Count it all Joy

Good morning beloved

James 1

2 (E)Count it all joy, my brothers,[b] when you meet trials (F)of various kinds,3 for you know that (G)the testing of your faith (H)produces steadfastness.4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be (I)perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

This is the Amplified translation

2 Consider it nothing but joy, my [b]brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. 3 Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing

Let us expound on these verses

There are several men named James mentioned in the New Testament, but reliable tradition assigns this book to the one called James the Just, the half-brother of Jesus (Matthew 13:55) and the brother of Jude (Jude 1), who led the church in Jerusalem (Acts 15:13)

He became the first Bishop of Jerusalem

He certainly knew about suffering as he was one of the disciples who served with Jesus and then further on must have been shaken by the crucifixion of Jesus.

He could definitely testify about Joy on the other side of trials as Jesus personally visited him after The Resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:7)

This would definitely make James unwavering and unshakeable.

The worst thing that could happen to man - death, had been overcome!

My friends we can certainly testify of the truth of God's word as those of us who are Holy Spirit filled, know of that Resurrection Power that resides within us. Our life is not identifed any longer by "norms" as we have power from on high. That power is manifested as daily we unfold miracles as we walk on this earth.

Even the very way we pray and minister to others prove God’s miracle working Power.

It is a wonderful time to be alive in God.

The word WHEN not if is used in relation to trials, meaning it is unavoidable while we are on this earth.

"Yet, trials can prove a wonderful work of God in us. “I have looked back to times of trial with a kind of longing, not to have them return, but to feel the strength of God as I have felt it then, to feel the power of faith, as I have felt it then, to hang upon God’s powerful arm as I hung upon it then, and to see God at work as I saw him then.” (Spurgeon)

We can count all joy because we will gain

And from these verses one benefit is outlined - PATIENCE!

Patience is the ancient Greek word hupomone. This word does not describe a passive waiting but an active endurance. It isn’t so much the quality that helps you sit quietly in the doctor’s waiting room, as it is the quality that helps you finish a marathon.

v. The ancient Greek word hupomone comes from hupo (under) and meno (to stay, abide, remain). At its root, it means to remain under. It has the picture of someone under a heavy load and choosing to stay there instead of trying to escape. The philosopher Philo called hupomone “the queen of virtues.” (Cited in Hiebert) The Greek commentator Oesterley said this word patience described “the frame of mind which endures.”

"Patience the quality that helps you finish a marathon"

The verses end with lacking nothing

Definition from gotquestions.org

"To be lacking nothing isn’t a material or circumstantial thing; it is a spiritual thing. The brother who is dealing with humble circumstances is to glory in those circumstances (James 1:9) because of the resulting endurance. On the other hand, the rich person is reminded that his better circumstances can depart rapidly, and so can his very life"

Amen

We will run this race dear friends with endurance and patience. We will finish well and for each day no matter what we face we will

Count it all JOY

Amen

Walk good in Christ

Till we meet again

Pastor J