Professional Documents
Culture Documents
James 1:1-8 Faith Flushed Out Dennis Mock
James 1:1-8 Faith Flushed Out Dennis Mock
James 1:1-8 Faith Flushed Out Dennis Mock
It is fascinating that James is perhaps the most practical and power packed letter in the
entire NT. This is James the half-brother of Jesus who lost his life early in the history of
the Church as a martyr. He provides us with a series of tests by which we can know
whether our faith is genuine. These tests relate to our speech, behavior, favoritism, etc.
Life becomes the crucible in which our faith is refined. These tests come to us in the
ordinary circumstances of life. James is considered a form of NT proverbs. There are over
30 references to nature, 21 allusions to OT and many references to the Sermon on the
Mount. We need to read the 5 chapters of the book at one sitting to really get a feel for
the flow and movement of thought. Untested faith is not really faith until it has been
acted on the crucible of life. It is ultimately not only about what we believe but how we
behave when our faith is really tested. James calls us to behave appropriately when our
faith is tested which will demonstrate that our faith is real.
Answer the following question: How would you rate the quality and character of your
personal faith? Is it genuine, real, steadfast? Do you doubt from time to time? Have you
matured to the point where your faith is solid and unshakeable?
James hits us with both barrels in this letter. We will all be challenged at some point. It is
not a heavily theological book but does contain more theology than you might think.