The Patience of the Spirit

 

The Patience of the Spirit 

James Chapter One 

1James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.

Note: Here the Apostle James, the early church’s leader, not head, identifies his status within the church, as a servant.  This servant, then addresses and greets God’s remnant of the “twelve tribes”.  He makes notice that these tribes are scattered, this identifies the state of Israel as fallen nation.  What does the fact that Israel is scattered signify?  Deuteronomy 28:64 - And the LORD shall scatter thee among all people, from the one end of the earth even unto the other; and there thou shalt serve other gods, which neither thou nor thy fathers have known, even wood and stone. A state of apostasy.

2My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

Note: James then opens his letter with a strange comment, that God’s children, in their fallen state, although still God’s remnant, should consider it a joy, when they “fall” into different temptations.   We need to recognize the significance of the words that James intentionally uses, “fall” and “temptations”.  Websters defines temptation as the state of being enticed, or arousing strong attraction or interest.  This means that there exists outside forces trying to bring the actor into a different state of mind (faith).  These forces use devices that are pleasing to the actor, in order to draw them in, and thereby causing the actor’s interest to peak, and lead to a sense of want.  To this point the temptation is neither good nor bad, that is determined by the intention of those yielding the external forces.  Traditionally, we think of temptations as something evil, or that the devil uses, but does God also use the act of temptations?  We will address this later.  Genesis 3:6 -  And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.  Here we see how Satan, enticed or tempted Eve.  He created an illusion in the mind of Eve (a different faith), and at each step drew her in closer with pleasure, “good”, “pleasant” and “create”.  Eve then, engrossed with euphoria was easily transformed in a state enmity with God.  Exodus 20:17 - Thou shalt not covet (Eve’s new faith) thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.  With euphoria, Satan was able to lead Eve, a perfect being, into a state of Covetousness against her provider, and Creator.  So far, we have only addressed the negative components of temptations, could there be some positive ones as well?  We will address this later.

Next, let us deal with Jame’s second chosen word, “fall”.  Webster’s dictionary has over eleven distinct definitions for the verb “fall”, but when one compares each definition to the context of Jame’s letter, only two definitions give the best rendering for the circumstance.  Webster’s Definition of Fall – 1. to pass suddenly and passively (do nothing to stop it) into a state of body or mind or a new state or condition (like Eve) 2. to enter as if unawares : STUMBLE, STRAY.  So which of these two definitions is James referring to when he uses the word “Fall”?  Well, we are dealing with a conditional state of mind when discussing the use of the verb temptation, so one could reasonably assume that this is in harmony with what the author is portraying, and therefore the correct use of the definition, so let’s take a closer look.   Here Webster uses the phrase sudden and passive.  Passive – 1. acted on by external agencies 2. receptive to outside impressions or influences 3. receiving or enduring without resistance “Submissive”.  In other words, in the first two explanation,  passive requires a sense of awareness or a state of knowledge.  Using this form of the verb to explain the meaning of Jame’s use of the word fall, would imply or infer that God wants us to actively place ourselves in the state of temptation.  James 4:7 – Submit yourselves therefore to God, resist the Devil, and he will flee for a season.  This verse is antagonist to the notion that God wishes for man to willingly place himself in temptation.  Therefore, the actual use of the word “fall” that James uses is to enter into unaware.  So man, does not create the situation, or add to the situation for which he is being tempted, otherwise, he is in collusion with the Devil, and in enmity against God. 

So why does James want us to consider ourselves to be in a state of joy when being tempted?

3Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

Note: Here James compares our faith, or what beliefs exists in our mind, to one of the muscles in our body.  James proves his prior statement, that we should be filled with joy when we experience temptations that we did not lead ourselves into, or intend.  He goes on to infer that, as we make our muscles stronger with use, we strengthen our spiritual muscles (faith in our mind)  thru over coming Satan’s temptations, cause we will experience them anyway.  He uses the word “trying” to represent the strengthening, or working, the powers of endurance, or the strength of faith.  He goes on to state that this strengthening of faith, creates in our mind, patience.  To be patient, is to remain in the state of faith, irrespective of difficulty or diversity.

