(5) If any of you lacks in wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. (6) But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. (7) For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; (8) he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. 

            Following his encouragement to endure trials for the purpose of Christian maturity, Paul insists that God’s wisdom must be present in enduring trials in order to mature. When we lack wisdom in the midst of difficulties, we are instructed to pray (1:5). This “wisdom” we are encouraged to seek is not something we can pursue and acquire through ourselves, but only given to us by God in order that we can carry out His will. As well, James urging corresponds with Jesus’ teaching in the gospels (Matt 7:7). When we seek him prayer, we are to approach God in faith: a settled trust and confidence of God (Moo; 1:6). In contrast, we are deterred from approaching God in doubt. Going between trust in God and our own natural ability causes instability and uncertainty and in our lives (1:6). Although we are instructed to approach God in the right attitude, let me comfort your uneasiness that this doesn’t mean that no prayers will be answered when asked in doubt, but instead that God wants us to know that he responds to us when our lives reflect “consistency of purpose and intent – spiritual integrity (Moo).” Read more…

(1) James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings. (2) Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, (3) for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. (4) And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

                James, the half-brother of our Lord Jesus Christ, is writing this letter to Jewish Christians who were dispersed across the Roman Empire due to persecution (1:1). As a servant to “God and our Lord Jesus Christ,” James encourages them to endure trials because he has confidence that they will grow in their commitment to Christ and mature in their faith through the things they suffer (1:2-4). God, according to James, has a purpose in allowing us to suffer as believers. God has our best interest in mind. That is why we can express real joy no matter what difficulties we may face (1:2). What is interesting about James is that he does not limit suffering exclusively to “persecution,” but views our suffering coming upon us in a mixture of ways (1:2). Through these various tests, we grow “stronger” in our faith: perseverance (1:3). The picture here is a person who carries successfully a heavy load for a long time (Moo 55). By getting “stronger,” we mature in our Christian character, reflecting more and more the character of Christ.  Read more…