#BibleStudy Expressions of Faith. James 1. The Crown of Life
12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12
Perseverance is a disappearing virtue in our 21st Century society.
- People change jobs, add/delete friends and contacts, change churches, and end marriages with disappointing regularity.
James's position is the polar opposite of our current worldview.
And for good reason.
James knows there's only one way to persevere, regardless of the strength or length of a trial.
- To stand a test, to persevere, you must love God.
When James wrote this letter, persecution was a regular occurrence throughout the Church.
- The date of James's writing his letter is most likely during the reign of Nero.
- Persecution of Christians was routine.
- The meaning of James 1:12 was clear to all who heard this letter read aloud.
Most governments don’t kill Christians for sport in coliseums today. However, perseverance out of a love of Jesus remains essential to receive the crown of life, eternal life in heaven.
- How's your perseverance?
- Is it a virtue when things are going well but a memory when trials come?
- Is your love of God deep and personal regardless of your situation, or does the depth of love come and go like the ocean tides depending on your situation?
Can you read verse 12 verse and know that you
... will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
If you can't, today is the day to re-commit yourself body, soul, mind, and strength to God.
God's prayer line is always open, and you can claim, or reclaim, your Crown of Life today!
Express Your Faith this Week
Pray every day. Ask God to help you fight the good fight for Him regardless of your circumstance and ask for strength to persevere regardless of your life situation.
Think about times you were overwhelmed by trials and failed the test.
Do. In the left column in the table that follows make a list of three times you thought of. Briefly explain how you got into each situation in the center column. Use the third column to describe what you did, or what you will do, to get out of each situation.
Situation
|
How it happened
|
I did or I will do
|
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