty looks, and I’m not up here trying to say we do everything perfect, but what I will say is I never want to be a stumbling block for someone to come to Christ. 

So James is trying to teach that the New Covenant in Christ is not the same as the world or even the Old Covenant. We are all One in Jesus Christ, we are all brothers and sisters in Christ, we are a family of God

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28

Love Your Neighbor

If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well; (v8)

What a concept , James quotes his brother Jesus. The royal law he calls it , Love your neighbor as yourself, this means if you want to be treated equally with respect, then treat others equally with respect. This is why Christianity is so radically different from the rest of the world. Because our identity is in Jesus Christ, therefor we are one in Christ. Think about everyone in this room, there are people of different ages and backgrounds, but we are united in Jesus Christ. 

For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:14

Consider Jesus story about the Good Samaritan..Luke 10

30Then Jesus answered and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among [i]thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. 33But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. 34So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35On the next day, [j]when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’ 36So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?”

37And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.”

Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors. (9)

But James continues to warn here, listen if you guys keep showing favoritism , you guys keep elevating some people over another, within the Church, you guys are in sin, you guys are breaking The Law of God, because what did Paul just say “Love your neighbor is the fulfillment of The Law” 

Keep The Law

For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty. (10-12)

Now I know alot of us are thinking, man I judged certain people, I’m guilty of this myself, I have broken the Law of God, I’m a sinner, yeah welcome to the club. Remember a little earlier in chapter 1 James said the “Word of God was like a mirror” The Ten Commandments, the Law of God reveals to us we have all fallen short, we are all sinners, it reveals to us all we need a Savior. The Good News is God provided that Savior for us Jesus Christ

James brings up a good point here, he says you can try and keep the whole Law of God, you can try, but if you mess up in one spot, your guilty of breaking the entire law of God. This is where you need to understand , its only by the grace of God in our faith in Jesus Christ, that we are saved. You are not going to save yourself, your going to stumble and fall, put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ for salvation

Show Mercy

For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. (13)

Mercy triumphs over judgement, this is actually for us to comprehend as humans. We don’t like showing mercy to people, lets be honest. But James warns there will be judgement with no mercy, for the one who shows no mercy. Consider what Jesus says about this…

Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy. (Matthew 5:7)

Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful. (Luke 6:36)

Conclusion:

1. There is no favoritism in the Church, the Body of Christ
2. Love Your Neighbor as Yourself
3. We are all sinners
4. Mercy over Judgement
5. We Are One In Christ

For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread. I Corinthians 10:17

I think this is a great text for Communion this morning, to the world we are all seperated by class and race, but in Jesus Christ we are One Body, there is no favoritism in the family of God.  Everyone is welcomes to The Lords Table, you have a seat there , that nobody can buy, but your place at The Table was bought with the blood of Jesus Christ. Through Christ you have been unified by his body and blood, Born Again in the Holy Spirit,  Amen

So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. (19-20)

If I can provide some marriage counseling for this morning…its this verse…all the woman say Amen? Listen More and Speak Less! Right? We have 2 ears and 1 mouth…

But also, when were always talking we are never listening, right? Its important that we listen to people more than we talk. Now I know this is easier said than done, but this is godly wisdom you can apply to your lives..especially your relationships

Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.Proverbs 10:19  NLT

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1 NIV

Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. Colossians 4:6

Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. Ephesians 4:29

So as we can see in the Bible, our words are important, we need to remember to listen more and talk less….Amen?

Doer of The Word

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; -for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. (22-24)

Another challenge the Apostle James presents to us, is are we hypocritical Christians? Being Hypocritical in our daily lives, our marriages, our friendships, raising our children, our workplace…Do we do what we actually say? We talk the talk but do we walk the walk? James says Dont just heard the Word of God, actually Do The Word of God. We know alot of people who like to beat people over the heads with the Bible, but they themselves are guilty themselves…

Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth. 1 John 3:18

consider what Jesus says..

24“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.

