Ezekiel 31:1–32:32

•Psalm 130:1-4

•Proverbs 28:28

•James 1:1-27

Notes:

Ezekiel 31:2–18 Whom are you like…? Ezekiel filled this chapter with a metaphor/analogy comparing
Egypt to a huge tree that dominates a forest to a king/nation that dominates the world (17:22–24; Dan.
4:1–12, 19–27). He reasoned that just as a strong tree like Assyria (v. 3) fell (ca. 609 B.C.), so will Egypt
(ca. 568 B.C.). If the Egyptians tend to be proud and feel invincible, let them remember how powerful
Assyria had fallen already.

James 1:6 ask in faith. Prayer must be offered with confident trust in a sovereign God (Heb. 11:1). with
no doubting. This refers to having one’s thinking divided within himself, not merely because of mental
indecision but an inner moral conflict or distrust in God. wave of the sea. The person who doubts God’s
ability or willingness to provide this wisdom is like the billowing, restless sea, moving back and forth
with its endless tides, never able to settle (Josh. 24:15; 1 Kin. 18:21; Rev. 3:16).

James 1:14 drawn away. This Greek word was used to describe wild game being lured into traps. Just as
animals can be drawn to their deaths by attractive baits, temptation promises people something good,
which is actually harmful. his own desires. This refers to lust, the strong desire of the human soul to
enjoy or acquire something to fulfill the flesh. Man’s fallen nature has the propensity to strongly desire
whatever sin will satisfy it (Rom. 7:8–25). “His own” describes the individual nature of lust—it is
different for each person as a result of inherited tendencies, environment, upbringing, and personal
choices. The Greek grammar also indicates that these “desires” are the direct agent or cause of one’s
sinning. enticed. A fishing term that means “to capture” or “to catch with bait” (2 Pet. 2:14, 18). It is a
parallel to “drawn away.”

DAY 20: How can James expect Christians to “count it all joy” when they face difficulties and trials (1:2)?

The Greek word for “count” may also be translated “consider” or “evaluate.” The natural human
response to trials is not to rejoice; therefore the believer must make a conscious commitment to face
them with joy. “Trials” connote troubles or things that break the pattern of peace, comfort, joy, and
happiness in someone’s life. The verb form of this word means “to put someone or something to the
test,” with the purpose of discovering that person’s nature or that thing’s quality. God brings such tests
to prove—and increase—the strength and quality of one’s faith and to demonstrate its validity (vv. 2–
12). Every trial becomes a test of faith designed to strengthen. If the believer fails the test by wrongly
responding, that test then becomes a temptation or a solicitation to evil.

“Knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience” (v. 3). This means “proof” or “proving.” This
testing produces “endurance” or “perseverance.” Through tests, a Christian will learn to withstand and
even cherish the benefit of the pressure of a trial until God removes it at His appointed time.

“But let patience have its perfect work” (v. 4). This is not a reference to sinless perfection (3:2), but to
spiritual maturity (1 John 2:14). The testing of faith drives believers to deeper communion and greater
trust in Christ—qualities that in turn produce a stable, godly, and righteous character. “That you may
be…complete.” From a compound Greek word that means “all the portions whole.”