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Rejoicing in Trials
…3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.4Allowperseveranceto finishits work,so thatyou may bematureandcomplete,not lackinganything.5Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.…

Treasury of Scripture

But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

let.

James 5:7-11
Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain…

Job 17:9
The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger.

Psalm 37:7
Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

perfect and.

James 3:2
For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the sameis a perfect man,and able also to bridle the whole body.

Proverbs 4:8
Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.

Matthew 5:48
Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

wanting.

James 1:5
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to allmen liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Matthew 19:20
The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?

Mark 10:21
Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

CompleteDeficientEffectEnduranceEntireFinishFullLackingMatureNeedingPatiencePerfectPerseverancePowerResultResultsSteadfastnessWantingWorkCompleteDeficientEffectEnduranceEntireFinishFullLackingMatureNeedingPatiencePerfectPerseverancePowerResultResultsSteadfastnessWantingWork1.James greets the twelve tribes among the nations;
2.exhorts to rejoice in trials and temptations;
5.to ask patience of God;
13.and in our trials not to impute our weakness, or sins, to him,
19.but rather to hearken to the word, to meditate on it, and to do thereafter.
26.Otherwise men may seem, but never be, truly religious.

Allow perseverance to finish its work
Perseverance, or steadfastness, is a recurring theme in the Bible, often associated with enduring trials and maintaining faith. In the context of James, perseverance is seen as a necessary process for spiritual growth. The Greek word for perseverance, "hypomonē," implies a patient endurance under trials. This concept is echoed inRomans 5:3-4, where suffering produces perseverance, character, and hope. The idea is that perseverance is not passive but active, requiring believers to remain faithful and obedient despite challenges. Historically, the early Christian community faced persecution, making perseverance a vital trait for maintaining their faith.

so that you may be mature and complete
The goal of perseverance is spiritual maturity and completeness. The Greek word for mature, "teleios," suggests reaching an intended end or purpose. This maturity is not just about age or experience but about becoming fully developed in character and faith. Completeness, or "holoklēros," implies wholeness, lacking nothing necessary for spiritual life. This reflects the biblical principle of sanctification, where believers are progressively conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). The process of becoming mature and complete is a lifelong journey, emphasizing the importance of continual growth in faith and understanding.

not lacking anything
This phrase underscores the sufficiency found in spiritual maturity. When believers allow perseverance to complete its work, they find themselves equipped with everything needed for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). The idea of lacking nothing is reminiscent ofPsalm 23:1, where the Lord as Shepherd ensures that His followers have all they need. In a cultural context, this would have been a powerful assurance to early Christians who often faced material and social deprivation. Spiritually, it points to the fullness found in Christ, who provides for every need according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19).

1.James
The author of the epistle, traditionally identified as James, the brother of Jesus and a leader in the early Jerusalem church. He writes to Jewish Christians scattered among the nations.

2.Jewish Christians
The primary audience of the letter, who were experiencing trials and persecution, prompting James to address issues of faith, perseverance, and practical Christian living.

3.Early Church
The context in which James writes, characterized by growth, persecution, and the need for strong teaching on living out the Christian faith.The Role of Perseverance
Perseverance is not just enduring trials but allowing them to shape and refine our character. It is an active process that requires our cooperation with God's work in us.

Spiritual Maturity
The goal of perseverance is to bring us to maturity in Christ. This maturity is characterized by completeness and lacking nothing, indicating a well-rounded and robust faith.

Trusting God's Process
Trust that God uses trials to develop our faith. This trust is rooted in the understanding that God is sovereign and works all things for our good.

Practical Faith
James emphasizes a faith that is lived out in practical ways. Perseverance in trials is a demonstration of genuine faith that impacts how we live daily.

Community Support
Encourage one another in the faith journey. The early church context reminds us of the importance of community in persevering through trials.1.What is the meaning of James 1:4?

2.How can we let "perseverance finish its work" in our daily lives?