Definitions:

1.       Trying - severely straining (strengthening) the powers of endurance

2.       Patient – 1. bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint 2. steadfast           despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity

4But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

Note:  Here, James expresses to the remnant, that strengthening our our spiritual muscles, or faith of mind, will lead the actor to perfect works.  Therefore, we do not do the works in order to be saved, rather the works are the outward manifestation of our salvation.  When our state of mind, is in perfect harmony with Christ, we lack nothing.   James 2:26 - For as the body without the spirit (pneuma) is dead, so faith without works is dead also.  An individual with true faith, is incapable of not sharing this faith.  The true faith in our mind, becomes as oxygen is to our body, and it must be used, or the mind dies.  It is not possible for God’s true children to hide their faith under a bushel, it MUST shine.

5If 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.

Note:  Remember, it is the trying of faith that leads to patients (a steadfast state of mind, despite opposition, difficulty or adversity “Satan”)  To be able to resist the devil, irrespective of his temptations, lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes or the pride of life.  Since it is the trial of faith, then faith must grow, otherwise we lack the ability to hold fast (algea’s hold fast).  Therefore, when our minds exist in a state of enmity against God, we are powerless against the Devil.  When we allow the Lord access to our heart and mind, He places a measure of faith or enmity against the Devil in them.  As the devil tempts us, and if we are not in collusion with him, the Lord adds in us, additional faith in Him and simultaneously, enmity against Satan.  Jesus, our Savior, wants to freely give us the gifts of faith, and enmity.  Romans 12:3 - For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

6But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

Note:  James directs all Christians who are lacking in enmity against the Devil, to ask God for more.  He then expresses that there is a proper manner, and an improper manner to request of God.  He states that we must ask of God, “in faith”.  In faith means more that just with belief.  James 2:19 - Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe (know), and tremble.  “In faith” requires a particular state of mind, belief, trust and loyalty (works).  At the Garden, if Eve existed as “in faith”, she would have had as her arsenal, patients against Satan.  Oh what a wonderful world this would be if she had patients.  Unfortunately, Satan, thru his temptations, was able remove the patients, and the enmity against the Devil.  He changed her state of mind, and inserted a state of wavering.  Mathew 6:24 - No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. 

1 Kings 8:21 - And Elijah came to all the people, and said, “How long will you falter (waver) between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” But the people answered him not a word.

7For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.

Remember, there is a proper way to ask of God, and therefore an improper way.  Here James is explaining that a man should not think that he will automatically receive what he requests of God.  Prosperity preaching.  If man comes before God in a state of wavering, he comes in a state of presumption.

8A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

Note: James again refers to the wavering mind, as one that is swaying between two opinions.  When we exist in this state of mind, we have no connection between us and God.  God does not require part of us, He requires all.  When we come to God in parts, we leave parts with our adulterous lover, Satan.  If we hold even the slightest love for Satan, then we exist in complete enmity with Christ.  If we request of God, in a state of enmity toward Him, he is unable to grant our request.

Job 1:1 & 8-12 – 1. There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil. 8-12 - 8 And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? 9 Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? 10 Hast not thou mad an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side?  Thou has blessed the works of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. 11 Put forth thine had now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.  12  And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord.

Here, Job is described as a perfect and upright man, or one who exists in a state of “in faith” with God, and enmity with evil.  The scripture goes on to say that Job’s state of mind was so perfect that he eschewed, or pushed evil away from his presence.  Christ asks Satan what world he represents by coming before God’s throne, and Satan responds from going to and fro the Earth.  Satan’s statement makes inference that he has conquered man, and therefore the earth is his kingdom.  Jesus rebuts Satan’s claim by stating that He still has a faithful follower on the earth, and therefore,  earth cannot possibly belong to Satan.  Satan then claims that the only reason Job follows Christ is because He bribes, or Tempts Job.  Does the Lord Tempt man?  So when we come before God, in a wavered state of mind, God cannot grant our request, or He would be bribing or tempting us for His benefit, and Satan would be right. God Forbid!  But when we come before God in a state of “in faith”, and with enmity against evil, this state of mine, in perfect harmony with the Father, gives us the ability, thru Christ, to overcome our temptations and grow.  So how do we find that state of “in faith” with God, and enmity with Satan?

9Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:

Note: Here James refers to the brother of low degree, as one who recognizes his state of wavering, but his desire of know God, and his complete dependence upon Him. 

Mathew 5:3 - Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Let us rejoice when we come into this realization, for ours is the Kingdom of heaven. Let us hunger and thirst for Christ’s righteousness, and we shall be filled with “in faith” and enmity toward Satan, which will lead us to eschew (push away) evil.  Our natural, minds become anti-sin, or exalted.

