“Joy in the Midst of Suffering” (James 1:1–4)

“Joy in the Midst of Suffering” (James 1:1–4)
^{Cameron Jungels/Eastside Baptist Church/Sunday AM, May 24, 2015}

“James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings. Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:1–4, NIV)

1.    The Reality of Trials (v. 2)

a.    Trials come to believers.
b.    Trials are both certain and uncertain.
c.    Trials come in all shapes and sizes.
d.    Trials just happen.
e.    Trials are not outside the providential guidance of God.

2.    The Response to Trials (v. 2).

a.    The response of a believer to the trials and difficulties of this life is joy.

3.    The Reason for Joy (vv. 3–4).

a.    Trials test our faith.
b.    Trials strengthen our faith by causing us to endure/persevere.
c.    Our faith strengthened by endurance produces a complete, mature Christian character.

Main Idea: We must respond to the difficulties of life with joy and endurance, because it brings Christian maturity.

May God give us grace to respond to trials this way, knowing that God has our ultimate good in mind—and that ultimate good is that we be patterned after the character of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:28–29).