James 1:1-8

Bible Study on James Tuesdays 7:00—8:30 pm A-3

James 1:1NLT “This letter is from James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am writing to the "twelve tribes"-- Jewish believers scattered abroad. Greetings!”

What are some trials & tribulations we experience? What are some ways we may respond to trials and tribulations?

James 1:2-4 NIV 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James 1:2-4 Phillips “When all kinds of trials and temptations crowd into your lives my brothers, don’t resent them as intruders, but welcome them as friends! Realize that they come to test your faith and to produce in you the quality of endurance. But let the process go on until that endurance is fully developed, and you will find you have become men of mature character with the right sort of independence.”

How do trials create opportunities to grow? “Why would you ask God to remove the one thing in your life that more than any other is teaching you to be dependent on him?” Liam Atchison

tests and purifies

WHO WHAT What is being tested? do I trust? or Not just pass/fail: “How strong is my faith?” BUT

Rejoicing in trials does not mean… …that we should never feel sad or …that we should not grieve It does mean… …that we see problems as details in the bigger picture of God’s promise to provide all our needs, and as opportunities to grow in faith and Christlikeness.

What is “endurance”? “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.” --Jesus Matthew 7:24 NLT Which house endures life’s storms?

James 1:5-8 NIV 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double- minded and unstable in all they do.

Double-minded Torn between world’s wisdom and God’s wisdom Double-mindedness God, I’m open to your suggestions. Give me your best idea and I’ll consider it. Trust God, I take my thumb off the scale (surrender my preferences) and will do whatever you say. Obeying you is more important to me than having my way.

The Proof of Faith

Table Sharing When have you gone through a time of trial that led to your faith in God growing stronger? How do James’ words speak to you in what you are going through today?