Walk the Talk: A Men's Bible Study in JamesSample

Not Untested

Have you ever heard the term ‘structural integrity’?

It’s an engineering term, referring to the ability of an item to stand strong under a load, without breaking or deforming. A bridge or building may not be opened to its intended public use if it doesn’t pass the test of structural integrity. And once it is in use, the engineers are praised for the structures’ purpose being served, carrying the load it was intended for without losing form or breaking down.

James, the younger brother of Jesus, challenged the early church not to grow tired, but in fact rejoice when they get tested in various ways. For when we get tested our faith can become fully developed without lacking anything. As followers of Jesus, we are not to go through life untested. As men of God, we are especially not excused from the tests of our time. An untested man is a lacking and incomplete man.

As you read through James 1, you can identify three types of tests: Trials, Tribulations, and Temptations…

Trials are challenges and uncertainties that arise where wisdom is necessary. It is the kind of test where we must navigate our way throughout, negotiate with our inner self a bit and even come to grips with certain truths about our situations. And the only way to navigate these trials are to find wisdom from God, without doubting and jumping from one solution to the next. It tests our steadfastness.

Tribulations are the things we can’t necessarily see coming, prohibit, or have answers to. It’s things like sickness, or persecution, or oppressive and depressive situations. When James was writing this letter to the early church, persecution was the order of the day. Jews and Christians faced persecution throughout the Roman empire, and Christians were especially targeted by the empire, as well as the strict Jewish communities they were formerly a part of. The struggle was real and the tribulations more physical than even some of us would imagine.

But the church stood strong. Men stood strong. And their faith proved perfect under the load. Their integrity was solid despite immense societal pressures. So can yours! Despite sickness, your faith can be strengthened. Despite the oppression from society and depression from within, you can stand with integrity. And be a man of complete character. Not untested!

Temptations are nothing new to anyone who has been walking with God for more than a week. Especially we, as warm blooded men! Temptations are all the things the enemy throws at us to take the easy way out or turn or backs on Jesus. For most men; it seems to be mostly physical, but all temptations are spiritual. As James says, we are tempted from within. The enemy will sow thoughts, hoping that it will spring forth to bear destructive fruit. He will identify our natural desires and illuminate our need to become our greed. And like cancer, early detection and identification is key to the treatment. More on this later in the series…

Like buildings and bridges, we men are challenged to stand the test of time, and time again. If we are to become men, fully developed and pure, we are not to be untested!

Reflect on the following…

1. What have you observed as the main test(s) of your own character as a man?

2. How will you stand strong with integrity and become a complete man of God?

3. What do you specifically need prayer for today? Pray about it…