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In verses 2-4 of the first chapter of James we are told that the testing of our faith is a cause for joy because it can lead to our maturity and completeness in the faith. Our verse for today, on the other hand, tells us that the testing of our faith can lead to a reward – the “crown of life.”
The testing of our faith is an inevitable aspect of life in the present era. The times we live in are full of sin and evil and our faith in God is tested as a result. No one likes tests, but James’ point in Chapter 1 is that we should like them better than we do because of the great good that can come from them. First, we can become patient, mature, complete persons of faith, and second, we can receive the crown of life.
In order to receive these two very good things, however, there is a stipulation. We must persevere, remain faithful, and pass the test. Simply going through the trials, troubles, and tribulations of life is not sufficient to receive the good that can come from them. What really counts is the manner in which we go through them. If we go through them with patience, if we go through them and remain faithful, then we receive the good that can come from them – personal maturity in the faith in the present era and the crown of life in the future.
What is the “crown of life?” the Greek word translated as “crown” refers to the wreath of leaves that was placed on the heads of those who were victorious in athletic contests. James used the word as a metaphor for the reward believers receive in the next life. The crown of life that the Lord promised to those who love Him and remain faithful to Him during the times of testing is eternal life. The Apostle John put it this way, “see that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is what he promised us—eternal life” (I John 2:24-25).
Stand firm in the faith with a patient attitude during the times of testing, for the rewards are very great.
The testing of our faith is an inevitable aspect of life in the present era. The times we live in are full of sin and evil and our faith in God is tested as a result. No one likes tests, but James’ point in Chapter 1 is that we should like them better than we do because of the great good that can come from them. First, we can become patient, mature, complete persons of faith, and second, we can receive the crown of life.
In order to receive these two very good things, however, there is a stipulation. We must persevere, remain faithful, and pass the test. Simply going through the trials, troubles, and tribulations of life is not sufficient to receive the good that can come from them. What really counts is the manner in which we go through them. If we go through them with patience, if we go through them and remain faithful, then we receive the good that can come from them – personal maturity in the faith in the present era and the crown of life in the future.
What is the “crown of life?” the Greek word translated as “crown” refers to the wreath of leaves that was placed on the heads of those who were victorious in athletic contests. James used the word as a metaphor for the reward believers receive in the next life. The crown of life that the Lord promised to those who love Him and remain faithful to Him during the times of testing is eternal life. The Apostle John put it this way, “see that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is what he promised us—eternal life” (I John 2:24-25).
Stand firm in the faith with a patient attitude during the times of testing, for the rewards are very great.
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