James 1:2-3 says, "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."
How could James possibly tell us to consider trials “pure joy”?
It was because of something that he learned from his brother Jesus’s life and death. Pastor Adam Martin explains.
MESSAGE NOTES:
Coming to his hometown, Jesus began teaching the people and they were amazed. “Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?” they asked.
“Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary? And aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas?” Matthew 13:54-55 (NIV)
Jesus’ brothers said to him, “Leave Galilee and go to Judea so that your disciples there may see the works you do. No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world.” For even his own brothers did not believe in him. John 7:3-5 (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. James 1:1-4 (NIV)
1. TRIALS ARE INEVITABLE.
Consider it pure joy... whenever you face trials of many kinds... James 1:2 (NIV)
Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth.... Genesis 1:26 (ESV)
2. TRIALS HAVE PURPOSE.
Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said. He was seen by Peter and then by the Twelve. After that, he was seen by more than 500 of his followers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. Then he was seen by James... 1 Corinthians 15:3-7 (NLT)
All Judah rejoiced… They sought God eagerly, and He was found by them.
So the Lord gave them rest on every side. 2 Chronicles 15:7 (NIV)
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23 (ESV)
In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33 (NIV)
3. TRIALS ARE A GIFT.
“Our pain can either be a jail that imprisons us Or a school that empowers us.” -Chris Hodges
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