Title James 01:1-18 Trials and Tests
Contents
Trials and Tests (James 1:1-18)
We hear news of bankruptcy and restructuring from various places. Those who are being laid off are struggling to survive in the reality of being deprived of their right to live. Extreme difficulties and suffering have been established in our society as a continuous phenomenon since the IMF era. Somewhere at the end of this difficult time, we are still stuck in the dark. In these difficult realities, we find a concept that can teach us a lesson. That is, people who were usually too greedy and unsatisfied with the reality and tried to climb high at once, had the same disappointment and frustration when everything collapsed in an instant. Those who have been doing their own work have relatively less disappointment and frustration. People who are usually honest and sincere, satisfied with small things, tolerate even a little discomfort and lack of it, and have persevered in difficult circumstances, still have the strength and potential to endure the pain and suffering of the present.
I. Greed begets sin and death.
The Bible says that when greed increases, it becomes a sin, and as a result of sin, death leads to death. Greed, sin, and death are interconnected, and if we do not control our greed well, we will sin against God and as a result will be judged to death. Therefore, we must control our greed well. Kim Woo-jung, who was once the idol of all who want to be successful with the phrase "the world is big and there are many things to do", is suffering now because of his greed. Now he is a criminal and is hiding in some European country. That greedy motto has now been replaced with the phrase, “Even if the world is wide, I will hold onto you (Kim Woo-jung).” It is a law made by God that, if you are greedy, your greed will become excessive and result in sin, and eventually you will be destroyed because of your greed. We must not ignore this warning from God. God does not want His children to live that way. He says, “Come out of her, my people, and do not partake of her sins, and receive not of her plagues” (Revelation 18:4). Let us break the chains of greed, sin, and death. The Lord has set this free, but let us not put this chain back on us. Don't be greedy and live with integrity.
II. Let us distinguish between temptation and trial.
In verse 12 of the text, it is said, “Blessed are those who endure temptation.” The word temptation (peirasmoi) has two meanings. One is Temptation and the other is Trial. When James 1:2 says, “My brethren, when you meet trials of various kinds, count them all joy.” The test refers to trials. When we say, “Blessed is the one who endures temptation” in verse 12, the test speaks of trials and temptations. The temptation in verse 13, “when a man is tempted,” speaks of temptation.
III. Let's encourage each other.
We ourselves need to distinguish between trials and temptations. You must know for yourself whether you are living in faith or in greed. The Lord in me will speak. If it is an ordeal of faith, you must persevere through it. If it is temptation, we must quickly cast aside greed and covetousness. That way you won't suffer the consequences of death. However, we must not judge our brothers and sisters in faith. Even though they are suffering from temptation, we should recognize their weakness and offer prayers, encouragement, and comfort rather than criticism. Because they already know their problem. Also, there is a good chance that we too will make the same mistake. Therefore, rather than judgment and criticism, we should pray for each other to heal with a heart of love and comfort, encourage each other for good deeds, and take care of each other so that we can keep our faith. Let's control greed with patience. Let's become a church that looks back on our weak members and receives approval from the Lord together. Then we will all receive the crown of promise. Amen