Temptations and Patience

             The book of James is arguably the most practical of all the New Testament documents (Simmons, 1967). Its practicality is so conspicuous that many have contended that James’s view on faith and works contradicted that of Paul. However, his perspective was simply that if a person’s faith does not produce manifest fruit, then it is not genuine faith. Furthermore, the authorship of James has been widely disputed throughout church history (Clarke). The author declares only that he is a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, but never addresses any of his relatives. Two individuals possessed the name James in the New Testament: James, the son of Zebedee, and James, the Lord’s brother. Generally, James, the Lord’s brother, is credited with penning this useful letter, although conclusive evidence still remains undiscovered. Fortunately, though, irrefutable confirmations do exist which support its canonicity. Adam Clarke remarked, “The chief and proper evidence of its being canonical must be taken from the fact that it was universally received by the Church of Christ.” Since the early church fathers unanimously approved of the book of James, it is advantageous for the believer to methodically investigate this helpful resource and seek to apply the discoveries to his life.

       James begins his letter to the twelve tribes scattered abroad by instructing his audience to maintain a joyful demeanor when they encounter difficult trials (Simmons, 1967). Warren Wiersbe (1981) noted that the Greek word James used for count is a financial term and gives the connotation of evaluating a situation. Paul applies the exact same word in Philippians 3:7 when he proclaimed that he considered the things of this world as refuse in comparison to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Moreover, James writes to his readers that they would experience variegated afflictions. The word that James used here is periasmos, which is the frequent New Testament word used to describe the situation of an experience designed for one’s demise (Simmons, 1967). However, this word also signifies any affliction or persecution and does not necessarily refer to that of diabolical nature (Clarke). James observes that inevitably the Christian will encounter trials of a motley degree, but when the temptation arises, he should remain optimistic and hopeful.

          James continues his treatise by announcing the purpose for the believer’s encountering temptation- “Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience” (v. 3). It is vitally important for Christians to realize that their faith will be tried. However, this testing does not strive against their faith. On the contrary, the reason that the Christian experiences tests is for the betterment of his spirituality (Wiersbe, 1981). Indeed, the word that James uses for trying literally means approval. In other words, God allows for Christians to encounter trails to approve of their faith and ensure that it is genuine (Wiersbe, 1981). The general implication is that a trial is created with the anticipation that great victory will be produced. Billy Simmons observed, “Ore is not cast into the refining pot except in the hope and belief that it will come through this fiery trial void of dross and better than before. Nor is the Christian ever tried in this sense except in the hope that he will emerge from the test with a stronger, purer faith” (p. 17). The good which trials should bring consists of an active patience, “a courageous perseverance in the face of suffering and difficulty” (Wiersbe, 1981, p. 25). When a Christian faces a manifold “temptation,” he should remember that it is for his spiritual enrichment and that it will bestow upon him an unwavering courage.

          James concludes his thoughts on patience and temptations by instructing the saints to allow “patience to have her perfect work.” Adam Clarke interpreted this phrase as such, “Continue faithful, and your patience will be crowned with its full reward.” Just as trying afflictions will produce patience, so patience will engender certain results which are rather desirable (Simmons, 1967). James informs that if a Christian permits patience the opportunity to complete her intended desire, three traits will be observed in his life. The desired result of patience’s labor is that the Christian be perfect, or teleios (Simmons, 1967). This word gives the connotation of one’s being spiritually full-grown or mature. In other words, he will fully developed in the doctrines of God, not that he will be incapable of sinning, but that he will have a refined biblical outlook on the ways of holiness, righteousness, and godliness (Clarke). Furthermore, patience, if permitted to have her way, will render the spiritual sojourner completely entire, or olokleros (Simmons, 1967). As the Christian journeys toward the pearly gates and experiences hardships, if he allows patience to have her ultimate way, he will emerge from the trial unscathed and with all of his parts, members, and portions (Clarke). The third and final characteristic which James uses is really an enforcement of what he already has said: “wanting nothing.” Because the Christian has allowed patience to impact him as her intention, he will have need of nothing. It is a wonderful encouragement for the believer who decides that he will be joyful during his trials, allow his faith to be tried, and permit patience to enact her desired transformation.

References

 Clarke, Adam (n.d.). Commentary on James.

Simmons, Billy (1967). A Functioning Faith. Dallas, Texas: Crescendo Publications.

Wiersbe, Warren (1981). Be Mature. Wheaton, Illinois: Victor Books.