The Test of Faith

["Click here for scripure"]

The Purpose of Tests

["Click here for James 1:1-12"]

We see in these verses that the purpose of trials or tests is to produce within us, steadfastness or endurance that produces sanctification. Sanctification is spiritual growth, something that all Christians should strive for as it produces the "joy" of our salvation.

Of course, you must accept the testing in the right way. Accept it for what it is, see the advantages in it, know where to go to obtain assistance and grow accordingly. It should be pointed out at this time that James does not say that we are to be happy that we are being tried, but rather look and see the purpose for them and be joyous in the spiritual growth that they produce. That kind of attitude will produce the desired results of testing, steadfastness and endurance.

It is obvious that the people to whom James was writing, had experienced testing and knew what he was talking about for he says in verse 3, "for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." And this is only the beginning, steadfastness produces maturity, maturity produces spiritual fulfillment and spiritual fulfillment produces joy.

Most Christians lack these qualities because they do not ask. We do not ask because we are not prepared to get what we want God's way, through testing. All of this requires a firm faith and notice that this is a provision which must be met. Notice the steps:

1. You must ask in faith. We must not come to God, like a wave tossed by the wind for God likes stability.
2. You must ask, believing you are going to receive it. One who asks must demonstrate faith in the person's ability to give what is asked for and their willingness to do so.
3. We must ask in love and be steadfast in our request. God blesses perseverance. The "Crown of Life" is given to those who persevere. This Crown, spoken of in Rev. 2:10, is available to Christians here and now. It means "life in its fullness", it means "life in its completeness", and it means "life in eternity".

So James says that we can rejoice in testing for it brings fullness of life.

The Test of Temptations

Then James turns the table on us and takes away our favorite excuse, "I am tested therefore tempted by God, what can I possibly do about it?" The test of temptation is brought upon us by our own desires. Matthew Henry says that we Christians build and bate our own traps. Eve wondered over to a tree that represented temptation, she put herself in a position that she could not overcome. God put the tree there therefore, God was the source of her temptation. No, the tree was a test, Eve put herself in a place where she would be tempted.

James says that when we "lust" or desire something, sin is born. Paul says in Rom. 6:15-19, that lust brings sin and sin brings death. No place was this better demonstrated than in the Garden of Eden. We have two roads described here, both originate in testing or temptation. One leads to sin and death and the other leads to growth and maturity. The question is, what determines the road we take? James believes it is our closeness to God. If we are to make the proper decisions in life, if we are to succeed under trial, we must rely on Christ and rest close to His unchanging Word. Remember, James is speaking about sanctification and spiritual growth.

James and Paul both speak continually about spiritual growth and both agree that it is the result of trial, prayer, study and reliance upon God. So we are responsible for most of the spiritual growth through trial that goes on in our life for, as James says in verse 18, we, the chosen ones, are the "first fruits" of the Gospel and as such, must learn to resist temptation and thus seek spiritual maturity in Christ.

The Test of Obedience

The very first thing that a person has to do in the demonstration of their faith is to receive and obey, with meekness, the implanted Word which is able to save the soul. In these verses, James lists 9 areas in which we are to be obedient to God's Word.

1. we must be "quick" to hear.
2. We must be slow to speak.
3. We must be slow to anger.
4. We must put away filthiness and wickedness.
5. We must receive the Word.
6. We must be doers of the Word.
7. We must bridle our tongue.
8. We must visit the afflicted.
9. We must keep ourselves "unstained".

How did you make out? Lets look briefly at each of these.

Quick to hear, open to the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit in the area of understanding God's Word. In Revelation, God commanded John to "eating the scroll" (digest the words written upon it) be knowledgeable about what they say. This will aid you in being obedient to God.

Be slow to speak. Do not speak without thinking of the consequences of what you say. Moses often broke this commandment. It was said of him, "When he gets angry, he speaks unadvisedly with his lips." We often regret what we say in haste.

Be slow to anger. "Anger does not work the righteousness of God." God works through meekness and humility. This does not forbid us from showing, at the proper time, some "righteous indignation". Jesus showed a little of this in Matt. 21:12, when he over turned tables and drove the moneychangers out of the Temple.

Put away filthiness and wickedness. These were two sins that were common in the Middle East, adultery and prejudice, but it was not just to these that James speaks. Today's world is full of filth. We who allow it to prosper are just as guilty as those who engage in it.

Receive God's Word with meekness. This precludes arguments, excuses or the pretense of a superior understanding.

Be doers of the Word not hearers only. Some talk a good faith but James says "Let us see some evidence of it". Verses 23 and 24 are a lesson in psychology. Look at yourself in a mirror. You can see what you want to see. You can be self-satisfied with what you see or you can be honest with what you see. James says that we need to see ourselves as we really are, then do something to improve, do something good to show that you not only hear, but you act upon what you hear.

Bridle your tongue. James believes that a Christian that is obedient to God's Word will control his tongue. Be careful of what you say, be thrifty with your words, sometimes we hurt others without thinking. Never speak without considering the consequences of what you are about to say.

Visit the afflicted. This commandment is all encompassing, Here James mentions the orphans and the widows who, in many ways, certainly are afflicted, but there are others to which this commandment applies. Today, many senior citizens are home bound, many in long care homes, without family or friends, these people need visits, they need to know that people care. People, young and old, in hospitals, need to be visited and concern showed for their well being. This is a test of our love for one another. James says that this is commanded of us.

Lastly, we must keep ourselves "unstained". Keep your nose clean. Refrain from the evils of this world. Strive, in all that you do, to be Christ like.

These are the nine areas in a Christian's life that are tests of our obedience to God's Word.

Previous Chapter

Return to Outline

Ask Questions

Next Chapter