James 1:12

Bless is the man who is steadfast under trial and perseveres when tempted; for when he has passed the test and been approved, he will receive the (victor’s) crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

Tests and trials will reveal our level of faith and our knowledge of the promises of God. If we turn to and speak the word of God out of our mouths when those trials occur, we are standing on faith.  Our goal as Christians is to be approved by God for believing and operating in the Word.

James 1:7

For such a person ought not to think or expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable and restless in all his ways (in everything he thinks, feels, or decides).

A double-minded person is constantly reversing the words of action in their lives. Either by doubt, being impatient, or unbelief caused by a lack of understanding of God and how He works. Distraction from God and His word creates blessing blockers in our lives. We must agree with God, believe He will do what He says, and wait for the response.

James 1:6

But he must ask (for wisdom) in faith, without doubting for the one who doubts is like a billowing surge of the sea that is blown about and tossed by the wind. For such a person ought not to think or expect that he will receive anything from the Lord.

A person who doubts God doesn’t know God or has studied God. They haven’t gone to the world in crisis, but the world. If we are to trust in God, we are to trust fully. We can only trust when we have the truth of God’s word as knowledge for how to live our lives.

James 1:5

If any of you lacks wisdom (to guide him through a decision or circumstance) he is to ask of God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him.

God relieves the pressure of decision-making when we turn to Him and listen for guidance. The peace of God will help us through, and if the devil tries to attack our minds, we cast down the imaginations and tell the tormentor to leave. We will all have to make decisions, and we want the best possible outcomes. Lean on God and the word first to make those decisions.

James 1:4

And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed (in your faith) lacking in nothing.

Faith is not just a concept; it is something given to us by God, and we need to practice it. Faith comes by hearing and believing the word of God. If we never take the time to learn and hear, we will be weak in faith and easily doubt God. When we know the truth of the Bible, we will not be easily deceived by the world. The bible is our guidebook and our source of steadfast faith.

James 1:2-3

Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. Be assured that the testing of your faith (through experience) produces endurance (leading to spiritual maturity and inner peace).

People are creatures of comfort and not used to being resilient in trials. Yet trials come, and we must maintain an attitude that keeps our eyes fixed on God. We cannot control the world; we can only control ourselves. We can pray for God to move on our behalf and stand in faith, knowing that God will see us through during the trial.

Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit (the result of His presence within us) is love (unselfish concern for others), joy (inner) peace, patience (not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. 

When we focus on the things of Jesus and let the Holy Spirit guide us, we will operate in love. The more we concentrate on God and seek His face, the less the ability of sin to lead us to the flesh will be. Yes, it takes work, but so does slavery to sin, and sin makes people miserable. When the love of God is at work in our hearts, the peace that flows into our lives is priceless. 

Galatians 19-21

Now the practices of the sinful nature are clearly evident: they are sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality (total irresponsibility, lack of self-control), idolatry, sorcery, hostility, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, disputes, dissentions, factions, envy, drunkenness, riotous behavior, and other things like these. I warn you beforehand, just as I did previously, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

As we practice our faith and look at the above list, we know that people are drawn into sin daily. Someone has been deceived into believing that the practice of sin outweighs the benefit of salvation and freedom from sin. Sin is a choice and walking with Jesus is a choice. If we are short-sighted, we will not see the consequences of choosing sin over eternal life with Jesus. 

Galatians 5:17

For the sinful nature has its desire which is opposed to the Spirit, and the (desire of the) Spirit opposes the sinful nature; for these (two, the sinful nature and the Spirit) are in direct opposition to each other, so that you (as believers) do not (always) do whatever (good things) you want to do.

Building up our spirit is like building up muscle to make us strong. The stronger we are, the better able we are to resist the temptations and do what is good. When we are drawn away into worldly pursuits, we spend less time with God. We will be weak Christians, easily swayed and tempted. If the goal is to do better as a Christian, we first must learn what it is that we should be doing as Christians. 

Galatians 5:16

But I say, walk habitually in the (Holy) Spirit (seek Him and be responsive to His guidance), and then you will certainly not carry out the desire of the sinful nature (which responds impulsively without regard for God and His precepts).

The Holy Spirit is our safety net and protection if we stay close and listen. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we will be able to recognize and avoid the sinful nature. Along with our focus on the Word and Jesus, we can maintain our thoughts and not be tempted into sin. We can’t get tired and give up, even when we are tested. Any believer can be trapped if they do not keep themselves in the Holy Spirit and the Word.