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Word & Deed: We are Witnesses:  4 Things to Remember When Suffering
with Travis Aicklen

Scripture: James 1:1-12

Intro: This sermon continues "We Are Witnesses," focusing on how our lives testify to Jesus. Our lives constantly speak. Last week: testifying through suffering. This week: deeper dive. Passion involves suffering. C.S. Lewis: God whispers in pleasure, speaks in conscience, shouts in pain. Christian success whispers, suffering shouts. The world watches how we endure. Hopeful suffering is powerful. James, Jesus' half-brother, writes just after the crucifixion. He calls himself a "slave" of Jesus. Consider worshipping your brother as God – it speaks to Jesus' divinity.

Text: James 1:1-12

Exposition:

• James is direct, like a "mouthy" brother. He immediately addresses trials. No preamble, just stark reality.
• "Count it all joy": Seems irrational. James says rejoice because we know trials' purpose.
• We forget in suffering. James reminds us of truths we possess.
• Four Reminders: 
  1. Life is brutal: The Bible doesn't shy away. James: when you face trials, not if. "Various trials" means many kinds. God works in good & bad times. We're God's scattered, not sheltered, people. Jesus said we will face trouble. Need a "theology of suffering"—a plan. Suffering comes in waves. The "left hook" is questioning God, losing trust, becoming isolated.
  2. Everything's tested: Testing proves authenticity. We learn through failure. Tests reveal weaknesses. "Teacher is quiet." God's silence is hard. We test what we value. Tests show God's love. They're for us. Peter: Jesus said he was handed to Satan, but Jesus prayed for Peter's faith not to fail. It's our faith, refined by trials. We rejoice in the promise of God's work.
  3. Pray for wisdom: In trials, pray for wisdom to avoid foolish choices. Pain isn't worst; what we do in pain is. Addiction, bitterness are dangers. "Steadfastness" means "remaining under." Don't cheat trials. C.S. Lewis: “God whispers in pleasures, speaks in conscience, shouts in pains: His megaphone.” Testing builds trust.
  4. Cross before crown: Universal truth. Jesus endured the cross. No one's exempt. We see the "crown" but not the "cross." The gospel lifts the lowly, humbles the proud.

Conclusion:

• The table: Jesus suffered for us. He's our model and Savior. The table's for all.
• Prayer: Thank God for His suffering. His silence doesn't mean inaction. We trust Him in trials.

Call to Action: Don't suffer alone. Seek support.

Prayer: For those in trials, for the church's support, for understanding suffering's power.

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