Faith Rejoices For Further Study


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Series: Faith Works---A Study of the Book of James

Faith Rejoices Finding Joy, Wisdom, and Truth in the Face of Trials James 1:1-12

Background: The Book of James James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the 12 tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings. James 1:1 Author: James—Jesus’ Half-Brother…skeptic turned servant leader Audience: A scattered church, facing many trials, urged to live out their faith

I. Finding Joy in the Face of Trials Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4

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Our faith is tested in trials. Tested faith becomes steadfast faith. Steadfast faith leads to spiritual maturity.

II. Finding Wisdom in the Face of Trials If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 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. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. James 1:5-8

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When trials come… We need wisdom - and God provides it generously!! We must fight faithlessness - or we will not receive God’s wisdom.

III. Finding Truth in the Face of Trials Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits. 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. James 1:9-12

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When trials come… We can trust God - humility leads to reward. The self satisfied man will fade away. Cling to what will endure!

ONE THING: In light of what we have just learned from God’s Word this morning, what is ONE THING God is calling you to do?

For Further Study 1. The author of the book of James has an amazing story. He was the half brother of Jesus (same mom, different Father/father!). During Jesus’ earthly ministry, James wasn’t so sure about Jesus. It was hard for him to get his head around his brother being the Messiah! Read Mark 3:21, 31-32, and Mark 6:1-6 to see how James, his family and community did not receive Jesus as the Messiah. But then James saw Jesus resurrected from the dead (I Corinthians 15:7), and he was convinced. James and his brothers joined the movement of the early church (Acts 1:14) and he eventually became the leader of the church in Jerusalem (Acts 12:17; 15:13, and 21:18). 2. The people James is writing to are living in very difficult circumstances. Read Acts 8:1-4 to get a feel for the persecution these people were facing. As we see images in the news of Christian refugees flooding out of Iraq and Syria, we may be seeing similar persecution that occurred to the believers James is writing to. 3. The Bible is full of verses that teach us how to handle trials in our lives. Jesus warned us that in this world we will face trials and tribulations (John 16:33). Here are some great passages loaded with promises that we can cling to in the midst of hard times. Take some time this week and study these passages, making a list of promises you can cling to in the midst of trials: I Peter 1:6-7; 4:12. Romans 5:1-5; 8:28-39; Psalm 23; Psalm 34; Psalm 46; Philippians 4:4-19; and Joshua 1:8-9. 4. To prepare for our study of the book of James, you could read through the entire book and take note at the various themes that emerge (some you’ll find include how to battle temptation, caring for people in need, controlling our tongues, and what real faith looks like). James is a book of action! It contains 59 commands in just 118 verses! To people who are in the face of trials and challenges, James would say it is time to act, time to put faith into practice. How do you hope God will use this book in your life?

To Discuss…w/a friend, community group, or in a family devotional time 1. What are some of the battles you have observed the “heroes” in your life fight through? (Teachers, mentors, parents, spiritual leaders who have influenced you). Even in the Bible, there seems to be a pattern that all of the people who have been greatly used by God have been through great trials in their lives. 2. As you look back on your life, what have been some of the big trials that God has used to test your faith and how did He produce maturity in your life? 3. What challenges are we currently facing in our lives? Share these with each other, and apply the truths from James 1:2-12 with each other. Pray for us to cling to God’s wisdom, and for these trials to do a great work in our lives! 4. What doubts do you battle in the midst of trials? Are any of us battling doubts this week? What promises and truths can we cling to that confront our doubts?