3.What does being "mature and complete" mean in a Christian context?

4.How does James 1:4 connect with Romans 5:3-4 about perseverance?

5.In what ways can trials help develop our spiritual maturity?

6.How can we encourage others to embrace perseverance during difficult times?

7.How does James 1:4 define spiritual maturity and completeness in a believer's life?

8.What role does perseverance play in achieving the completeness mentioned in James 1:4?

9.How can trials lead to the perfection described in James 1:4?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from James 1?

11.What are the key teachings in the Book of James?

12.What are the key themes in the Book of James?

13.How can your joy be made complete?

14.How can endurance strengthen your faith and character?Allow perseverance

“Allow perseverance to finish its work” (James 1:4). The opening word “allow” reminds us that steadfastness is not forced; we either let it operate or we short-circuit it.

• James has just said, “the testing of your faith produces perseverance” (James 1:2-3). Trials give endurance, but we must welcome that process.

•Hebrews 12:1 pictures believers “running with endurance the race set out for us,” choosing not to quit.

•Romans 5:3-4 links “suffering” to “perseverance,” then to “character,” underscoring that perseverance is the hinge on which growth swings.

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to finish its work

Perseverance has an assignment from God; it is crafting Christlike character within us.

•Philippians 1:6 assures us that “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” Perseverance is the divine tool that keeps the project moving.

•1 Peter 1:6-7 says trials prove faith “more precious than gold,” so endurance is the refining fire doing its full job.

• Job could testify, “When He has tried me, I will come forth as gold” (Job 23:10). The process must run its course.

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so that you may be

Here James shifts to purpose. God is not interested merely in our surviving hardship; He aims at a specific outcome.

•Colossians 1:28 speaks of presenting everyone “perfect in Christ” as the apostolic goal.

•Ephesians 2:10 reminds us we are “created in Christ Jesus for good works,” showing God’s intent behind every shaping influence.

•1 Corinthians 1:8 promises the Lord “will sustain you to the end,” again pointing to a goal rather than random pain.

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mature and complete

“Teleios” (complete) describes full-grown adulthood in Christ.

•Ephesians 4:13-15 talks about reaching “maturity, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,” contrasting it with childish instability.

•2 Timothy 3:16-17 states that Scripture trains us so the man of God may be “complete, fully equipped for every good work.” Perseverance partners with the Word to accomplish that.

•Colossians 4:12 shows Epaphras praying that believers would “stand mature and fully assured,” confirming that maturity is God’s will for every Christian, not a spiritual fringe benefit.

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not lacking anything

The verse ends with a picture of sufficiency—no deficits in faith, love, wisdom, or obedience.

•2 Peter 1:3 declares that God’s divine power “has given us everything we need for life and godliness,” echoing James’s promise.

•Philippians 4:19 reassures, “My God will supply all your needs,” including the inner resources trials demand.

•Psalm 23:1 affirms, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Perseverance guided by the Shepherd leaves no essential lacking.

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summary

James 1:4 calls us to let endurance have the space to do what God designed it to do. When we embrace trials with faith, perseverance keeps working until Christlike adulthood emerges. The result is a believer who is whole, balanced, and spiritually equipped, coming up short in nothing God deems necessary.

(4)Let patience have her perfect work.--Do not think the grace will come to its full beauty in an hour. Emotion and sentiment may have their place in the beginning of a Christian career, but the end thereof is not yet. Until the soul be quite unmoved by any attack of Satan, the work cannot be deemed "perfect." The doctrine is not mere quietism, much less one of apathy, but rather this, that the conscious strength of patient trust in God is able to say at all times (comp.Psalm 63:8)--

"My soul hath followed hard on Thee;

Thy right hand hath upholden me."

And if in this patience we can learn to possess our souls (Luke 21:19) the perfect work of God will be wrought within us.

