Sunday School Lesson
May 8
Lesson 10 (KJV)
FREEDOM FOR THE FUTURE
DEVOTIONAL READING: Romans 8:18–30
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: Romans 8:18–30
ROMANS 8:18–30
18. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
19. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
20. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
21. Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
22. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
23. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
24. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
25. But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
26. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
27. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
28. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
29. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
30. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
KEY TEXT
I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.—Romans 8:18
LESSON AIMS
After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:
1. List ways in which the Holy Spirit is active in the lives of believers.
2. Give an example from Scripture where the Holy Spirit interceded for believers.
3. Write a prayer to thank God for His presence during a difficult time.
HOW TO SAY IT
Augustus
Aw-gus-tus.
Caesar
See-zer.
Gaius Octavius
Gay-us Ok-tey-vee-uhs.
Julius
Joo-lee-us.
Michelangelo
Mahy-kuhl-an-juh-loh.
Raphael
Raf-ee-uhl or Rah-fahy-el.
Tiberius
Tie-beer-ee-us.
Introduction
A. Against the Odds
Voyager 1 entered interstellar space on August 25, 2012. Scientists estimate, based on its performance, that the space probe will continue operating and gathering information until 2025. When it runs out of power, Voyager 1 will drift off into deep space, losing momentum every second until it comes to rest somewhere among the stars.
Included in Voyager 1’s payload is a gold-plated audiovisual disc with pictures, audio recordings, and scientific data. Although the odds against encountering intelligent life in deep space are overwhelmingly low, this record was considered important enough to be included. As Carl Sagan said, “The spacecraft will be encountered and the record played only if there are advanced spacefaring civilizations in interstellar space. But the launching of this bottle into the cosmic ocean says something very hopeful about life on this planet.”
In the midst of suffering, the hope of restoration and glory can feel as miniscule as the odds of Voyager 1 encountering intelligent alien life. What gives us confidence in hope? Our text today gives us the answer.
B. Lesson Context
The apostle Paul was involved in several important mission trips, the last of which was his trip to Rome for a hearing before the emperor. The book of Acts ends with Paul awaiting this trial (Acts 28:30–31). Rome was a destination he had desired for many years (Romans 1:13), but not necessarily in the status of prisoner!
The letter to the Romans includes Paul’s understanding of the Old Testament background for the Christian message, the nature of Christian salvation based on the atoning death of Christ, the centrality of faith as the only path for human salvation, the relationship between Christians of Jewish and Gentile backgrounds in the plan of God, and several other matters.
All this makes Romans both the most challenging of Paul’s letters to understand and the richest depository of what he calls “my gospel” (Romans 2:16; 16:25). The basis and reality of being justified by faith is the subject of Romans 1–4 in general and 3:24, 28 in particular. Paul quoted Habakkuk 2:4 in Romans 1:17 to set the tone for the entire book: “the just shall live by faith.”
This means that faith—complete trust in Jesus—is the only way that eternal life may be found. It cannot be earned by obedience, although obedience is important. It is not inherited by ancestry, although this is not unimportant (see Romans 3:1–2; 9:4–5). True life, eternal life, the life of salvation, is only found in trusting God to save us through His Son.
Abraham, the great patriarch of the Jews, was justified by faith (Romans 4:3, quoting Genesis 15:6). Thus the idea of faith in God as the core element of one’s life is not a Christian innovation. Such faith is to be the foundation of our relationship with God. This was intended as central in the pre-Israel period (Abraham), in the nation of Israel itself (Habakkuk), and now is so in the church.
In Romans 5–8, Paul lays out the implications of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Through Christ, the reign of sin and death has been overthrown by righteousness and grace (Romans 5:21). With the reign of sin and death defeated, believers are free. New life in Christ also means freedom from bondage to the law (7:1–6).
Romans 8 brings these various elements to a climactic resolution. There is “now no condemnation” for those “in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). What the law failed to do, God himself has done through Jesus (8:3). Righteous living is enabled by the Holy Spirit, who dwells in those who have faith in Christ (8:9–10).
All these wonderful truths, however, raise a painful question: Why do suffering and death still wreak havoc? Paul indicated the likelihood that Christians would suffer for Christ’s sake. Paul encouraged the Roman believers to keep the big picture in mind: we are “heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17, not in our printed text).
