Lesson 16 June 20

James Chapter One

he will receive the crown of life

**** NOTICE THE PROGRESSION:

1st WE'RE PROVED peirosmos; the refining process

2nd WE'RE APPROVED; dokimos;

3rd WE'RE REWARDED

Crown/wreath was commonly used in the OT as a symbol of special honor or to represent inner happiness / prosperity (sp/mat).

Examples: Psalm 21:3; Prov. 12:4 (wife); Prov. 16:31 (age/experience); Lam 5:16 (crown has fallen, because of judgment)

Therefore the crown of life describes a reward given at the JSC shortly after the rapture, something that is living, imperishable, in fact is an above and beyond reward.

Given for perseverance in the face of testing, load carrying ability, undeserved suffering, chp's of life; fulfilling what we've seen in vs:2-11.

Qualification: how do we get from here to there?

"which [the Lord] has promised to those who love Him."

Love is an active concept not just a relaxed mental attitude. (not sentimentality, or emotion)

It begins with a mental attitude that results in concrete action towards others, here Christ!

This crown then is connected with the divine purpose God has for those that love Him!

1:12 "Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial for after having been approved he will receive the crown of life which the "Lord" has promised to those who love Him."