The Book of James
Part 1 – The Results of Trials
Trials :
James 1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings.
James 1:2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds.
Trials are difficult things in life that have the potential and power to produce a Godly perspective and spiritual maturity.
Prov. 17:3 The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the Lord test hearts.
1. Recognize the value of trials.
James 1:2-3 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
Ouch! …
The tragedy of trials is often the problem being hijacked to escape the learning process.
V. 3 “produces steadfastness” = develops patient endurance.
2. Cooperate with God’s growth process.
James 1:4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Romans 5:3-4 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, (4)and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.
1 Peter 1:6-7 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, (7)so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Some of your trials are very answer to some of your prayers.
3. Ask for God’s help.
James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
Wisdom is the ability to see life from God’s perspective and to act accordingly.
Free Help…
Whenever we value trials by cooperating with growth process by asking God for wisdom to learn and develop spiritual growth, we will speed up the testing process.
4. Keep a good attitude.
James 1: 6-8 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. (7)For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; (8)he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
James 1:12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.