I. Present Sufferings
(ROMANS 8:18–25)
A. Glory to Be Revealed (v. 18)
18. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Paul was trained by the respected Jewish teacher Gamaliel (Acts 5:34; 22:3). So for Paul to reckon was for him to draw on both his faith in Christ and his vast knowledge of Scripture. His thoughts are not to be taken lightly.
Paul was careful to put the sufferings—whatever their causes—of this present time in proper perspective. Jesus’ resurrection initiated a new era of salvation and restoration (see lesson 9). Because God’s faithfulness to His salvation promise has been revealed (Hebrews 1:1–3), suffering of any kind pales in comparison to the glory which shall be revealed in us. Forms of the word glory occur here and in Romans 8:21, 30 (see below), further defining what believers have to anticipate. The path of suffering ends with being glorified with Christ and with all who have traveled the same path.
What Do You Think?
How do you find a faithful balance in dealing with current challenges without losing sight of hope?
Digging Deeper
What barriers prevent you from maintaining this balanced approach to the present and future?
PAIN AND REWARD
The Sistine Chapel nearly defeated Michelangelo (1475–1564). Between 1508 and 1512, the man who considered himself a sculptor faced the frustrating difficulties of painting the Sistine’s ceiling. He fought with the pope on concepts, overcame physical challenges in scaffolding, fussed with his helpers, and spent agonizing hours on his back with brush and paint. Throughout the period, Michelangelo carried on personal feuds with painter Raphael and inventor Leonardo da Vinci. But Michelangelo persevered. The result is considered one of the greatest works of art in all the world.
Michelangelo’s years of agony led to triumphal ecstasy. Paul’s decades of toil and tribulation would lead to a glorious reward from his Lord Jesus. We, too, deal with pain. This may come from our faith commitments or simply from our life’s circumstances. But Paul promises a future in which sufferings will give way to glory with our Lord. Are you paralyzed by personal pain, or encouraged by future reward?
—M.K.
B. Great Expectations (vv. 19–25)
19. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
Creature includes anything and everything God has made (see Romans 8:22, below; compare its use in 8:39 [not in our printed text]; Colossians 1:15; Revelation 3:14). Here it refers to the entire created world with the exception of the sons of God. While the adoption of believers is a present reality (Romans 8:14–15, not in our printed text), this fact can be obscured by the troubles of living in a sinful world. The suffering that results from our fallen world can further conceal the reality of redemption that is already present (8:17–18).
20a. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same.
Following Adam and Eve’s sin in the Garden of Eden, God cursed the ground as part of the humans’ punishment (Genesis 3:17–18). Through no fault of its own, creation was thwarted from flourishing and made subject to vanity.
The phrase him who hath subjected the same could be taken to refer to Adam as the reason for the curse rather than to the power behind the curse. This would be in error, although the thinking behind the supposition is sound: because humanity was to exercise wise rule over creation (Genesis 1:26–30), the fall revealed that people were not up to the task. As a natural outcome of humanity’s foolishness, creation suffers. Its caretakers fell into sin and were no longer capable of exercising proper dominion. However, in context it is clear that God is the one who subjected creation to futility.
20b–21. In hope, because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
In the midst of the curse, God made a promise: “I will put enmity between [the serpent] and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel” (Genesis 3:15; compare Romans 16:20). Creation, despite its suffering, has reason for hope! The crushing of Satan’s head was good news not only for all who put faith in Jesus but for all of creation.
The bondage of corruption further defines the “vanity” of Romans 8:20a (above). Since human sin resulted in creation’s fallen state, only when the liberty of the children of God is finally and fully gained will the creature be released from the curse as well. The Greek word translated glorious (compare Romans 8:18, 30) can be interpreted in two ways: as an adjective to describe liberty or as a noun standing on its own. This second option would explicitly refer to believers’ status as being glorious rather than experiencing a glorious liberty. This goes beyond restoration to a fulfillment of God’s plan for people. The fate of creation is inextricably tied to God’s fulfilling His promises to those who have been adopted into His family (Galatians 4:4–7).
22. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
The Greek word translated travaileth can refer to the intense pain of giving birth. Childbirth is painful (to say the least), but the healthy infant who is born brings immediate joy. The analogy captures a common first-century Jewish belief: that as the salvation of God drew near, conditions on the earth would worsen progressively, like the contractions that get worse and worse until finally the baby is born. Portions of Daniel chapters 7 and 9 helped shape this expectation. Jesus also spoke of the difficulty of the end times, both concerning events that were near at hand and others that would continue until His return (Matthew 24; John 16:1–11, 31–33). His disciples continued to speak of the troubles that would be seen before Jesus’ return ended this age (example: 1 Timothy 4:1–3). All that pain, though, is meant to result in joy for the world. It is not a vain struggle.