26“But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.” (Matthew 7:24-27)

Jesus says anyones who hears the Word of God and actually is a doer, actually does the will of God, is like a wise person who builds their life upon a solid foundation, obviously that foundation is Christ. So when the storms of life come in, trials and testing, you will be able to stand against these things. But the person who listens to the Word of God and doesn’t actually apply them , is a foolish person who builds their life upon sand, so when the trials and testing come, their faith totally collapses, because they are hypocrites. You have to be a doer of the word, by faith follow Jesus, not just a hearer of the word

False Religion

If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. (26)

Now James talks about false religion, many people can call themselves Christian, but does their life really reflect this? Again going back to James saying be a Doer of the Word and not just a Hearer. But also James goes back to our words, if you don’t keep control of your words, you deceive yourself and your religion is useless. This goes back to listen more and speak less, if we are hypocritical our religion is worthless….religion is only good if its truthful…..lets consider what Jesus said

But I tell you that for every careless word that people speak, they will give an account of it on the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:36-37

Here’s another scary thought, every word that you speak, you will have to give an account for it on judgement day. By your words you will be justified and condemned, that’s not my opinion, thats the words of our Lord Jesus Christ. So this should make us a little more serious about the words we speak, right? 

James then gives us an example of what true Christianity looks like…

Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. (27)

Help people, right its one thing to preach to people but actually practice what you preach. And to keep yourselves from this world, right resist temptation as James taught earlier….again consider what Jesus says….

35for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ (Matthew 25:35-36)

45Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me 

This is what Jesus demonstrates what true Christianity looks like, we as the Church are the Salt of the Earth, the Light of the World, we are the hands and feet of Christ. Think about what Jesus said, for whatever you do for the least of these, the lowly of the people, you did it for Jesus, think about that. 

Conclusion:

1. Listen more and Speak Less
2. Be accountable for your words- they will condemn you
3. Be a Doer of the Word Not just a listener- Don’t be a Hypocrite
4. False Religion is useless- don’t just say you are a Christian- live for Christ
5. Whatever you do for the least of these, you do it for Jesus

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

True religion is to be a doer of the Word and not just a Hearer, if we call ourselves Christians, we should act like Christ. Be slow to speak and quick to listen, love and forgive one another, because Christ loves us and has forgiven us, Amen!

Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, (v9)

Let the brother in humble circumstances glory in his high position [as a born-again believer, called to the true riches and to be an heir of God]; (AMP)

The Apostle James is telling you, to rejoice and have glory , no matter what your position is in this world, think about this there are many people in our prison systems that are getting saved, there are many prisoners who are recieving Jesus and becoming born again, those people are more blessed than the unsaved people in the outside world.  Jesus taught us many examples that the Kingdom of God will not work like the world. Jesus said the First Will Be Last and the Last Will Be First, Jesus was flipping the script of society as we know it. To the world, and to this first century culture , the rich man seems to be blessed, He must be in good favor with God, right? However he might be spiritually poor 

The Apostle James says here “Let the person of lowly or humble circumstances glory or boast  in his exaltation or high position with God” What is James saying here? In the world you might not be considered important, you might even be considered an outcast in society, however don’t worry about that, Rejoice because you are a Child of God, you are an heir of the Kingdom with Christ, you have been Chosen by Christ to be in His eternal Kingdom, and nobody can take that away from you

Cosider this story, we talked about this in our Bible Study, the Widow who gave everything she had

Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts.. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” (Mark 12:41-44)

This widow , who was one of the lowest positions of society during that culture, woman were not allowed to work back then, she didn’t have a husband to support her, she was on the bottom of society. All these rich guys were putting in their tithes so they can be seen, she gave only a few coins, but that was everything she had. Jesus said she gave more than all those rich guys, why? Because she gave with her heart, she can glory in her position in the Kingdom because she is a Child of God not a widow of this world, are we getting it?

but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away. (v10)

In our world even today, if you have some money and power, everyone thinks your important, everyone listens to everything you have to say, even when they are not even qualified to say it. Consider all the celebrities and pro athletes today, most of these people are idiots but everyone hangs on every word they have to say. Everyone celebrates everything these people do, people try to copy what these people wear, they try to imitate their life after them but why?

Because of their wordly status the world exalts these people, however the big question is what is their status in the Kingdom of God? Is their soul saved? Are they Born Again in Christ? Consider what Jesus said

For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?  Mark 8:36-37

What good does it do you , to have everything in the world and yet to lose your soul? This is what the Apostle James is trying to say , you might not be celebrity or the rich and famous, but rejoice brothers and sisters, you have the greatest position, a child of the most High God, your name is written in the book of life

Satan even tried to tempt Jesus with this same lie….

8Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.”

