The Testing of Our Faith

Here’s a little something to help you in your study of James 1:2-8.

First, some background:  James was the brother of Jesus (see Galatians 1:19) and one of the three leaders of the council of apostles in Jerusalem along with Peter and John (see Galatians 2:9).  He may have been selected for that post because of a physical resemblance to Jesus, but we don’t know that for sure — only that Jesus personally appeared to him after his (Jesus’) resurrection and perhaps gave him that leadership position then (see 1 Corinthians 15:1-8).

Since this “letter” that we call the Book of James in the New Testament was written to Christians who were being persecuted — including losing their jobs and even beloved family members — you can imagine that they needed serious encouragement from their leadership!  So, keep that in mind as you read what I believe are some good take-aways from James 1:2-8 (just below) — which in the sovereignty of God was also meant for you!  Enjoy!

– The testing of our faith is good for us

– because it produces faith that is immoveable.

– The fault that will cause God to withhold wisdom is double mindedness

– which means going back and forth between two minds.

– Double mindedness comes from faith that is weak and easily moved.

– When we are double minded we sometimes doubt God’s wisdom

because we are afraid it might hurt us.

– Being double minded causes us to pray for wisdom on our own terms.

– So, out of love, God withholds wisdom from the double minded

until they decide that they will have immoveable faith

whether it hurts them or not.