James 1:2-4

Reasons For Having Joy In Trials

James uses the word for "greetings" which means "joy to you." He then goes on to tell his readers they ought to be happy even in the presence of many and various kinds of outward hardships and trials (James 1:2). This is not a faked happiness, but a sincere joy because the results of overcoming trials are known. Overcoming trials will result in receiving the promise (Hebrews 10:32-39). Jesus said, "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matthew 5:11-12).

Robertson emphasizes the fact that one falls unwittingly into these trials. He is unexpectedly, and through no fault of his own, surrounded, much like the man who fell among thieves (Luke 10:30). Notice, James assumes trials will come. Becoming a Christian does not make one immune from life's troubles. Jesus told his disciples, "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). At the close of his first missionary journey, Paul went back to the churches and worked to strengthen the faith of the brethren. He said, "We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22). Peter also told the brethren not to be surprised when they experienced fiery trials. In fact, he urged them to rejoice because they had proven worthy to suffer for the Lord's sake (1 Peter 4:12-14).

The reason for joy in trials is that they produce patience (James 1:3). The word "testing" here suggests raw ore going through a furnace to remove the dross (1 Peter 1:6-7). So, this is like a trial to prove the purity of one's faith (Compare Genesis 22:1-14). Such trials produce a quality of lasting endurance, like a long distance runner must have. Furthermore, if patience is allowed to progress to its absolute end, the man of God will be full grown and whole, or possess all his parts (James 1:4). Woods says of the words "lacking nothing", "Basically, the word is a racing term, and points to the fact that those who develop into mature Christians are not out-distanced by any."