Triumph through Trials: The Epistle of James

by David R. Anderson

Publisher:

Grace Theology Press

, 2013

Overview

In Triumph through Tragedies: The Epistle of James, David R. Anderson’s pastoral commentary provides practical insights that help apply the truths of James to times of trial. Throughout his exposition of James, Anderson argues that God does not shield his children from trials, but in fact, allows trials to come our way simply because we are his children. He posits that this is precisely when God does his best work—ironically, in the darkness of our trials. Though James does not gives us all the answers, Anderson illuminates how it does offer some of the answers to why bad things happen to good people. Anderson’s insights are challenging and encouraging, as he demonstrates how James is a letter that speaks to the heart of God’s children, guiding them through the times when the fog rolls in.

Key Features

• Accessible evangelical commentary on James
• Engaging pastoral voice backed by 30 years of ministry experience
• Personal anecdotes demonstrating the themes of each chapter

Contents

• God’s University (James 1:1–4)
• The Optical Illusion (James 1:5–12)
• Got Zot-Rot? (James 1:12–18)
• The Art of Being a Good listener (James 1:19–27)
• The Ugly Duckling (James 2:1–13)
• Three Little Pigs (James 2:14–17)
• The Great Divorce (James 2:18–26)
• A Measure of Maturity (James 3:1–12)
• A Word to the Wise (James 3:13–18)
• A Man’s Best Friend (James 4:1–6a)
• The Most Dangerous Game (James 4:6–10)
• The Badge of Humility (James 4:11–12)
• The Material Man (James 4:12–5:6)
• Patience: The Art of Hoping (James 5:7–11)
• Still Sovereign, Still Omnipotent (James 5:12–16a)
• God’s Medicine (James 5:16b–18)
• God’s Rehabilitation Program (James 5:19–20)
• Postscript

Top Highlights

“As he’s driving away, he says to himself, ‘That man shouldn’t have tempted me to steal his car.’ Well, I don’t think I tempted him. The keys in the ignition would be no temptation to a perfectly honest man. They would only be a temptation to a thief, or a man who already had the inclination. This is James’ point. If in our trouble we feel a solicitation to evil within us, the only reason it’s there is because there is something corrupt within us, namely, our lust. We cannot blame this part of the peirasmos on God. It is something that originates within us.” (Page 41)

“‘count it.’ It is the word hegeomai, one of four words in the Greek language for coming to a conclusion: two are based on feelings and two are based on facts. This is a conclusion based on facts. It says, ‘Let’s be objective. Don’t let your feelings throw you in the midst of your trial. Let’s get some perspective on the situation. Let’s look at the facts.’” (Page 7)

“‘intense negative feelings over another’s achievement or success.’ Envy is mourning with empty hands because you do not have what someone else has. Jealousy is mourning with full hands because you are afraid of losing what you have. Envy begins with nothing and wants something. Jealousy begins with much and fears losing it.” (Page 135)

“Spurgeon put it this way: ‘Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom.’” (Page 21)

“In the introduction to the body of the letter James gives three positive values that trials add to our lives: needed endurance, needed wisdom, and a great quality of life.” (Page 7)

Praise for the Print Edition

Dr. Anderson is a lifelong close friend of mine. I have also known him as one of the most gifted interpreters of God’s word that I know. In Dave’s skilled hands the commentary resonates with textual expertise and the richness of experience. I enthusiastically commend his insights to the readerso f this book.

—Lanier Burns, research scholar, Dallas Theological Seminary

Dave Anderson’s new book on the epistle of James is a must read. With fresh perspectives on many passages and a thorough and compelling discussion of the faith and work issues, Dr. Anderson has given his readers a choice morsel of practical, inspiring, and biblically deep exposition. I love this book. Well done!

—Jody Dillow, co-founder, BEE World

Dave Anderson’s treatment of the book of James reflects the best exegetical scholarship and handling of the Greek text I know anywhere in print. His insights and thoroughness are the best I have ever witnessed. I have learned so much from him. I believe you will find reading this book to be a personal blessing.

—Bob Tebow, founder, Bob Tebow Evangelistic Association

Product Details

• Title: Triumph through Trials: The Epistle of James
• Author: David R. Anderson
• Publisher: Grace Theology Press
• Print Publication Date: 2013
• Logos Release Date: 2015
• Pages: 284
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Bible. N.T. James › Commentaries
• ISBNs: 9780988411234, 0988411237
• Resource ID: LLS:TRIUMPHTRIALS
• Resource Type: Bible Commentary
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T03:29:34Z

About David R. Anderson

David R. Anderson has pastored in the Houston area for 30 years, helping to plant eight churches. Anderson served as the senior pastor at Faith Bible Church in The Woodlands, Texas, for 18 years. During that time he also served as an adjunct professor at Dallas Theological Seminary, teaching in three different departments: Greek New Testament, Bible Exposition, and Theology. He has been an adjunct professor for Jordan Evangelical Theological Seminary and taught graduate courses in several other foreign countries. Anderson was the founder and president of the Greater Houston Bible Church Association—a cooperative effort of churches in the association to reach greater Houston with the gospel. Anderson is also one of the founders of the Free Grace Alliance, and founder and president of Grace School of Theology—a Houston-based seminary with teaching locations throughout the state of Texas and online. In addition to his presidential responsibilities, Anderson teaches at Grace in the areas of theology and biblical languages. He is also the author of Free Grace Soteriology.