This series on the Book of James is dedicated in memory of my grandfather, the late Wilson C Fuller. He and my grandmother, Nellie, finished well, as loving, dedicated Spirit-filled Christians, and have since left this earth to be with Jesus. James was his favorite book of the Bible. The last time that my grandfather heard me preach was as a guest pastor at his church, Glad Tidings Christian Life Church, of Horseheads, New York, by the gracious invitation of Rev. Eddie Lowmaster, who is also now with Jesus. So I warmly dedicate this series in my grandparents memory:

   To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations:

   Greetings.

My grandfather’s favorite book of the Bible was James. In fact, I hadn’t realized that several years ago when I was invited to preach at his church and I did so out of a passage in James. He sat in the pew beaming with joy. He was so obviously pleased that I asked him about it later. Grandpa was an ordinary guy who loved the Lord and considered himself an unworthy servant. James viewed himself in that same light and it was consistently reflected in his practical, down-to-earth teaching.

James was a servant [1]… a most worthwhile servant at that. Even though we may see him as exalted in Scripture by the very nature of what we read, James was an ordinary guy. He was an average man who walked this earth and decisively decided to follow Jesus Christ as personal Savior and Lord. There would be cost to following Jesus. His walk in what was to become known as "The Way" was not an easy one yet we see God’s hand upon him as he loved and served the Savior!

[1] What do we view as a true servant?

[2] What does servant-hood mean to you and how can you utilize it in a way that God can use in effective outreach to others?

   ²Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. ⁴Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. ⁵If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. ⁶But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. ⁷That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; ⁸he is a doubleminded man, unstable in all he does.

Joy? Did the guy actually say that if some idiot comes alongside of me and smacks me in the head for my profession of faith, I’m to "consider it joy?" James, do you mean to tell me that I can’t smack him back? Do you mean to tell me that I should be happy about it? Hmm? That’s right. "Consider it joy?" Yepper! James sure did and rightfully so! As strange as it may seem on the surface, we learn out best lessons under adversity! Adversity has impact in teaching lessons that we simply don’t forget. Adversity challenges our hearts to overcome our negative circumstances and go on to victory! It requires decisive decisions and action! Once we’ve made up our minds, we go forward to do our very best to insure that the situation causing the adversity is tackled head-on. There actually is a joy that develops in knowing that we’re doing the best that God enables us to do. There is a certain satisfaction in the determination to push forward, not looking back, in trust and faith for God’s perfect will in whatever we’re facing!

Also, when we ask for Biblical wisdom, we are to do so in unwavering faith. If we allow our opinions and beliefs to be tossed back and forth like a leaf floating on water, we cannot expect to receive anything. Too many have done that and fallen far short of God’s expectations, blocking blessings that could be theirs! There is no room for double-mindedness! There is no room for fence sitting! True Biblical wisdom will inspire the true believer to trust unwaveringly. Such firm faith and trust will result in positive action so that God can lead, guide, and bless as only He can do! And, as such, the results will be positive, even in spite of the most trying circumstances!

[3] What does it mean to be joyful in trying times?

[4] How are we to view trials?

[5] How do trials work in our own hearts and lives?

[6] What is promised to the believer who truly perseveres?

[7] Why is wisdom so important and how do we get it?

[8] Why is unwavering faith so crucial to victory?

[9] What can the one who is unsure expect?

[10] What can the one who steps out in solid faith anticipate?

   ¹²Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

I often think of a precious saint that was in my church while I pastored at Watkins Glen, New York. She was a very warm-hearted lady who knew how to love others… and she baked great cookies! She related to me on more than one occasion as to how she often felt useless for the Lord. I would then proceed to relate her excellent qualities and how they blessed all of us who came into contact with her. She was simply pleased to be used of the Lord however He chose to do.

On the other hand, a lady who we will simply and appropriately refer to as Jezebel was just the opposite. She insisted on being up front and in charge of whatever she could get away with. When she first came to our church, she seemed innocent enough on the surface so I let her lead music and be involved in other situations in the church. However it soon became apparent that she was doing things for all of the wrong reasons. So when I decided not to allow her to take on more responsibilities until what turned out to be a pride issue was resolved, she rebelled. In fact, she tried to start a movement to get rid of me as pastor. However, I had a very precious and loving church there and no one bought her campaign. In fact, I received a rash of phone calls relating to me that this was happening. When she was confronted, she refused counsel and left the church to go elsewhere. It was sad but the fact that she unwilling to listen to loving counsel, it was just as well for the spiritual health of the local church overall.

The point here is that we are on this earth for such a short time that we should simply take pleasure in whatever the Lord leads and allows us to do, no matter what our position in life is. There is no room for false pride or prejudice. We are here for such a short time, in reference to time and eternity, that we simply need to make the best of where the Lord has us and be faithful with whatever that we are entrusted to do.

We are often called to be faithful through what can be extremely difficult circumstances. When we find ourselves in hard times, we need to simply remember Whom we are serving. After all, Jesus Christ, Himself, gave His very best for us. He endured abuse of many types, the most severe being His giving Himself as a willing sacrifice on Calvary’s Cross. His life was placed in the hands of very cruel and heartless individuals that defiantly nailed Him to die on an old rugged Cross! He gave His very best for each of us. What we may be called upon to endure is normally far less that our Savior suffered on our behalf. So, if our Savior suffered, so we, His servants, will suffer also. It is our attitude of gratitude that will see us through such times. It is our devotion to the notion of serving with joy in our determination to please our Lord as we share with others around us as best as we can!

Our final reward will not be based on our wealth or position on earth. That doesn’t impress the Lord at all. It is our faithfulness and obedience to God’s Word and His will, having walked with Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and Lord. Will it be said that we have been truly "good and faithful servants?" One day, and sooner than many think, untold numbers will hear those precious words, "Welcome, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord!" Hallelujah! Praise His precious name forever and ever! Amen!

[11] What do we see regarding pride and humility?

[12] What do we see regarding perseverance?

[13] What is promised to all who truly persevere?

[14] What is the crown of life and how do we obtain it?

1. What does the Bible relate in these passages?
2. How does the truths as given speak to our own hearts and lives?
3. What are we going to do in personal application in our own hearts and lives, as well as sharing with others around us?