Verses 3-4: Knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
It is important to note the very first word in this verse: ‘knowing.’ It not only implies that we should be regularly studying to learn doctrine, but we should have these truths readily available whenever we need to draw upon them. We should formulate a frame of reference in our memory banks consisting of Biblical principles, building and comparing doctrines to be ready to assist us in all of the circumstances of our lives. In essence, what James is saying here is that this is a lesson you should learn and apply in the midst of all trials.
The word ‘testing’ is from a Greek word that means proving and was in use during New Testament times for testing the purity of metals in order to prove that they were genuine.1 These trials are noted as the ‘testing’ of our faith, specifically to determine “whatever is genuine in your faith.”2 The Apostle Peter writing to the same believers as James used this same Greek word, but it is translated ‘proof ’:
You have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:6b-7)
So it stands to reason that the believers’ ability to withstand trials will prove the genuine authenticity of their faith and “result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
Now this word ‘faith’ has a distinct implication. Many simply gloss over this word to denote ones’ life of faith in Christ. However, this word has a technical meaning as applied here by James. The Greek lexicon describes faith as “that which is believed, body of faith or belief, doctrine.”3 Precisely, this means the content of doctrinal truth that is understood and believed. Therefore, genuine faith that is believed must coincide with the truth tenets of Scripture. And for a believer to react to trials in a manner expressing hopelessness and despair demonstrates a faith that is lacking a sound understanding of God’s Word.
Why is it important for the believer when facing various trials to consider it all joy? Because when the believer is proactive in the midst of trials and considers it joy, then something is produced that benefits the believer: endurance. The King James translation employs the word ‘patience.’ That word today fails to express the substance of what James is asserting. The Greek word actually means steadfastness or “staying power that turns adversities into opportunities.”4 And here the idea is that when the believer accepts the trials of this life as a means for advancement and maturing in the Christian life, he will demonstrate to all around him the steadfastness of his faith in God’s sustainment.
On this point, the Apostle Paul corroborates with James:
And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance [same Greek word as endurance]; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope. (Romans 5:3-4).
In verse 4, we are commanded of James to let this endurance in the midst of trials have its perfect results. How are we to do this? By consistently being proactive in regarding with joy all trials; understanding that their intended purpose is to bring our faith to full maturity. But what are the perfect results?
The perfect results of our endurance relates to two things which occur for our benefit. First, that the quality of the believer’s life can be perfect, but not simply in enduring the trials of our faith. James is looking at the entire aspect of the believer’s life of faith, specifically, for reaching their spiritual growth potential. This is not the first time that Scripture suggests that we be perfect. Our Lord commanded that “you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). But, you might ask, doesn’t this imply a humanly unattainable status? Not exactly, because here the word “denotes that which has reached its maturity or fulfilled the end contemplated.”5 The end contemplated is the attainment and maintaining of our momentum in spiritual maturity. This is strengthened by our knowledge of doctrine to the extent that we understand and apply these truths in every circumstance of our life—whether they are good times or unfortunate situations (i.e., disasters, relationships, work problems, etc.).
Second, the perfect result of endurance is that we may be complete lacking in nothing. He is not referring to material things—the details of life (money, happiness, love, etc.). There is a phrase often used about someone being interviewed for a job that they are “the complete package”, meaning that that individual has all the positive characteristics needed for the position. That is what James is telling us here—that we will be complete when we have the necessary quantity of doctrine that will enable us to consistently respond to trials in a mature manner.
The last phrase ‘lacking in nothing’ guarantees that when believers acquire the pertinent doctrines to endure testing and to be steadfast in their initiative to reach spiritual maturity. They will have no spiritual deficiency—they will be “the complete package” that God has designed them to be.
The daily study and intake of God’s Word is imperative for believers if they are to be perfect (spiritually mature) and complete (knowledgeable of doctrine). We should examine ourselves to determine if we are truly motivated to reach our spiritual growth potential. Otherwise, we will lose out on all the spiritual benefits God provides to sustain and empower us over the various trials that we are confronted with.
[1] Zodhiates, S. (2000). The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament (electronic ed.). Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, G1383.
[3] Arndt, W., Gingrich, F. W., & Bauer, W. (1957). A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian
Literature, Chicago: University of Chicago Press, p. 669.
[4] Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1997). The Nelson Study Bible: New King James Version. Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers, p. 2103 note.
[5] Vincent, M. R. (2002). Word Studies in the New Testament. Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.,1:724.
No comments:
Post a Comment