Following Jesus 144

Blog #2015-89

Following Jesus: The Progress of the Pilgrim.

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4 ESV).

What is God’s goal in difficulties? It is the completeness of joy – vs. 4. “And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

The phrase “And let steadfastness have its full effect,” refers to the follower of Christ being receptive and open to lessons God is teaching through the believer’s trials. We are to let patient endurance have its mature spiritual goal or outcome. This is not referring to sinless perfection but to progress and development. Spiritual maturity. 

The Greek word “teleion” refers to animals, which are full grown. Believers are to allow trials to do its job in our lives.  We are not to shake our fist at God and angrily chastise Him for what He has permitted and purposed.  

The goal is that we may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. Maturity is stressed. James is constantly stressing the need for whole-hearted, unreserved commitment to God and His will.

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