10Then Jesus said to him, [b]“Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ 

Satan offered Jesus this empty promise he offers the world, sell your soul and he will give you the world, and many people fall for this lie, they chase after money, they chase after fame, they chase after everything in this world when they should be chasing after Jesus, the only one who can give you eternal life

For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways. (v11)

The Bible tells us Life is like a vapor in the wind, here today and gone tomorrow. The Apostle James is telling us life is short, we think we have all this unlimited time, but as we get older we know time goes by fast. So the point is , why cling to this world? Why sell your soul to a world that is fading away including you?  Cosider what the Apostle Peter says…

because “All flesh is as grass, And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, And its flower falls away, But the word of the LORD endures forever.” Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you. 1 Peter 1:24-25

While our time is short here in this world, Gods Kingdom is eternal, Jesus Christ is the same today, yesterday and forever, the Word of God endures forever! Why put your faith in a world that is temporary, when you can put your faith in the eternal God and His Kingdom

Consider what Jesus taught us about His Kingdom

1“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2In My Father’s house are many [a]mansions; if it were not so, [b]I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 4And where I go you know, and the way you know.”

5Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”

6Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Jesus is preparing a place for You, Jesus will come back and recieve you into Gods Kingdom. Jesus is the Only Way to Salvation. How do we know we can believe all this? Because Christ is Risen, Jesus has already overcome the world

Blessed is the man who endures (preservers) temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. (v12)

Going back to the joy in the 3 T’s (Trials, Testing, and Temptation) When you endure the temptation you are blessed,   (God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation) (NLT) You have passed the test, and what is your reward? You will receive the Crown of Life which The Lord has promised. Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose again, to promise you eternal life, you need to love him, it says “promised to those who love him” you need to put your faith and trust in Jesus through all things

And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. Mark 12:30

The greatest commandment to Love God with everything you have, The Lord promised the Crown of Life to those who Love Him

1. In the Kingdom the First Will Be Last and the Last will Be First
2. Don’t seek this world, Seek Jesus
3. Your life is like a Vapor, don’t waste your life chasing the world
4. Your true reward is to be a Child of God
5. Jesus promised the Crown of Life

Those of low degree may rejoice, if they are exalted to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom of God; and the rich may rejoice in humbling providences, that lead to a humble and lowly disposition of mind. Worldly wealth is a withering thing. Then, let him that is rich rejoice in the grace of God, which makes and keeps him humble; and in the trials and exercises which teach him to seek happiness in and from God, not from perishing enjoyments. Matthew Henry

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2

Don’t be conformed to this world, the world is passing away, this world is not your home. Be transformed by Christ, rejoice for you are a Child of God, Christ died for you, and Christ rose again on the 3rd day defeating sin and death forever, rejoice we have Victory in Jesus Christ, Amen

13Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. (James 1:13-14)

When it comes to sin and temptation, alot of people like to blame God, right? They will say something like, “God made me this way” So therefor Its OK if I do this or that” However as the Apostle James said people claim “I am tempted by God” however as he reveals God can’t tempt anyone. This idea that God is tempting us into sin, that God made us this way, is a lie from the devil

You need to understand God is Holy, without sin, God can’t even be in the presence of sin, because He is Holy. Sin is complete opposition or being at war with God. We were seperated from God, why? Because of our sin, one of the reasons Jesus came here and died for our sins on the cross, was to reconcile us back to God. Why did we need to be reconciled? Because our sin separated us from God

Consider what the Apostle Paul says…

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

The Apostle Paul says “God will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able to handle, not only that God will create a way for you to escape that temptation. So people who are blaming God for their sins, its not only untruthful, its blasphemy. We need to take accountability for our actions, not blaming God for everything….

Many people will say “I was Born this Way, what does Jesus say  “Unless you are Born Again, you will not see the Kingdom of God” (John 3:3) We must be Born Again in Christ

For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 1 John 2:16

Conception of Sin

15Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. (15)

Most sin doesn’t just happen spontaneously or randomly, typically an idea or temptation is planted in your heart and mind, and eventually that temptation is fed and given life to give birth to sin, the action of actually sinning. 

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23

We need to guard our hearts and minds from the temptations of this world. Because what happens is we allow these things into us, and eventually it gives birth to sin, which equals spiritual death. So from a practical application of this, what movies are watching? What music are you listening to? What book are you reading? Because all these things have influence over us, we need to guard our hearts and minds…

I want you to consider how Jesus views sin….because it might be shocking to some people

21“You have heard that it was said to those [d]of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ 22But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother [e]without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. Matthew 5:21

27“You have heard that it was said [i]to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 

 29If your right eye causes you to [j]sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. 30And if your right hand causes you to [k]sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.

Jesus is saying sin begins in the heart and mind, and just because you didn’t physically perform that act of murder or adultery, you are already guilty of it. That’s powerful when you think about this.

