Evidence of Salvation: James – Can we live perfect?

Oh No! She doesn’t love me! I will never ever love again!!! Life is over…I was 15 years old. Fast Forward just one decade and even thinking about that thought, made me chuckle! Why? I was still “Nate”. Some things in my life had changed, some had not. The BIG difference was one simple little word: Maturity! Much in life can only be put in perspective with “time” which should produce maturity.  

In Review: 

Evidence # 1 – How you handle troubles is an “evidence” of what you believe

Evidence # 2 – Purposeful living is an “evidence” of what you believe.

James 1:4-5 And let endurance have its perfect effect, so that you will be perfect and complete, not deficient in anything. But if anyone is deficient in wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without reprimand, and it will be given to him.

What does he mean perfect? 

It does not mean sinlessness! James of all people would know that personally because he grew up with Jesus, sharing one of the same parents. It must have been quite a lesson for him having an older brother that was the Godman and never sinned! This would produce a real different impact of that old saying if his parents ever said it! “Why can’t you be like your brother!” An impossible standard for any sinner to meet, I often wonder if this is why none of Jesus’ siblings believed Who their brother was until after the resurrection. (John 7:2-5)

The word James uses in the original for “perfect” is: “τέλειος téleios” which means; goal, purpose, finished, and complete. James is encouraging us to allow endurance to have its full result…that you may be mature, spiritually grown-up.

God is not a “game player”! He has a reason for everything. Spend some time If you looking back at your life, you will see and discover God’s hands all over your life!

Evidence # 3 – Spiritual Maturity is an “evidence” of what you believe

Wisdom is defined as: Having or showing discernment and good judgment. 

This is my definition: The “how to” of knowledge. Understanding how to apply the data. 

Why does he bring up wisdom here? 

In the midst of a trial, which is the context, is when you need to understand how to use the knowledge of the Word of God. 

In scriptural terms, knowing “about” something is very different than “knowing” it! I can know there is a God, however, if I leave it there it profits me nothing! Consider: 

James 2:19 You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. 

Wisdom is applying that knowledge, so if you believe in God, how do you apply that in your life? That will lead you to have a relationship with Him, which will bring you into salvation.

Jesus is rejected by the Samaritans: 

Luke 9: 51-56…And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said, "Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?" But He turned and rebuked them, and said, "You do not know what kind of spirit you are of; for the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them.”  

The finite mind cannot fully understand the plans of the Infinite mind, in fact, unless the Infinite mind illuminates the finite mind, God’s wisdom escapes it. James and John were reacting as any of us would who had been with Jesus, saw how powerful He was, yet now was being insulted! Only the Infinite Mind could plan to send a King…a Son to die! 

The perfect plan of salvation came from the Infinite and Perfect mind of God!     

Evidence # 4 – Wisdom that comes from God is an “evidence” of what you believe

Meditation Thoughts: Have you examined God’s plan of salvation? If not, what’s your plan for yourself after your body dies?