Real faith is more than words and, according to this epistle, is really measured in how we respond to various trials of life. In James chapter 5, James guides us with practical steps for our faith when we encounter severe mistreatment. James addresses how the rich were abusing the poor, but there are valuable lessons for all Christians to learn when our faith is tested.
One thing all of us have in common is we don't know what the future holds. James says, "You do not know what tomorrow will bring." In James 4:13-17, people of faith are reminded our plans must include God. Anything short of life without God's will is arrogance.
The third chapter of James is one of the most challenging passages in the Bible. Controlling the tongue is so difficult James declares, "No human being can tame the tongue." But at the end of the chapter, James gives us the tools that are from above to help with our struggle. With the help of God, a person of faith can control their tongue.
In James 1, we considered how faith responds to personal trials. James 2 teaches us how faith responds to the trials of others. In this test of faith, James forces us to come face to face with how we deal with partiality and poverty.
The book of James is a vivid expression of how real faith looks when practiced as a true servant of Jesus. In the first chapter, the common theme is how Christians should think when they are tested. Since our actions are preceded by thoughts, James tells us how to think about common trials so we can live out our faith as God would have us
Life hands challenges, trials, tribulations. Why doesn't God do something? Why doesn't he give us an easier life. Abraham had many tests but one was the supreme test. God asked him to sacrifice his son. He complied and God stopped the knife at the last moment. Why?