That ye may be perfect and entire (or,complete).--A special proof herein for religious people may be taken with regard to temper. Few trials are harder; and sweetness of disposition often melts away from physical causes, such as ill-health or fatigue. But the great test remains; and it is one which the world will ever apply with scorn to the nominally Christian, refusing to admit the claims of saintliness on the part of any whose religion is not of the household as well as the Church. The entirety and completeness of the life hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3) are manifested most by self-restraint.

Wanting nothing.--The older version, "lacking," found in Tyndale, Cranmer, and the Genevan Bible seems decidedly better. Here is no wish that the faithful should be free from care, heeding nothing; but rather that their whole lives might be without fault or flaw: a perfect sacrifice, as it were, offered up to God. And this idea is confirmed by reflecting on the original meaning of the word translated "entire" above in the Authorised version=complete,i.e.,as an offering, with no blemish. . . .

Verse 4. - Patience alone is not sufficient. It must have scope given it for its exercise that it may have its "perfect work."That ye may be perfect (ἵνα ῆτε τέλειοι); cf.Matthew 5:48, "Be ye therefore perfect." Bothτέλειος andὁλόκληρος were applied to theinitiated, the fully instructed, as opposed to novices in the ancient mysteries; and as early as1 Corinthians 2:6, 7 we findτέλειος used for the Christian who is no longer in need of rudimentary teaching, and possibly this is the thought here. The figure, however, is probably rather that of thefull-grown man.Τέλειοι, equivalent to "grown men" as opposed to children;ὁλόκληροι, sound in every part and limb (cf.ὁλοκληρίαν inActs 3:16). From thisτέλειος assumes amoral-complexion, that which has attained its aim. Compare its use inGenesis 6:9 andDeuteronomy 18:13, where it is equivalent to the Latininteger vitae, and the following passage from Stobaeus, which exactly serves to illustrate St. James's thought in vers. 4 and 5,Τὸν ἀγαθὸν ἄνδρα τέλειον εϊναι λέγουσιν, διὰ τὸ μηδεμίας ἀπολείπεσθαι ἀρετῆς The "perfection" which is to be attained in this life may be further illustrated fromHebrews 12:23 - a passage which is often misunderstood, but which undoubtedly means that the men were made perfect (πνεύμασιδικαίων τετελειωμένων), and that not in a future state, but here on earth, where alone they can be subject to those trials and conflicts by the patient endurance of which they are perfected for a higher state of being. The whole passage before us (vers. 2-6) affords a most remarkable instance of the figure called by grammarians anadiplosis, the repetition of a marked word at the close of one clause and beginning of another. "The trial of your faith workethpatience; but letpatience have herperfect work, that ye may beperfect and entire,lacking in nothing. But if any manlack wisdom, let himask of thegiving God... and it shall begiven him; but let himask in faith, nothingdoubting, for he thatdoubteth," etc.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Allow
ἐχέτω(echetō)
Verb - Present Imperative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2192:To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

perseverance
ὑπομονὴ(hypomonē)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5281:Endurance, steadfastness, patient waiting for. From hupomeno; cheerful endurance, constancy.

to finish
τέλειον(teleion)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5046:From telos; complete; neuter completeness.

[its] work,
ἔργον(ergon)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2041:From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.

so that
ἵνα(hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443:In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

you may be
ἦτε(ēte)
Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

mature
τέλειοι(teleioi)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5046:From telos; complete; neuter completeness.

and
καὶ(kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.

complete,
ὁλόκληροι(holoklēroi)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3648:Complete in every part, sound, perfect, entire. From holos and kleros; complete in every part, i.e. Perfectly sound.

[not] lacking
λειπόμενοι(leipomenoi)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3007:A primary verb; to leave, i.e. to fail or be absent.

[anything].
μηδενὶ(mēdeni)
Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3367:No one, none, nothing.


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NT Letters: James 1:4 Let endurance have its perfect work that (Ja Jas. Jam)