7/22/2018
PURPOSE IN PAIN
James 1:1-4
(NIV) 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.
(NLT) James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings.
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
Author
James, brother of Jesus
Audience
“Brothers and sisters” – Christians
Purpose
Practical instructions on how to live a Christian life.
CONSIDER IT ALL JOY WHENEVER YOU FACE TRIALS OF MANY KINDS
What is “Joy”?
Merriam Webster
Bible Dictionary
What does it mean to “consider”?
What does it mean to “count”?
“All joy”, not just some!
What are “Trials”?
Examples:
Major trials: death of a loved one, sickness, breakup of a marriage, betrayal, loss of a job, injury, accident, “natural” disaster
Minor trials: everyday normal little annoyances
Are trials unusual? Are Christians immune from trials?
John 16:33
1 Thessalonians 3:3
Can we escape or avoid trials?
Trials are inevitable: “whenever you face trials”
Trials come to everyone, all the time.
How do trials come into our lives?
What trials are not
Hebrews 12:11
Pain hurts!
We don’t find joy in the trial in and of itself, but in the purpose of the trial
How can we find “joy” in “trials”?
PURPOSE IN PAIN
… 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.