Scripture Reference: James 1:2-12

Advantage of Trials (verses 3–4).

As mentioned previously, Christians can face trials with joy because there are rich advantages from these testings. Trials, rightly taken, produce the sterling quality of endurance and become a reflection of our Lord Jesus.

This is no new revelation. It is essentially a simple reminder. James wrote, “knowing,” literally “knowing through or due to experience.” Everyone has experienced both the pain of problems and the ensuing profit of persistence through those problems. There is no gain in endurance without some investment in trials.

It is the true part or approved portion of faith that produces perseverance. “The testing” refers more to “approval” than to actual “proving.” “Faith” tested is like gold; it stands in the test of fire. Without this approved standard of faith, trials would not yield perseverance. There would only be ashes. True faith, like pure gold, endures, no matter how hot the fire. True faith therefore “produces” or more literally works, “patience” or staying power. The noun “patience” means steadfastness or endurance in the face of difficulties (compare James 5:11).

“Patience” or perseverance is only the beginning of benefits. There are more advantages to trials. “Let patience have its perfect work,” or as the NIV states it, “let perseverance finish its work.” Just as tested and true faith works to produce patience, so patience must be allowed to continue its perfect or finished work to produce the ultimate by-products of maturity and spiritual fulfillment. This, of course, is the lofty goal that serves as this epistle’s unifying theme. James’ main point was to show how to achieve spiritual maturity.

Two words describe the goal: “mature and complete.” The word “mature,” is often translated “perfect” or “finished,” and is usually coupled with “complete” to give the idea of perfected all over or fully developed in every part.

Trials can be faced with joy because, infused with faith, patience/perseverance results, and if patience goes full-term it will develop a thoroughly mature Christian who lacks nothing. He will indeed be all God wants him to be; complete and whole in every way.

James’ argument may seem logical, but it is still difficult to see how trials can be welcomed with an attitude of joy. Where does one turn for help to understand this paradox and seemingly contradictory command?

To Be Continued

Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version®, NKJV © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.
Where noted, Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV © 2011 by Biblica, Inc.
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