What Do You Think?
How do you respond to the fact that creation suffers because of human sinfulness?
Digging Deeper
How can you intentionally care for God’s creation this week?
23. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
Firstfruits as a concept comes from the Feast of Harvest, also called the Feast of Weeks (Exodus 23:16a; 34:22a; Numbers 28:26–31; etc.). The people would make sacrifices to the Lord of the first grains they gathered. This expressed thanks for God’s providing the harvest and confidence that God would bless the people with bounty throughout the harvest season. Like the firstfruits of a harvest, the indwelling of the Spirit within believers is a kind of down payment, guaranteeing what is still to come (Ephesians 1:13b–14).
Adoption in the Roman world differed from our laws and customs. One common scenario would involve a wealthy Roman man who had no sons. He would adopt a promising young man from a poor family, paying the natural father for rights to bring the son into the new, adoptive household. This adopted son would be groomed to take over the family business, continue the good name of the adoptive father, and become the adoptive father’s heir. Such adoption is seen in the history of the Caesars, who frequently adopted a nephew or other male to inherit their title. Examples include Julius Caesar’s adoption of Gaius Octavius, who was later called Caesar Augustus, and Augustus’s own adoption of Tiberius. Adoptions such as these were familiar to everyone in the Roman world, but especially to residents of Rome itself.
Although believers are already children of God, we still await the redemption of our body, victory over physical death (Romans 6:8; see lesson 9).
ADOPTION
I was perplexed by the parents of my childhood friends. The children were my age, but their parents were much older than my own parents. I continued to wonder about this for years, not learning until I was a teenager that these were my friends’ grandparents. The couple had adopted their grandchildren as toddlers due to tragedy with the children’s natural parents. This godly couple had given them their name, their home, and their love. Other than the ages of those parents, I might never have realized their family was different from mine; my friends were secure in their family, just as though it had never been otherwise.
Paul used adoption imagery to describe our future reward as sons and daughters of God. Christians become “joint-heirs” with Christ (Romans 8:17), heirs to the glory of salvation promised to believers. We assume the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Christian, as our identifying mark to the world. And we continue our Father’s business, seeking the lost for salvation. Are you living so that others recognize that your Father is raising you in His image and you are secure in His love?
—M. K.
24–25. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
Christian hope is not wishful thinking or anticipating a probable outcome; rather, it is assured because hope is based not on our own faithfulness but on God’s faithfulness to His promises (Titus 1:2–3). Still, we see not what we hope for, because in that case we would no longer require hope. When Paul declares that “faith, hope, [and] charity” abide and the last is the greatest (1 Corinthians 13:13), it is not because faith and hope are of dubious value. Instead, it indicates that when faith and hope are realized in Heaven, we will not need them as we do now, to anticipate our promised future. But love will still be required, even in Heaven. God has given us every reason for confidence, which gives us the patience [to] wait for our hopes to be realized (see Romans 5:3–5).
What Do You Think?
How does impatience affect your relationship with the Lord?
Digging Deeper
What opportunities has God placed before you to grow in patience?
II. Present God
(ROMANS 8:26–30)
A. The Spirit’s Help (vv. 26–27)
26. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
The state of the world can leave us so completely horrified that we are left speechless. Our infirmities include every piece of evidence that we live in a sin-sick and dying world. But when we know not what we should pray, the Spirit steps in on our behalf. This comes as no surprise since Jesus promised the Spirit would be His disciples’ “Comforter” (John 14:16, 26; 15:26). Paul built on this, giving believers confidence that the Spirit … maketh intercession for us. When words fail us, the Spirit does not.
Groanings is the noun form of the verb “groan” in Romans 8:23 (above). This context suggests that the Spirit’s intercession also happens within ourselves. This is supported by the fact that creation does not speak in language but does groan in brokenness (see 8:22, above).
27. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
He that searcheth the hearts refers to God (1 Samuel 16:7; 1 Chronicles 28:9; Psalms 7:9; 139:23; etc.). Note that, like Jesus, the Spirit only speaks according to the will of God (John 14:10; 16:13). Though we may not always pray according to God’s will—especially since we do not knoweth what is the mind of Father, Son, or Spirit—nevertheless the Spirit will only intercede in keeping with God’s plans.
