Worthless ChristianitySample

In 2017, An estimated 219 millions cases of malaria occurred worldwide. The good news is that it is usually curable if treated early with the appropriate drugs. The bad news is that in recent years there has been an increase in companies or people counterfeiting malarial drugs. And while counterfeiting affects all industries, whether it’s a pair of Air Jordans or a designer purse, when it takes place in the medical and health care industry it can be deadly. 

James is a powerful book of the Bible written to address a serious issue of counterfeiting. It’s considered by many to be the most practical book of the Bible. In a series of teachings, James desires for each Christian to live an authentic Christian life and avoids the pitfalls of worthless Christianity. James is a book that addresses counterfeit Christianity.

James opens the book with 18 verses that help Christians display audacious faith amid trials and temptation. 

James starts by addressing his audience and encouraging them to have an attitude of joy during trials (James 1:2). During trials, or possibly before we experience them, our response can be deliberate and planned. We can choose to respond negatively, or we can view our trials as an opportunity for growth. Verse 3 says that “testing of your faith produces perseverance (NIV).” With every test or trial, our spiritual makeup becomes stronger and stronger. 

Christ is the spiritual silversmith in our life using trials  to purify and forge in us an incredible life of immense worth. The goal of our testing is to make us more like Jesus. To make us perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. Through Christ, a worthy Christian life will work to approach trials with a joyful mindset.

Transitioning from trials to temptation, James explains that temptation comes from within, not from God. God will NEVER tempt you! The root of temptation is our sinful desires. 

Using the metaphor of fishing and child-bearing, James lays out the process of temptation. Temptation first begins when, like a fish, we are lured and enticed, and ends when sin has been planted or conceived in our life. 

So four quick, practical conclusions: be joyful in trials, pray for wisdom, swim away from sin, and don’t be deceived by Satan!