Dialogue with James “Stick with it!”
By Bishop Dr. Eric Peters
The credibility of James to speak on the practicality of our Christian witness is needed today.
All other writers give spiritual concepts but James takes us from the temptation of spirituality in principle to spirituality in practice.
He is not speaking as one who had always believed in Jesus even as a brother but one who doubted him and his ministry.
John 7:5 KJVS For neither did his brethren believe in him.
James is writing here not as an original disciple of Christ but as one who came to faith in Christ.
He is speaking as one who is convinced by the resurrection of Christ and now is committing himself to the life.
1 Corinthians 15:7 KJVS After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
He was known as James the Just who was revered by Jewish society after the death of Christ and as such had special access into the Holy Place in the Temple alone to pray.
His intercession for the forgiveness of his people was so deep that history records him as having knees like a camel because of the callouses they developed on the hard ground.
One who was eventually killed when He rejected popularity and chose martyrdom.
He is writing to Jewish believers who are scattered due to persecution but are in environments that are hostile to their faith.
James is reminding them that there is no safe place for the Christian. Flee persecution in Israel but know that you get it wherever you go.
James is informing them that your temptation and trials must never compromise your testimony.
James is acknowledging by the words used that it is not easy but it’s doable.
The key in difficult seasons is to gain a distinct differentiation between temptation, tests and trials.
Temptations are an unavoidable part of our Christian walk. God does not tempt us but temptations come from Satan allowed by God.
Tests are also unavoidable as they are divine processes to prove our readiness for the manifestation of God’s blessings. We can also be tested by temptations.
Trials are Satanic attacks against our lives with the objective of negatively affecting our faith and trust in God. They are also as a consequence of our own actions in disobedience to God.
Temptation is God’s method of developing our character in preparation for our future.
Our attitude toward temptation is determined by our understanding of its purpose. Vs 2
He places the responsibility of resolve on us focused on the transformation that will be the result. Vs 3
Through process and time we are made ready for the event we are anticipating. Vs 4
Take hold of the keys that will assist you to thrive in challenging times:
Wisdom: vs 5 - The advantage is provided in adversity with our access to divine downloads.
Faith: vs 6 - The ability to believe in the one whom we serve is what provides the strength and fortitude that we need.
Stability: vs 7 - The unwavering anticipation of divine intervention while presented with other options.
Dialogue with James: Stick With It: Blueprint for Practical Witness
Infographic: Dialogue with James: Stick With It
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