How to handle trials

Knowing your audience

The Hebrew word for "Teach" is the same as the Hebrew word for "Learn" - "Lamad" (H#3925). More precisely, this word refers to teaching and learning in the notion of training or exercising in one thing or another.

The first step to either teaching or learning is knowing who the teacher is or who the audience is. This is what establishes connection and conveyance of information.

James 1:1 (NKJV) James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings.

Verse 1 - James identifies himself as a bondservant both of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. When we think of the Lord Jesus Christ as the manifest Word of God it makes sense to make the distinction here.

James next identifies to whom he is speaking specifically - the twelve tribes that are scattered abroad.

This is a clear designation of those people who are Jewish by blood and possibly religion who do not live in Israel but are still existing in the Diaspora.

These two sentences inform the reader that James was being very pointed and purposeful with his intended audience - the dispersed Jews. (That is not to say, however that the gentiles who are grafted in -you and I could not receive the wisdom set forth in this book for ourselves.)

The idea being conveyed here is that James is establishing himself as credible source of wisdom on the heart of God because he is a "bondservant" of both God and Jesus (the Word). A religious Jew living and practicing Judaism would only recognize God and His Word - not Jesus as God as authoritative. Therefore, claiming to be a bondservant of the same gives credibility to that audience immediately.

James 1:2-3 (NKJV) 2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.

Verse 2 (a) -

As mentioned in the comments on verse 1, James is specifically writing to Jews who are still in the Diaspora. It is notable, then that he calls them "brethren." He does this for a few reasons. First, they, like himself are Jews. Second, he is again attempting to establish rapport by indicating he is "one of them." This will help in disarming their resistance to being taught.

There’s a sizable research literature on “demographic match” between students and teachers (or instructors), especially along race/ethnicity lines, and some evidence along religion lines.*

Verse 2 (b) -

This part of the verse can be disconcerting if one is reading it without the assistance of the Holy Spirit. For this, one needs to be Baptized with the Holy Spirit (See "Filled or Baptized" for more information).

The reader (remember - first Jews) is told to "Count it all joy when you fall into various trials."

The word "Count" is the Greek Word - "hegeomai" (G#2233) and it means to:

1. Go before

2. Be a leader

3. Rule, Command

4. Have authority over

5. Be a prince or any kind of leader

6. Consider, deem, account, think

The word "Joy" is the Greek Word - "Chara" (G#5479) and it means:

1. The joy received from you

2. The cause or occasion of joy

It comes from the root word "Chairo" (G5463) which means:

1. To rejoice, be glad

2. To rejoice exceedingly

3. To be well, thrive

4. In salutations, hail!

5. At the beginning of letters, to give one greeting, salute

Understanding these two words are the key to the remainder of the verse. Upon first view of the word "count" those of us with a western mind will, undoubtably be of the opinion that this must mean the latter of the definitions "Consider, deem, account, think". However, with the help of the Holy Spirit we can see that it can, and should mean the former five definitions of the word - to take authority over, to rule, to command, etc.

The idea would be that we come upon a "various trial" and immediately decide that we are going to command our joy - Command with our mouth. Why would this be the interpretation?

To understand we must look at an otherwise obscure passage in Proverbs Chapter 8 verse 2

Proverbs 8:2-3 (NKJV) She takes her stand on the top of the high hill, Beside the way, where the paths meet. She cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city, At the entrance of the doors

This verse in proverbs refers to wisdom, which also, incidentally refers to the Word of God and by extension, Jesus and a step further, the believer. If the believer actually believes they have the mind of Christ, they will look at wisdom as something they themselves possess.

Based on the actions attributed to wisdom in Proverbs 8, we can conclusively state that the Word of God is not only obvious at the time when a decision must be made but is also directive at the beginning of a matter. What, then does it direct?

I would argue that it declares the end of the matter at the beginning of the matter as attested to in Isaiah 46:10.

If we, believers, are in possession of the mind of Christ, and indwell by the same, then the onus is on us to act in a manner that reflects this truth and commanding our joy certainly does.

Next there is the second half of verse 2 which states ..."fall into various trials." We shall examine this phase piece by piece.

The Greek word for "Fall" here is the word "Peripipto" (G#4045) and it means simply to fall into as to be encompassed - I would liken this to the experience of Joseph "falling" into the pit his brothers had created for him.

However, upon a deeper examination, we see that it comes from two root words. The first, "peri" (G#4012) meaning about, around, because of, near. The second is "Pipto" (G#4098) and it means to fall or to descend, but it also means "to lose authority, no longer have force of sayings or precepts. And to be removed from power by death, to miss a share in or to fail to participate in."

This definition of "fall" is richer and deeper than just the understanding of one descending from a state of uprightness to a lower state. It indicates that the "fall" is more of a choice than a happenstance. We can either regain our authority by commanding our joy or we can "fall into" the trial by remaining silent.

Various - here, just means of different sorts

Finally - the trial.

The Old King James version of the Bible says "temptations". It is the greek word "peirasmos" (G#3986) and means an experiment, attempt, trial, or proving. The root word - "peirazo" (G#3985) literally means to try whether a thing can be done.

This definition is astounding in its implication! It unequivocally and clearly indicates that the "various trials" are not forgone conclusions or unavoidable eventualities. They are not even current reality! They are just an experiment. One that is meant to test a hypothesis set forth by the enemy to see if you, the image bearer will respond the way he thinks you will.

It is your job to prove him wrong, to fight the good fight of faith and emerge as the victor you are. You do that by commanding your joy at the outset! You must, above all else, command your joy to manifest so that you will hold steady while you endure the threat of defeat. It is this act of faith that will prove to you that the Word of God, Jesus, God is your salvation.