What Do You Think?
How do your prayer practices reflect that the Spirit intercedes for you?
Digging Deeper
What changes can you make to remain aware of the Spirit’s help when you pray?
B. The Supreme Plan (vv. 28–30)
28. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Even the darkest night of the soul does not mean we are cut off from God. Paul had an unshakable faith that all things are under the control of God, that all things work together for good to them that love God. Faith in the sovereign God means believing that He is in control of all things. Even the evil in our world that causes the suffering of righteous people is not beyond His control.
Our problem is that of limited perspective. Only God can see how all things work together for good. The question about suffering, then, is not why (compare Judges 6:13), but how long. The why is because of human decision to turn away from God (Genesis 2:16, 17; 3:19; 6:3; Romans 1:21, 28). The question can only be how long—how long will the suffering continue until my soul is flooded again by God’s love and comfort (compare Psalms 6:3; 94:3; Revelation 6:10)?
What Do You Think?
How would you respond to Christians experiencing despair in their circumstances?
Digging Deeper
What other Scriptures would you cite to bolster faith, hope, and love in your fellow believers?
29. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
While doctrines of foreknowledge and predestination are important to consider, Paul’s letter precedes by centuries debates about these terms and does not address the arguments that future Christians would engage in. Rather, Paul’s point is that God is working within a plan, not haphazardly throwing people or events together in some sort of cosmic or salvific experiment (compare Ephesians 1:11–14). Though chaos or chance may seem to rule the day, we take comfort that the Lord knew us long before we accepted the call to join Him in His ultimate purpose for people: to be conformed to the image of his Son (Psalm 139:13). This is both a new creation and a re-creation, for to be made in the image of Christ is to be restored to our unsullied state of having been created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27).
As the first to rise from the dead into glory, Jesus’ bodily resurrection made Him the firstborn from the dead (Colossians 1:18). Because of His resurrection, we expect to be among many brethren who will also return to life (contrast 1 Corinthians 15:12–19). The promise of our own resurrection is the ultimate hope we have in the midst of our sufferings (compare Acts 23:6; 1 Corinthians 15).
30. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
Although elaborate and confusing doctrines have been offered to explain the concept of predestination, it is a rather straightforward idea as presented by Paul. The word translated predestinate in this context means that God has made an earlier decision about our future (see commentary on Romans 8:29, above).
This predetermined plan has three stages. First, God has called us, giving us the opportunity to respond to the gospel by faith. Second, a positive response leads to being justified, declared righteous through our faith in Christ because of His sacrifice on our behalf (Romans 3:24–26). The final stage is our being glorified when our own resurrections take place and we join Christ in Heaven for all eternity (compare 1 Corinthians 15:42–58).
Conclusion
A. Hope for the Future
Christians have a hope that persists through the ordeals of life. Outside of faith in Christ, this hope is not possible. Still, we observe and experience suffering. Focusing on these things makes a person nearsighted. Only with an eye on our future glory can a Christian not only endure hardship but also thrive in the hope of God’s promises.
While we hope for the glorious future in Christ, we still have work to do. Though our minds turn to evangelism—and rightly so—these verses remind us that we also have a responsibility to all creation. God has made us stewards of His good earth. While people suffer, all creation suffers. Likewise, believers’ peace is the peace of the world; our glory will be the glory of creation.
We wait in hope for the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises. May we, as people who have died with Christ and live again in the Spirit, be beacons of God’s wonderful intentions for all creatures, great and small.
B. Prayer
Father, help us view suffering through the perspective of faith. Teach us to depend on Your Holy Spirit. Thank You for Your Son, who has purchased our freedom. In His name we pray. Amen.
C. Thought to Remember
God is working all things together to accomplish His perfect will.
May 15
Lesson 11 (KJV)
FREEDOM AND THE LAW
DEVOTIONAL READING: Galatians 3:18–29
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: Galatians 3
GALATIANS 3:18–29
18. For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.
19. Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.
20. Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.
21. Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.
