EquippedMama

Now the believer of humble means should take pride in his high position. But the rich person’s pride should be in his humiliation, because he will pass away like a wildflower in the meadow. For the sun rises with its heat and dries up the meadow; the petal of the flower falls off and its beauty is lost forever. So also the rich person in the midst of his pursuits will wither away. Happy is the one who endures testing, because when he has proven to be genuine, he will receive the crown of life that God promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each one is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desires. Then when desire conceives, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is full grown, it gives birth to death. Do not be led astray, my dear brothers and sisters. All generous giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or the slightest hint of change. By his sovereign plan he gave us birth through the message of truth, that we would be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. James 1:9-18, NET

James 1:9-18, NET Bible® copyright ©1996-2017 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved.

James, an apparent master of language, continues his discussion on trials and temptations with a series of strong contrasts.

Now the believer of humble means should take pride in his high position. But the rich person’s pride should be in his humiliation, because he will pass away like a wildflower in the meadow. (James 1:9-10, NET)

Immediately following his exhortation on the importance of the faith-filled seeking of wisdom, James encourages believers not to perseverate on the importance of their earthly belongings. The believer of humble means is in a high position. The rich should revel in his humiliation. These phrases seem a clever literary tool, but serve a purpose much greater than simply grabbing the reader’s ear. In the midst of discussing trials and temptations, James encourages the believers to consider what is truly lasting and what is temporary. He warns against being enamored with worldly accomplishments when he goes on to say,

For the sun rises with its heat and dries up the meadow; the petal of the flower falls off and its beauty is lost forever. So also the rich person in the midst of his pursuits will wither away. (James 1:11, NET)

Again, James highlights the temporary nature of the things we deem so important. Riches. Accomplishments. James reminds the reader that these things are unable to last, and have the longevity of a wildflower. Is this not a reminder we need today? How many Christians live life chasing riches and accomplishments, willfully ignorant that they cannot and will not last? Much like the writer of Ecclesiastes commented of his accomplishments, “All these achievements and possessions are ultimately profitless—like chasing the wind!” (Ecclesiastes 2:11 b, NET).

If James deemphasizes the importance of earthly accomplishment and human accolades, what alternative does he give the Christian to look forward to? We see the answer to this in vs. 12. Those who endure testing, thus proving their faith to be genuine, are rewarded with treasure far beyond the comprehension of human achievement. Their reward is, “the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him” (v.12b). What a rich hope for believers dispersed abroad, and facing all sorts of trials! In Peter’s first epistle to the scattered church, he echoes with similar encouragement that, “Such trials show the proven character of your faith, which is much more valuable than gold—gold that is tested by fire, even though it is passing away—and will bring praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” (1 Peter 1:7). What a lasting and precious reward is offered those who suffer for the Lord!  

In these few verses, James encourages the believer not to get wrapped up in his earthly life, but rather to focus on the crown of life waiting for him after his trials. He then goes on to reassure the believers of the character and nature of God. He is not one to tempt believers to sin (v.13). James makes it quite clear that our own sinful nature does very well leading us into sin- and that the Lord never desires to see anyone stumble (v. 13-14).

How are we lured into sin?

James outlines a process we can all resonate with. We are lured by our own desires (v.14). Our desires give birth to sin, and this sin eventually leads to death (v. 15). This sober progression culminates in a warning that the believer not be led astray.

In the same warning against sin and the temporal nature of this life, James again appears to change courses, concluding this passage by re-focusing on the character and nature of God. God does not cause us to sin. Our flesh leads us to sin. But.

All generous giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or the slightest hint of change. By his sovereign plan he gave us birth through the message of truth, that we would be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

James 1:17-18, NET

What an encouragement that James gives the believer facing trials-God does not change. His plan is sovereign. He gives us birth through the message of truth- the Gospel! What a vivid contrast- our sin gives birth to death, but the message of truth also offers us birth. The writer of Romans comments on this dichotomy when he states:

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 6:23, KJV

So-to revisit the question from last week- what is the appropriate attitude for a Christ-follower to take when faced with challenging circumstances? We are to recognize the temporary in light of the eternal. We are to be drawn to hate our sins, recognizing how opposed our evil thoughts and actions are to the nature and character of God. We are to respond in joy-filled worship to the best and the worst that life offers, recognizing that the human accomplishments we pursue on earth are fleeting at best. We are to recognize the temporal in light of the eternal, and praise the Lord for giving us Jesus, that we might have the hope of new birth in Him.

For our momentary, light suffering is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison because we are not looking at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen. For what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:17-18, NET

Homework- Read the book of James. Re-read James 1:1-10 and then read 1 Peter 4:1-3, Hebrews 12:1-12, Philippians 1:27-30. What are benefits of suffering? List a few in the text margin.