the soil of trial (james 1:2-3)
11.24.2024
This message was preached by Pastor Jesse Boyd on November 24, 2024 to New Testament Christian Fellowship in Conover, NC. It exegetically addresses 1:2-3 in the larger exposition of the Epistle of James by the shared teaching of the NTCF Elders.
This message was preached by Pastor Jesse Boyd on November 24, 2024 to New Testament Christian Fellowship in Conover, North Carolina. It exegetically addresses 1:2-3 in the larger exposition of the Epistle of James by the shared teaching of the NTCF Elders and its missionaries.
James’ message to Diaspora Jewish believers is the same message Paul instructed Titus to preach to Gentile believers in Crete. Faith justifies us before God (Titus 3:5-6) while good woorks justify us before men (Titus 3:8). Genuine faith in God produces good works before men. Genuine faith works. How does it work? For starters, it is cultivated in the soil of trial and tribulation.
The testing of our faith is a blessing. It is good soil that cultivates, increases, and strengthens our trust in the LORD. It also produces patience and testimony that demonstrates God’s faithfulness to others. There are two types of temptation: the testing of our faith and the temptation to sin. James deals first with the first (1:2-4). In the soil of trial and tribulation is abundant opportunity for Christians to grow in patience, charity, and grace. Trials should produce joy instead of grief, for joy glorifies God and honor Christ’s example. Maintaining joy in the face of persecution is perhaps the best sort of revenge against the persecutors, for it heaps coals of fire upon their heads, demonstrating the real powerlessness of their persecution and the real strength of the Christian faith.
Israel got it wrong when it came to serving the LORD amidst trial with joyfulness and gladness of heart (Deuteronomy 28:45-47). Beware, lest we make that same mistake. Joy and gladness in the face of tribulation brings blessing. Worry, fret, and murmuring, and complaint invites a curse.