22. But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
23. But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
24. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
25. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
26. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
27. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
28. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
29. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
KEY TEXT
If ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.—Galatians 3:29
LESSON AIMS
After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:
1. Summarize what makes a person a child of God through faith in Christ.
2. Compare and contrast life under the law with a life of faith in Christ.
3. Write out the promises God has made to him or her as an heir.
LESSON OUTLINE
Introduction
A. All Skate
B. Lesson Context
I. Inheritance (Galatians 3:18–19a)
A. Given by Promise (v. 18)
The Audacity of Faith
B. Questions of the Law (v. 19a)
II. Law (Galatians 3:19b–21)
A. Added for Transgressions (vv. 19b–20)
B. Limitations of the Law (v. 21)
III. Faith (Galatians 3:22–25)
A. Promised in Christ (vv. 22–23)
B. Deficiencies of the Law (vv. 24–25)
Advanced Coaching
IV. Unity (Galatians 3:26–29)
A. Resulting by Faith (vv. 26–27)
B. Regardless of the Law (vv. 28–29)
Conclusion
A. Time to Grow Up
B. Prayer
C. Thought to Remember
HOW TO SAY IT
Galatia
Guh-lay-shuh.
Galileans
Gal-uh-lee-unz.
Judaizers
Joo-duh-ize-ers.
KIDS CORNER
Some Benefits of Trials and Tests
Sunday, May 8, 2022
James 1:1-8
James 1:1-8
(James 1:1) James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings.
Most agree that James, the writer of this letter, was the brother of Jesus the Messiah, and James became the leader of the Christian Church in Jerusalem while most of the first original disciples served as missionaries outside Jerusalem. The Jews that were scattered (dispersed) around the world after the fall of the Kingdom of Israel (about 722 BC) and the fall of the Kingdom of Judah (about 587 BC) were called “the Dispersion.” The final major dispersion of the Jews took place when, according to the prophecy of Jesus, the Roman army destroyed Jerusalem and the temple in 70 AD. In Mark 13:1-2, we read: “As Jesus came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!’ Then Jesus asked him, ‘Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down.’”
Before and after the coming of Jesus, many Jews left Judea for business and other reasons. During the lifetime of Jesus, James, and Paul, more Jews lived outside Judea than in the former kingdoms. Wherever the Jews went as a community, they created synagogues in cities and towns. From the Book of Acts, we learn how Christian missionaries first went to these synagogues to preach the good news about Jesus. Gentile God-fearers and Jews in many of these synagogues became Christians and joined with pagans converts to form churches in these places. Then, after persecution came upon the Christians living in Jerusalem, many Christians scattered around the world and preached the gospel wherever they went. From Jerusalem, James wrote his letter to these dispersed Christians and these new churches that he called “the twelve tribes in the Dispersion.” Many of the places where dispersed Jews lived are listed in Acts 2: 5-11, for many dispersed Jews travelled to Jerusalem to celebrate on the Day of Pentecost. Probably several copies of James’ letter were sent to or circulated among various churches outside Jerusalem.
Though James was a brother of Jesus the Messiah, he did not claim that relationship as a badge of distinction that set him above others. He did not write, “Listen to me because I am Jesus’ brother.” Instead, he called himself a servant (or better, a “slave”) of the Lord Jesus Christ. The NASB translates the Greek word for servant or slave into “bond-servant.” In the NASB, we read, “James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings.” In the Old Testament, a bond-servant or bondslave was one who freely chose to serve his master and family for the rest of his life because they loved him and he loved them and he believed them worthy to be served. James committed himself to serving only Jesus Christ, his Master, and Jesus’ family, the Church. James knew Jesus was worthy to be served as his Lord and Savior. James was not “double-minded.” He did not try to serve two masters. He did not serve himself part-time and Jesus part-time. As his God and King, James chose to serve Jesus Christ and God the Father in the power of the Holy Spirit forever. For the sake of Jesus Christ, the Church, and a dying world that needed to hear and receive the Gospel of Jesus Christ, James became a slave to God the Father and Jesus the Messiah in response to their call to follow Jesus. In Colossians 4:12, Paul wrote of a bondslave and how he served the Church: “Epaphras, who is one of your number, a bondslave of Jesus Christ, sends you his greetings, always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.”