Now this should king of reveal to you, how serious God is about sin, God is so serious, that Jesus had to die on the cross to pay for our penalty, Christ took our place. So we need to guard our hearts and minds

Secondly Jesus is speaking hyperbole here, if your eye is causing you to sin, pluck it out. What is Jesus talking about here? Is he telling us to pluck our eyes out? No, hes telling you, if what you are looking at is causing you to sin, then stop looking at it. It’s as simple as that, stop looking at pornography, stop looking at those movies, because your condemning your soul to Hell. How about the foot? Well if everytime you go to the bar and causes you to sin, stop going there. Ect ect.

Everything good is from God

16Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. 18Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. 

So now your probably a little upset with God because of all this sin and temptation in the world, however reminder God doesn’t tempt anyone. But remember this, everything that is good in this world, is from God. While this world can be a struggle, because we live in a fallen world due to sin. 

However we must remember that there are still many blessings in this world, even today that we can rejoice about. Think about just the beauty of this Earth and the Heavens, while man keeps trying to destroy it, its still awesome and beautiful. Think about the blessings of your family and friends, they are gifts from God, every single one of you, life itself, Creation is a gift from God

None of these things come from anywhere but God, so understand that. Even people who reject God, still enjoy some of the blessings from God

Consider what Jesus said here:

that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. Matthew 5:45

The sun rises on the evil and the saved, the rain falls on the wicked and the saved. All people in some aspect enjoy the blessings of God and don’t even realize it, unit those gifts are taken away. Every good gift, including our salvation in Jesus Christ, comes from God, we can rejoice in this

Practical Applications:

1. Who are we spending time with? Bad Company Corrupts Good Character- (1 Cor. 15:33) God is not tempting you, maybe your company is?
2. What are we looking at? Movies, Music, Books, are they tempting us? Remove Temptation
3.  Be In The Word of God- Jesus rebuked Satan with scripture
4. Be lead by the Holy Spirit- Teacher, Comforter, Advocate, Guide
5. Develop a strong prayer life- Jesus on the mountain
6. Be Part of the Church- fellowship with Christians

In the last analysis it is not the temptations that meet us on the streets that determine our conduct; it is the heart of the man who faces them. Two men may face the same conditions; one falls, the other stands. The difference is not in the temptation but in the heart of the man. Martin Lyod Jones

And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Matthew 6:13

These are the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, deliver us Lord from the Evil One , deliver us from all temptation and sin, deliver us from this world, because Jesus Christ has overcome the world already, we have victory in Jesus Christ, the King of all Kings, the Lord of all Lords, the Great I AM, Amen

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, (v2)

So how do we “Count it as joy” when we face trials during our life? Well I know I personally found Jesus during the worse time in my life. Maybe you have to? See it depends on the perspective we have in life. Are we living with a temporal perspective, live like there is no tomorrow, eat, drink for tomorrow we die” Or do we live in a eternal perspective? Do we live as we are preparing for Gods Kingdom to come, do we live as we will one day with Christ, in resurrected bodies, glorified and eternal. Trials also meaning adversity, experience of evil, temptations

A few years ago, during the pandemic , I think alot of us can relate to going through a trial or temptation, at my job I was threatened you either get vaccinated or you will be terminated. Thats what I was told, so obviously when I first heard this news I was troubled. Not only did I not want to be forced into taking something I personally didnt believe in, but as a man I needed to support my family. So the natural thing to do is to give in, but I didnt so I leaned into God. And many things happened during this process, there were many people, thousands who lost their job, including doctors, I’m not lying when I say that. But my wife, wrote a religious exemption, I submitted it to the Health System, letting them know my personal beliefs , my faith, and they accepted it

I didn’t know how any of this was going to work out, I thought there was a good chance I was going to be terminated, but I gave it over to God, whatever is His will let is happen. 

I learned this acronym for JOY years ago Jesus Over Yourself

So going back to those trials, we can count it as joy when we go through trials of life, because Jesus is preparing us for the Kingdom to Come. We can count it as joy because we already have victory in Jesus Christ. We can count is all joy because Christ has already overcome the grave, we can count it as joy because of regardless of what happens to us here, our names are already written in the book of life. Jesus Christ should be your Joy not anything else in this world

Think about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, they are told you either worship the golden statue of Nebuchandnezzar or you will be thrown into the fire. What was there response? They said God will deliver us, however even if he doesn’t we will never serve your gods. The Hebrew men were faced with the possibility of death, however they considered that pure joy because they had faith God was going to deliver them one way or another. Then remember what happened?

16Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. 18But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.” (Daniel 3)

Jesus was in the fire will the Hebrew men , it states “25“Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the[e] Son of God.”” Jesus Christ is in the fire with you today, every trial you face , you are not alone

Testing of Your Faith

knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience (perseverance, endurance) . (v3)

God will allow some of these trials because its the testing of your faith. How do we know if your faith is real? It’s easy in todays Western world, to confess Jesus Christ as Lord, but is it real? Do we have genuine faith? Do we really love The Lord God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength? Going back the Hebrew men (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendego) did they really have faith in God? They could have talked the good talk, but they were willing to go into the fire (literally) for their faith. Yeah I would say there faith was genuine

How about you? Have you been thrown into the fire yet? Has your faith been challenged? Have you been told to make a choice, Jesus or the world? The time will come, when we will all be challenged, however instead of dreading this trial, consider it pure joy

Consider what the Aposte Peter says 

Beloved, do not think it strange or suprising concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 1 Peter 4:12-13

Again the Apostle Peter says to Rejoice in our trials, why? Because you partake of Christs sufferings. Our Lord suffered and died for you, since our Lord suffered , don’t you think you are going to suffer also? A servant is not greater than their master (John 13:16) If Jesus is your Lord (Master) don’t expect better treatment than your Lord. 

It’s natural for us to say “This is not fair”, why does God allow this? Was it fair when Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross for our sins? But Christ did it anyone, because He loves us, and has given us eternal life. However if the world is going to crucify the The Lord, don’t be surprised when the world comes after you. 

“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. John 15:18

God Is Working on You

But let patience (perseverance)  have its perfect work, that you may be perfect (mature) and complete, lacking nothing. (v4)

We often heard the expressions, they are a baby (new) Christian and they are a mature (seasoned) Christian, what is the difference? Well if you have been a Christian long enough, you have gone through various trials already, your faith has been tested and challenged more times than you can count, what is the result? Typically it either builds your faith even stronger for the next storm or it totally destroys the faith of the person.

We think back to when Jesus and the disciples were in the boat, and the great storm came upon them.  What was the initial response of the disciples “Lord, don’t you care we are perishing”? They were going through a trial, and instead of putting their faith in God and they blamed God, can we relate to that?

But what was it that Jesus said to them? Jesus said “Why are you so fearful, How is it that you have no faith”? (Mark 4:40)  And we know that Jesus was in complete control of the storm the entire time, however their faith was being tested. 

The good news is our Lord, even the winds and the waves obey Him. We may be in the storm, we may be going through a trial of testing right now, but God is in complete control. 

Ask God?

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. (5)

Now you might be going through a trial right now, you might be in the fire or storm today, what should you do? Well as the Apostle James says here “if you lack wisdom, ask God” I know I’m personally asking God for answers continually, while the world is looking for answers with AI or technology, why not ask the source of all Creation for answers. 

Remember what Jesus said “7“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. “ (Matthew 7:7-8)

This is another reason for trials, think about it? When we are going through something, we have a tendency to cling to God more. When everything is going great, most people have no need for God. Think about team building, alot of companies make their employees go through team building, why? Because when you go through something with other people, it usually builds your relationship with them. Its the same with God, God wants a relationship with you, not just religion. Allow these trials and testing to bring you closer to Christ

Ask in Faith

But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. (6)

However when we do ask God for wisdom, we need to ask in true faith. Again this is a testing of our faith, do we really believe God will save and help us? Did the Hebrew men really believe God will save them from the fire? Yes, Did the disciples really believe Jesus was going to save them in the storm? Truly put your trust in Jesus, don’t be like those who guess maybe God will answer them, Have faith God is with You, in the fire, in the storm, in every trial of your life

Anyone who comes to him with lack of faith shouldn’t expect anything from him. This faith is developed and endured during the trials and temptations of life, cling to Jesus and you will lack nothing!

Faith upholds a Christian under all trials, by assuring him that every painful dispensation is under the direction of his Lord; that chastisements (displines) are a token of His love; that the season, measure, and continuance of his sufferings, are appointed by Infinite Wisdom, and designed to work for his everlasting good; and that grace and strength shall be afforded him, according to his need. John Newton

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2)

There will be trials in your Christian walk, lets us consider it pure joy. Because just as Jesus was with the Hebrew men in the fire, Jesus was with the disciples in the storm, Jesus is with you also and always, Jesus is with you in every trial, Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, during all times and trials

Rejoice brothers and sisters , rejoice always because Christ is Risen , Christ has already overcome the world, Amen!