JAMES 1:1-4 TRIALS ARE FOR JOY

James 1:1 James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings. 2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

In this new book we are starting today, we will hear the intro to the book of James along with several reasons we have trials.  This is a great book, a very practical book that deals with hard issues of life and really helps us as we live our Christian lives.  We will also see how we are to respond to trials, we will look at trials from God’s perspective and see lastly that the way we respond to trials show the genuineness of our faith

The Book of James was written about 60 AD

James was the half brother of Jesus, he was known as James the Just

It is said he spent so much time in prayer that his knees became hard and callused like camel's knees

He was probably the closest in age to Jesus

Even though James lived with Jesus for over 30 years he did not believe Jesus was the Messiah our Savior until a few months before Christ's crucifixion

John 7:5 For even His brothers did not believe in Him.

James was written to the Jews and is a practical book that addresses many hard issues

James says that faith is not passive, but evidenced by a life of action

According to James, faith perseveres, resists temptation, obeys, accepts others, tames the tongue, and depends on God's wisdom. Faith considers the will of God when making decisions, waits patiently for the Lord's return and offers effective prayer.

In other words faith changes the way a person lives

James uses the word brethren or beloved brethren 14 times to indicate that even though he dealt with hard issues he had a heart for his readers.

This book is about for integrity in our life and how to achieve it.

V1 James a bondservant-Doulos a involuntary slave, but Paul elevates it to a higher level in Romans it comes to mean in a Christians life, a voluntary slave who is willing to give his life to God and for the Lord Jesus Christ in service

Book was written to the twelve tribes of Jews who were scattered abroad because of persecution.

1. V2 Count it all joy when you fall into Trials  Hebrews 12:2, 12:8, John 16:33

When you encounter trials not if

We need to look at trials from God's perspective

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30  Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. 31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?

God is control of everything,

Look at Job 1: 12 And the LORD said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person." So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.

1. Count the Results of your Trials v 3-4

• V3 Trials produce endurance and patience

Romans 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

• V4 Trials produce maturity and makes you complete or whole

1John 3:2 Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.

2Corinth 12:9 And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

• God gives us the ability to overcome trials

John 5:4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world----our faith. 5 Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

1. Consider the Reason for your Trials V-4 Martyrs died singing           Russian guy and the KGB

• You are Rewarded in Heaven for your Good Deeds to others for God

1 Peter 2:20 For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God.

Mt 25:40  "And the King will answer and say to them, `Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'

• Faith turns trials into glory for God

1Peter 4:12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.

John 11:3 Therefore the sisters sent to Him, saying, "Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick." 4 When Jesus heard that, He said, "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it."

• Testing reveals the genuineness of your faith - Matthew 13 soil and seeds

1Peter 1: 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith----the salvation of your souls.

Mark 4:15-20 15 “And these are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts. 16 “These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness; 17 “and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word's sake, immediately they stumble. 18  "Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, 19  "and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. 20 “But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred."

Revelation 21:7 “He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.

John 11:14 Then Jesus said to them plainly, "Lazarus is dead. 15 "And I am glad for your sake that I was not there, that you may believe. Nevertheless let us go to him."

 Mark 8:36 "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?

   John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. Have you trusted Him as your Savior? He can Save you if You ask Him based on His death, burial, and resurrection for your sins. Believe in Him for forgiveness of your sins today.

 “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”  -John 8:32

 Our mission is to spread the gospel and to go to the least of these with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ; We reach out to those the World has forgotten. 

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