Today’s passage: James 1:9-11
Helpful thoughts:
- Another means to perseverance for the Christian is humility.
- The poor may struggle with humility in complaining or bitterness.
- But God has exalted them in Christ. Their economic status has nothing to do with their eternal inheritance.
- The rich may struggle with humility in lacking a sense of need and in pursuing more temporal wealth.
- The rich are reminded that they too will fade. In the end, the rich and the poor of this world meet the same end.
- The poor may struggle with humility in complaining or bitterness.
- The whole comparison serves as an illustration within the context of the passage.
- A rich man who is a believer could be humbled through the trial of losing his wealth. If he lacks faith and doubts God’s good purposes, he will be unstable and tossed about in the trial.
- If that rich man believes in God’s good purposes to mature him in the faith, producing steadfastness/perseverance, he will be able to count that trial “all joy” (Verse 2).
Questions to consider:
- God promises to conform us into the image of Christ (Philippians 1:6). So is this passage about how to respond in order to grow? Or, is this passage about how to enjoy the ride while God is growing you?
- Is this passage only applicable for the rich and poor? What might be precious to you, like money might be precious to the rich, that could steal your eyes and heart away from the Lord?
- Why is your salvation and relationship with Jesus Christ the best gift and exaltation that God has given you? Why is it so much better than anything this world has to offer?