10But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.

Note:  James compares the “rich” to the haughty man with the wavering character.  In the beginning the rich man is considered beautiful and impressive (pharisees belief system), but later as time creeps in, he is made low (in capable of recognizing his dependence upon God, or self dependenc).  God’s people, in contrast, are considered simple, plain, and of unchanging state.  Mathew 5:5 - Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

11For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.

Note:  Here the “rich” wavering man, without a “hold fast”, when confronted with cares of this life, give up the word, truth and God, and spiritually wither away.

Mark 4:17 - And have no root (hold fast) in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended.

12Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

Note: James explains that the man who successfully holds fast to the “in faith” with God, and enmity with Satan, after being tempted, is blessed of God and is promised eternal life with God.  Mathew 24:13 - But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

Mathew 5:8 - Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

Note: Here James teaches that the man which is tempted, and continues in the state of “in faith” with God, and enmity with Satan, is truly blessed of God.

Mathew 5:10 - Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Definition:

Endure – 1. To continue in the same state 2. To remain firm under suffering or misfortune without yielding.  We still have not established if there is a good side to temptation, and if God actually tempts mankind?

13Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

Note:  Here James writes, a clear, definitive answer to our question.  He states, while we exist in a state of temptation, we are not to accuse or even believe that these temptation come from God.  Remember family, earlier, James expressed to us that we should count it “all” joy, when we “fall” into different temptations.  We had established that the joy comes from our spiritual growth, only when we fall into temptation, therefore having no collusion with Satan.  We are not to state or believe that God is the source of our temptation, even when the temptation leads to spiritual growth and joy.  You see, our perfect God, has no imperfection, or desire for imperfection, therefore, evil cannot entice, arouse, attract or even interest (tempt) the Lord, as it did Eve.  1 John 1:15 - This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.  Since God does not bribe, as we found our earlier, neither does He favor one man over another.  If He does not favor man, then He does not tempt man.  Romans 2:11 - For there is no respect of persons with God.

14But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

Note:  So what is the catalyst that leads to our temptation?  Here James reveals to us the source of our temptations, or how and why we are enticed or drawn away from our “in faith” and enmity.  As Seventh-Day-Adventist Christians, we do not believe that we are born in the state of enmity against God, but rather in a state of bliss.  Later, Satan begins his campaign “of doubt” in our minds. The doubt then draws us away from God, and creates in us the Lust which directs us to our Covetous nature. As protestants, we reject the “Original Sin Doctrine” of Rome.   James clearly states that as with Eve, it is our euphoria, which places us in a state of lust, that transforms us to a state of covetousness, which converts us into a state of sin, that leads us to the state of death. 

15Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

Note:  See above

16Do not err, my beloved brethren.

Note:  Here James has a specific message, for a specific people.  He identifies this group as “brethren”.  He further identifies this aggregate as “beloved”, therefore these are not merely acquaintances, but rather a family that he and Christ love.  Here the Apostle gives a solemn warning, “do not err”, do not mistaken.  The question is, what are we not to make a mistake about?

17Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Note: James declares that every good and perfect gift that we receive comes from heaven, and is sent to us from God the Father.  A good and perfect gift consists of a talent, treasure or otherwise that will benefit the receiver to either find or stay in the will of God.  James describes God the Father as the Father of Lights.  Here lights can stand for righteousness, transparency, philosophy or perfect character. Whatever the actual meaning, James concludes that the Father’s Light is complete, and displaces all darkness, or evil.  This is why perfection and imperfection can not exist simultaneously, otherwise imperfection dies.  Light cast out darkness.  See above 1 John 1:15.

18Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

Note:  Here James declares the God begat us of his will, with the word of truth.  Now this statement can have multiple meanings.  If expressed in the physical world, it could mean that God actually sired us (pagan belief).  Since God is an actual Creator, and not a pro-creator, we can reasonably reject this definition.  Next, in the spiritual realm, God makes us a new creation, since sin had corrupted the original.  It also states that we were re-created with the word of truth.  Here the word of truth could mean either the actual scriptures of God, or the Deity known as the Word.  We will have to compare this statement to the remaining verses to decipher which of these two is correct.

Webster’s Definitions:

Begat – 1. to procreate as the father (sire) 2. to produce especially as an effect or                               outgrowth

19Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

Note:  Again, we find James, speaking to a particular group of people, whom he identifies as brethren.  Therefore, as before, these are not acquaintances, but rather family,  James then expresses to them, and us, that we should swift (quick to listen) to hear, cautious when we speak, and slow to anger or irrational thought or behavior. 