(James 1:2) Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,
James wrote to Christians in the Church as part of the family of Jesus, as adopted brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ, as fellow co-workers for the sake of the gospel. A “trial” in the broadest meaning is any difficulty, spiritual test, or temptation to do evil from the world, the flesh, or the devil that we may anticipate happening or be currently experiencing. A trial in a more limited sense can result in a judge or jury handing down a verdict of guilty or not guilty. As Christians, how we face trials is different from the way many other people face them. When we face a trial “of any kind” we can face it with “nothing but joy”! Why? Because we know that God our loving Creator and Father, and Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, and the Holy Spirit our indwelling Guide and Helper, will work together to help us as we face all our trials—even before an unjust judge or jury. We find joy through God’s working within us and our working together with God as we encounter trials. We know God will eventually work out everything for our good here and hereafter. In Romans 8:28, we read: “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” We know that with God’s help we will pass the test, and we will only pass the test through God’s grace (God’s merciful guidance and power). We know we will pass the test because we trust God and the written Word of God, the Bible, the written Truth. Knowing in advance that we can pass the test with the help of God brings us joy! From where does our ultimate joy come from in times of trouble? The Bible tells us in Psalms 94:17-19, “If the LORD had not been my help, my soul would soon have lived in the land of silence. When I thought, ‘My foot is slipping,’ your steadfast love, O LORD, held me up. When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.” Throughout all our trials, the steadfast love of God working within us will bring us joy.
(James 1:3) knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
In school, when we take a test, we think of a receiving a grade based on how well we have demonstrated to our teacher how much we have learned. A graded test can also show us where we need to spend more time in study. A graded test can show us and others whether we are ready to perform a life-saving surgery, fly an airplane across an ocean, build a bridge over a canyon, or perform other important tasks reliably and safely. A graded test can benefit others and ourselves and make us ready to do what is best and right in various situations. We can receive a passing or a failing grade, and we can score high, low, or in the middle. If we truly want to learn and do our best, after we take a test, we will consider where we have fallen short, where we need to study more, and how we can practice more diligently and successfully what we have been learning to do better. For this reason alone, taking a test and receiving a grade can bring us joy.
By God’s grace and through of our faith in Jesus Christ, we do not take our daily tests and face our trials or suffering alone. As Christians, God is within us and on our side: God is for us! Because God is for us, His children, God will help us pass our tests or help is do better next time when facing a trial. We can pray and trust Him in all circumstances (not just in a school classroom, but wherever we face afflictions, trials, and tests of any kind).
Furthermore, all our tests have a purpose. In this verse, James mentions one of the purposes of every test of our faith. The testing of our faith produces endurance. We can choose what attitude we will commit to every time we suffer for any reason. We can choose to face our sufferings, our trials, and our tests with joy and remember they will make us stronger spiritually if not also physically and better prepare us for the future. They will enable us to develop a closer, more trustful relationship with Jesus Christ, who also suffered and faced various trials. Each test we endure, we can endure joyfully knowing they will make us stronger and teach us new and better ways to point people to Jesus as our all-sufficient Lord and Savior. When we face trials and tests, Jesus does not expect us to endure these trials or take these tests alone; sometimes He will send other believers to help us endure the trial and pass the test. Then, we are prepared and strengthened to help others as others have helped us. Trials and tests give us the best opportunities to show forth our faith in Jesus Christ and His love and power in every situation. Some unbelievers will come to believe in Jesus as their Lord and Savior when they see the difference He makes in the lives of believers, especially as they are undergoing trials and enduring.
(James 1:4) And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
When tried and tested, sometimes the most believers can do is endure their suffering. Or, keep on withstanding and standing as Paul wrote in Ephesians 6:13, “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.” When suffering, the followers of Jesus can keep on enduring and praying not knowing when the trial and test will end. Unlike in a schoolroom, we do not know how long our test will take or when our class in “Christ-like Endurance” will come to an end. The more an athlete trains and follows the directions of a competent coach, the stronger they become, the more they learn, and the better they compete. When they win their competition, they know their training and endurance had its full effect.
As Christians, we joyfully endure, because we know trials will help us mature spiritually until God has made us complete and prepared us for heaven. We joyfully endure knowing that we will eventually have all the spiritual tools and training needed to help others come to faith in Jesus or strengthen their faith in Jesus when they face trials. As Christians, the more trials we face and endure with His help, the more we can trust in Jesus, the more we can learn from our study of the Bible and other Christians, the more we can pray and grow spiritually, and the more our faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior can grow. Jesus does not intend for anyone to remain a baby Christian; rather, He works in our lives to make us spiritual adults if we will cooperate and obey His teachings as our Chief, Coach, Commander for life, as our Lord and Savior. Jesus intends for us to serve Him and others His way and not our way. Sometimes our trials and tests will show us where we need to make changes, so we can follow Jesus more closely in the future instead of expecting Him to follow us wherever we go. In every trial, Jesus can empower and guide us, so we will lack nothing needed to serve Him in the world and prepare us for lasting joy in heaven.
