THIS SHOULD BE FUN!James 1:2-4

Series On James

We begin a series of lessons tonight based upon the book of James

The book of James will serve as a launching pad for these lessons

It’s a book that has become a favorite of many because of what is contained within it’s verses

Series On James

James is often thought of as a NT Wisdom Literature book, similar to Proverbs of the OT

It’s a book that is not only full of wisdom but also practical lessons relevant for our lives today

We begin in the first chapter of this book

Series On James

The first subject that is addressed by James is one of trials and tribulations

Tonight we focus on the first few verses and gather our lesson from there

What exactly does James teach us about these trials that we will face in this life?

Trials Of Life

1. Trials are certain (v. 2)

One of the first things that we can miss if we are not careful is what James says in verse 2…

“…count it all joy when you fall into various trials”

Notice the word “when” is used as opposed to “if”

Trials Of Life

1. Trials are certain (v. 2)

Trials are as certain for us as death and taxes

“In the world you will have tribulation…”(Jn. 16:33)

This doesn’t mean that all trials will be equal, but we will all face trials

Trials Of Life

1. Trials are certain (v. 2)

“Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (II Tim. 3:12)

Tests and trials have always been a part of human life

Job, Joseph, Moses, and others have all dealt with them (Heb. 11:36-38)

Trials Of Life

2. Trials should be met with joy (v. 2)

This might be one of the biggest head scratchers of the New Testament

How are we expected to face our trials with joy?

A large part of that lies in what we find joy in while living on this earth

Trials Of Life

2. Trials should be met with joy (v. 2)

If my joy lies in temporary things, then I will not find joy in the midst of trials

If my joy lies with God, then it will not only be possible, but expected (Heb. 13:5)

Joy is one of the fruits of the spirit and it should come forth all the time (Gal. 5:22)

Trials Of Life

2. Trials should be met with joy (v. 2)

Joy should not always be based upon our current condition

Joy can also be based upon what lies ahead of us in this life, but especially in the next

It can also be because of what those trials will do for us in the long run (Acts 5:41)

Trials Of Life

3. Trials will test our faith (v. 3)

The trials we go through in this life serve to test us and try our faith in God

Through these trials God can find out whether or not we are truly servants of His

Will we stand strong in our faith through these trials, or will we blame God and turn our backs on Him?

Trials Of Life

3. Trials will test our faith (v. 3)

God is seen testing others all throughout the scriptures

Exodus 16:4 – God tested the COI to see “whether they will walk in My law or not”

Judges 2:22; 3:1 – God again planned to test the Israelites to see if they would follow Him

Trials Of Life

4. Trials produce patience in us (v. 3)

Our trials teach us to wait on the Lord

“Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!” (Ps. 27:14)

“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength…” (Is. 40:31)

Trials Of Life

4. Trials produce patience in us (v. 3)

“The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord” (Lam. 3:25-26)

“rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer” (Rom. 12:12)

Trials Of Life

4. Trials produce patience in us (v. 3)

James later talks about the patience of Job (Js. 5:11)

We are reminded to run this race with patience (Heb. 12:1)

Inheritance comes through patience (Heb. 6:12, 15)

Trials Of Life

5. Trials can complete us (v. 4)

“But let patience have it’s perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing”

If we submit to the will of God, it will make us a mature person in Christ

Joseph is a great example of this…

Trials Of Life

5. Trials can complete us (v. 4)

Jesus had to first suffer (Heb. 5:8-9)

The Bible teaches that Christ was made complete through suffering (Heb. 2:10)

His suffering allowed Him to be able to aid those who are tempted (Heb. 2:18)

Trials Of Life

5. Trials can complete us (v. 4)

“That which does not kill me makes me stronger”

The trials of life will do just that for us, if we allow them to work as they should

May we submit to God’s will in all things in this life so that we might better ourselves