James 3:5 - Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!  Mathew 12:36 - But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

20For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

Note:  Here James explains just why we should be quick to listen, remain slow to speak, and slow to anger.  He teaches  us that man’s wrath leads to ungodly thoughts, or a state of being out of “in faith”, and this state of mind removes the enmity that we previously possessed against evil.  We then become friends with evil and Satan, our natural human state returns.

21Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

Note: James instructs us to separate our thoughts.  Mathew 25:32 -  And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: He states that we must remove all filthiness and naughtiness, from our thoughts, once we eschew this evil mind, only then do we posses the capacity to be grafted into the word of God.  This connection with the word of God leads to continuing change of heart and mind, which will lead to salvation.

Remember, perfection and imperfection cannot occupy the same space, otherwise imperfection dies and perfection leave where not wanted.

22But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

Note: Here the Apostle James warns the people, once we have cleared your mind of all uncleanliness, we must follow He whom were grafted to, the word of God, Christ.  If we do not strictly adhere to God’s Word, then over time, the connection created will be broken.  Remember, Satan is continuously attempting to deceive God’s people thru deception, if we do not remain vigilant and “in faith”, the gift of enmity against the devil becomes weak, and we return to our natural, sinful state. 

Mathew 12:43-45 – When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. (44) Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. (45) Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first.  Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.

23For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:

Note:  Remember family, in verse 3 we leared that the process of overcoming temptation  creates spiritual muscles, therefore knowledge of itself, or belief of itself, is not enough to overcome the devil, Satan knows what we know even better, and therefore we are not even on equal ground with him.  Therefore, Christ provides a mechanism where our spiritual strength can grow, but this process requires works.  Now the works do not save us, only Christ righteousness can do that, but lack of works makes our spiritual muscles atrophy and die.  The lack of works returns us to our sinful image.

24For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

Note:  As Satan attacks, he brakes down our barriers against him.  When we fail to overcome temptation, our will is broken.  Mathew 26:41 - Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

25But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

Note:  As above.  The law of perfect law of liberty is either a road map to salvation, or the manner in which we know that we are in sin.

26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.

Note:  The Apostle James explains to the remnant, that there may be those among God’s people, who express the illusion of being a follower of Christ, but neither their hearts, minds, nor works (outward manifestations) reflect the characteristics of Christ.  He then states that the works (outward manifestation) of not holding their tongue, but the free (intentional) expressions of animosity toward Christ’s Church, or specific members in the church, are clear evidence of this false alliance to Christ.  John 13:35 – By this shall all men know that your are my disciples, if ye have love, one to another.  He goes on to state that over time, with perpetual bashing of God’s remnant, these false followers, begin to believe that they are doing the will of God.  Christ warns us of the same.  Mathew 7:15 - “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.

Definitions:

1,       Religious - relating to or manifesting faithful devotion to an acknowledged           ultimate reality or deity

2,       Seem - to give the impression of being

3,       Impression - an often indistinct or imprecise notion or remembrance

4,       Vain - having no real value

27Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

Note:  James ends this letter by teaching what true or pure religion is (free from moral fault or guilt) and how undefiled (not made corrupt, impure or unclean) religion expresses itself.  True religion is selfless, and immersed in agape.  It visits the fatherless and becomes their surrogate father, it comes to aid of the widow, in her grief or in her need, and not only visits, but does all it can to remove her affliction.  True religion is not a self centered ideology, since a person “in will” is already guaranteed salvation, but true religion is about doing the works that others can also find hope and salvation.

Definitions:

Pure - free from moral fault or guilt

Unspotted – free from moral stain.

Undefiled - not made corrupt, impure, or unclean

Brothers and Sisters, as a church, we have much to answer to for God.  We are guilty before our Father in that we have not done all that we could have, or even should have.  We are very much aware that we reside in the end of days, and soon we will experience the end of time.  We have this last opportunity, gifted to us by God, to change this.  Today, although our works are good, they have not been made perfect, for we, as a church, give of our excess, and not of our all.  Let us devote ourselves to the finishing of work, by preaching the three angles message to the world.  “The world is our Church”. 

Let us show a world, polluted with bigotry, selfishness, hatred, and unkindness, the true meaning of Christianity.