(James 1:5) But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
To pass any spiritual test or endure any trial or affliction, we need wisdom in addition to the merciful guidance and power of God. Obviously, James wrote his letter to Christians who had suffered persecution, dispersion from their churches and homes, and martyrdom and death among other trials. To find the best way to endure and witness for Jesus Christ effectively during whatever trial or test we face, we need wisdom which the Holy Spirit will give us as we prayerfully study the Bible. The Holy Spirit will give us the light of understanding and the application we need for our situation as we read the Bible. We need the wisdom of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit to know how best to face every trial and pass every test, to endure with steadfast faith and love when suffering, and to experience joy even during pain and loss. If we ask God humbly, God will give us wisdom and the fruit of the Holy Spirit when we ask Him. God will give us more wisdom than we need and exceed our expectations. God gives ungrudgingly. God does not begrudge or resent giving us good gifts with the thought that He will be losing something that He would rather selfishly keep. God’s love for us motivates Him to give us exactly what we need. We are God’s children, and our Father wants to see us mature and become more like His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. God wants to give us what is best for us and others in all our trials and afflictions.
(James 1:6) But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.
To ask in faith means we fully expect God the Father to give us the wisdom we need and the guidance of the Holy Spirit we need to lead and empower us to defeat the devil’s schemes, resist our unholy desires, avoid the temptations of the world, and develop a Christ-like character and spirit. To ask in faith means trusting that Jesus will do all we need done for us so we can endure to the end whatever comes our way. To ask in faith means we believe Jesus will enable us to pray and serve others during our tests and trials. With God’s help, our trials will produce endurance. God will help us develop complete confidence in Jesus, a confidence that will prepare us for any trials yet to come. Otherwise, we will let our circumstances determine our thoughts and feelings and what happens to us rather than let the Lord Jesus Christ work through us and show that all things work for our good.
The waves of the sea can be totally at the mercy of the wind, but Jesus showed that He can control the wind and calm the seas with a word of peace. When facing trials, tests, afflictions, and suffering, remember what Jesus did as described in Mark 4:37-41, “A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, ‘Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?’ He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be still!’ Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to them, ‘Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?’ And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, ‘Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?’” We do not need to be tossed about by our circumstances, we can trust in Jesus who will always do what is best for us and all concerned.
(James 1:7) For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord,
(James 1:8) being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
The KJV and the NIV translate James 1:6, 7, and 8, as three separate sentences; whereas, the NRSV combines verses 7 & 8 as part of verse 6 into one sentence, and the NASB combines 7 & 8 as one sentence. Whether separated as two verses or combined as one, the meaning has not changed.
(James 1:6) But ask in faith, never doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind;
(James 1:7, 8) for the doubter, being double-minded and unstable in every way, must not expect to receive anything from the Lord.
Double-minded comes from the Greek word translated “double-souled.” Imagine two people with opposite views and different faiths living in the same body and often fighting one another. Imagine trusting in God sometimes and other times trusting in yourself and thinking you know more than God when it comes to deciding whether to believe in and obey God or not. When doubters think it beneficial, they may trust and obey God sometimes, but they will never do so completely. Partial belief is unbelief. Partial obedience is disobedience. A doubter will never endure in a trial or pass a test that requires trust in God and obedience to God in all circumstances. A doubter is unstable; therefore, a doubter cannot be trusted with a place of responsibility in the church. A doubter will have misgivings about who Jesus is as revealed in the Bible. A doubter will refuse to believe that the Bible is true in all it affirms. A doubter will never be a trustworthy guide for Christians. One who doubts the love, goodness, power, words, and wisdom of God as revealed in the Bible probably does not and should not expect God to give them what they need. Certainly, they probably will not and should not expect God to give them what they need in times of trouble. God expects believers in Jesus Christ the Lord to exercise their faith and trust Him no matter the circumstances, and especially in times of trouble. Believers in Jesus Christ know they can ask God and receive wisdom and strength to endure in unchanging situations, for God will always work those situations out for their good and the good of others.
Some Benefits of Trials and Tests
Sunday, May 8, 2022
James 1:1-8
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him (James 1:5—KJV).
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him (James 1:5—NASB).
If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you (James 1:5—NRSV).
