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What is Genuine

Esteem it all joy, my brothers, when trial you might encounter. Knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance, and let endurance work, perfect, that you might be perfect and complete in lacking nothing.James 1:3

When I encounter trials I am to esteem joy (from ágō, "to lead" and hēgéoma, "what goes before, in front"; properly, to lead the way, referring to coming first in priority). When trials come, and they will as they perfect us, I am to make joy a priority in my mind, to lead it into my thoughts. The testing (trial, what is genuine) of your faith (belief, trust) produces endurance (remaining under, steadfastness). Let endurance work (labor, accomplish; a deed, action, that completes an inner desire) and perfect that you might be perfect and complete. The testing of our faith produces what is genuine; fullness, perfection, completeness, so that we lack nothing. Oh to be complete in Christ.

Endurance is needed to run the race. Through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.3  Blessed is he who remains steadfast. Do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.4 Sometimes as Job's friends, we want to point our fingers at those under trial, but we should encourage with all joy, to esteem joy in them. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.5 Trials should direct our hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ. We are not to lose heart during trials, but to focus on the things eternal.6 We are to endure, to be patient as a farmer waiting for the harvest, we are to establish our hearts in such.7

  • In due season we will reap, if we do not give up.8 
  • It is a gracious thing in the sight of God when we endure persecution. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.9 
  • I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.10 
  • To those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. 
  • Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth.
Blessed is the man who endures trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.14 Those who love God remain steadfast under trial, this is a sign of our love for him. Of endurance you have need, that the will of God having done, you might receive the promise.15  Endurance is needed to do the will of God. Those of faith are not those who draw back, but of those preserving the soul,16 We preserve our souls through endurance, by not falling back, by being perfected into the perfect law of liberty. For the righteous of Christ live by faith and God delights in the soul of those who overcome.17 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.18 This hope in him, in the scriptures,in his love, this is how we are to endure, it is the method to sanctification, And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.19 

God is faithful and will not let us be tempted by that which we can not overcome.20 This perfect work matures us, it is the testing of our faith, living it out, that produces endurance and endurance works the complete work of Christ in us. Remaining under faith during trials completes fullness of Christ in us, it is participating in his suffering. I am to set my mind on joy, make it a priority. I am to pray without ceasing, giving thanksgiving to my God. Through joy and peace we abound in hope. Trials (probation, testing, temptation, calamity, affliction) are allowed by God. Evil is not of God, he doesn't tempt us with evil, but like Job he can remove the hedge of protection around us so that evil is our trial, the purpose is that we just don't hear God, but see him. Looking into the perfect law of liberty.

Come boldly before the throne of grace and receive grace and mercy as needed in your trials. Malachi prophesied that the Messenger would sit as a refiner of people, like a silversmith burning off dross, the impurities.21 Only that which is eternal will endure the fire, wood and stubble will burn up, but precious metals, as silver, become ever more pure under fire. I am to persevere, endure, not turning away, forgetting who I am, under trial, it is the testing of my faith that makes me genuine. Be made genuine in Him.
Run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.22
My Savior Loves, My Savior Lives

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