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Chapter 1: Trials

What is a trial? James 1:2

We are tested or approved.

How might trials look today?

Examples of trials à Conflicts, sufferings, troubles

Persecutions

Reasons we have trials (James 1:3-4)

Testing of your faith produces patience.

Trials fill the gaps in our character.

I Peter 1:6-7 (builds us up)

Romans 5:3-4 (perseverance, character, and hope)

Our attitude toward trials

Count it all joy – James 1:2

Be patient … let it have its work (James 1:3-4). Sometimes its turbulent. Matthew 14:25-32

James tells us “how to” endure trials.

If we lack wisdom (James 1:5) … ask of God … Pray.

But ask in faith and ask with no doubting. James 1:6

How can we doubt in prayer? Mark 11:23

Why is doubt wrong?

When we doubt we are tossed like waves driven by the wind.

This is how we gain wisdom. We endure trials and we ask in faith without doubting.

Remember that the wisdom of God starts with a genuine reverence for the Almighty. Psalms 111:10; Proverbs 9:10

Examples of trials

Trials and temptations (James 1:12-15)

There are blessings involved in enduring temptation.

Our reward is the crown of life that the Lord has promised.

It is possible to endure. James 1:12

Temptations are not from God. James 1:13

God is not tempted and does not tempt us. I Corinthians 10:13

James 1:14 – Temptation comes from our own desires.

James 1:15-16 – Desire leads to sin, sin leads to death.

Example: An addict … a habit, once acquired, eventually controls that person.

James 1:17-18 – Don’t be deceived, good and perfect gifts are from God. God doesn’t tempt us but our trials are there to strengthen us, to perfect and complete us.

Qualities we need