When we face various trials and tests that sometimes involve great suffering and an uncertain future, we need wisdom to endure, to know how to pray, and to know what to do. The Bible promises that if we have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and do not doubt God’s love and generosity that God will give us all the wisdom we need. We just too often forget to ask! For these and other reasons, Christians can consider it nothing but joy when they face trials of any kind. Their trials can draw them closer to God as God inspires them to be more fervent in prayer. As they search the Scriptures, they discover promises from God that take on new meaning as the Holy Spirit gives them understanding. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit will give them gifts of love, joy, peace, and patience to endure and mature in ways they never knew possible. As with all trials, trials can serve as tests of faith. As we take these tests, they can show us what we need to study in order to endure with spiritual understanding the trials and sufferings that will inevitably come our way as long as we live in this world as it is. As we are tried and tested, the more we can learn to trust in Jesus and His words, the more we will grow into maturity as Christians. The Bible warns us that trials may lead us to doubt God and the Bible’s teachings, but as we pray for divine wisdom, we will not become double-minded and unstable in all our ways.
Thinking Further
Some Benefits of Trials and Tests
Sunday, May 8, 2022
James 1:1-8
Name ______________________________________________
1. Who was James and who were the twelve tribes of the Dispersion?
2. How should a Christian respond when they face any kind of trial?
3. Why should the Christian respond to their trials in this way?
4. What is the ultimate purpose of our trials according to these verses?
5. What will God ungrudgingly give Christians when they ask Him? Why should Christians ask for this?
Discussion and Thinking Further
1. Who was James and who were the twelve tribes of the Dispersion?
James was the brother of Jesus and the leader of the Church in Jerusalem. The twelve tribes of the Dispersion were the Christians outside of Jerusalem in churches that most probably had their beginnings in synagogues when new Jewish believers founded Christian churches. These churches most probably included both Jews and Gentiles.
2. How should a Christian respond when they face any kind of trial?
Consider it nothing but joy.
3. According to these verses, why should the Christian respond to their trials in this way?
They know that the testing of their faith and their trials will produce endurance.
4. What is the ultimate purpose of our trials according to these verses?
That we may be mature and complete.
5. What will God ungrudgingly give Christians when they ask Him? Why should Christians ask for this?
Wisdom. To know what to do according to the will of God as we face these tests and trials. To know how to pray. To know how best to witness for Jesus Christ in the midst of our tests and trials.
Word Search
Some Benefits of Trials and Tests
Sunday, May 8, 2022
James 1:1-8
Name ________________________________________
W Y N U J A M E S U R K T L G
E U B V I O V W R W D E V O N
N T W G X W I D U B S R D H I
D S E C O M P L E T E O O G T
U I Y B G I V T I S U Q M L E
R R A R Z D R N C B U Y Z F E
A H F V S I G O T R J S U S R
N C D Z A F Z I L M W Z E H G
C J K L A Q N S P X A L Q J D
E R S I P G V R Q Y B W Y R M
T M T V O B D E B A J M I A Y
J H S R I R F P T O T V T W J
P O W O G T L S Y X E U Q Y Q
L T V A K S N I O N R S E J Z
G O Z U O U W D F E V K A U A
James
Lord
Christ
Dispersion
Greeting
Trials
Joy
Testing
Faith
Endurance
Mature
Complete
Doubting
Driven
Unstable
True and False Test
Some Benefits of Trials and Tests
Sunday, May 8, 2022
James 1:1-8
Name ________________________________________
Circle the True or False answers. Correct the False statements by restating them.
1. James told his readers that they should believe everything he wrote because Jesus was his brother. True or False
2. James chose to become a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. True or False
3. James wrote only to Jewish Christians in Jerusalem. True or False
4. James wrote that we need to rejoice in small trials and complain in big trials. True or False
5. For Christians, the testing of our faith produces endurance. True or False
6. When Christian endurance has its full effect, those who trust in Jesus Christ become mature and complete. True or False
7. Whenever we lack the power to do what we want, if we ask God, God will always give us the power to achieve our goals. True or False
8. When Christians face trials and testing, they can ask God for wisdom and God will give them wisdom. True or False
9. It is okay to have faith in Jesus and doubts about God. It is okay to believe in the Bible and have doubts about it being true. True or False
10. A double-minded person is unstable in every way and must not expect to receive anything from the Lord. True or False
True and False Test Answers
- False
- True
- False
- False
- True
- True
- False
- True
- False
- True
Prayer
Father, help us view suffering through the perspective of faith. Teach us to depend on Your Holy Spirit. Thank You for Your Son, who has purchased our freedom. In His name we pray. Amen.