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I.
Vs 12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once
he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which {the
Lord} has promised to those who love Him.
a.
Perseveres - hupomeno {hoop-om-en'-o} to hold fast to one's faith
in Christ
i.
not the "falling into divers temptations" (James
1:2) is the matter for "joy," but the enduring
of temptation "unto the end." (Commentary Critical)
ii.
It is not the man who suffers only that is blessed, but he
who endures, who with patience and constancy goes through all difficulties
in the way of his duty. (Matthew Henry's Commentary)
b.
Trial - peirasmos {pi-ras-mos'}
- the trial of man's fidelity, integrity, virtue, constancy
i.
Afflictions cannot make us miserable, if it be not our own
fault. A blessing may arise from them, and we may be blessed in
them (Matthew Henry)
ii.
literally, "when he has become tested" or "approved,"
when he has passed through the "trying" (James 1:3), his
"faith" having finally gained the victory
iii.
James returns to the theme with which he opened the passage
in verses 2-3; both refer to "trials,""testing,"
and "perseverance." The Christian who endures trials and "has
stood the test" will receive the crown of life.
c.
Once he has been approved - dokimos
{dok'-ee-mos} - accepted, pleasing, acceptable
i.
In the ancient world there was no banking system as we know it today,
and no paper money. All money was made from metal, heated until
liquid, poured into moulds and allowed to cool. When the coins were
cooled, it was necessary to smooth off the uneven edges. The coins
were comparatively soft and of course many people shaved them closely.
In one century, more than eighty laws were passed in Athens, to
stop the practice of shaving down the coins then in circulation.
But some money changers were men of integrity, who would accept
no counterfeit money. They were men of honour who put only genuine
full weighted money into circulation. Such men were called "dokimos"
or "approved". (Donald Barnhouse)
ii.
when his graces are found to be true and of the highest worth
(so metals are tried as to their excellency by the fire), and when
his integrity is manifested, all is approved [by] the great Judge.
(Matthew Henry)
d.
The crown of life - ?? what type of crown is this?? Is it a real,
physical crown?
i.
not in allusion
to the crown or garland given to winners in the games; for this,
though a natural allusion for Paul in writing to the heathen, among
whom such games existed, would be less appropriate for James in
addressing the Jewish Christians, who regarded Gentile usages with
aversion (Commentary Critical)
ii.
life" constitutes the crown, literally, the life,
the only true life, the highest and eternal life. The crown implies
a kingdom. (Commentary Critical)
iii.
This "crown" consists of life, that is the crown
is life (Rev.
2:10) (BKC)
1.
'Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is
about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested,
and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death,
and I will give you the crown of life.
iv.
This crown is not to be confounded with eternal life, which is the
free gift of God. The portion of all who believe in the Lord Jesus
Christ. The crown of life is reward for faithful
endurance out of love for the Savior. It is the Martyr's crown as we see in Rev. 2:10. Eternal life can never be forfeited.
It is the common life of all the redeemed.
Those who possess it shall never perish.
But the crown of life may be lost; yea, will be lost if one
should prove recreant [Unfaithful or disloyal to a belief, duty,
or cause.] to the trust committed to him.
So we are warned in Rev. 3:11 'I am coming quickly; hold
fast what you have, so that no one will take your crown. (Ironside)
v.
God's crown of life is not glory and honor here on earth, but the
reward of eternal life - living with God forever. (Life Application
Bible)
e.
Has promised - epaggello {ep-ang-el'-lo} - to engage voluntarily
f.
To those who love Him - agapao {ag-ap-ah'-o} - to welcome, to entertain,
to be fond of, to love dearly
i.
Love produces patient endurance: none attest their
love more than they who suffer for Him. (Commentary Critical)
ii.
Love for God enables believers who undergo trials to rest
confidently in Him. Their
steadfastness reveals their love.
Asking for wisdom with faith (vs. 6-8), hope (vs. 9-11) and
love (vs. 12), brings not only the blessing of wisdom but also the
blessing of winning. (BKC)
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