Right Attitude Toward Trials Js. 1:1-12

Introduction James 1 shows that Christians are going to have trials, hardships, and temptations in this life The Bible does not teach that all of our problems will be solved It teaches us how to handle problems & to have the right attitude

1:1 [1] James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.

“Twelve tribes”- the church – spiritual Israel “Scattered abroad” –by persecution – being “scattered abroad” would bring on many problems – so would their enemies

Acts 8:1 [1] And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

In this lesson James shows us how to properly react to trials and hardships

1. Count as joy (v. 2) [2] My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations (Trials)

Temptation may mean (1) to test or try or (2) to allure into evil, entice to sin In this passage it refers to the various trials, hardships, and problems that we have in this life It is not “if” trials come, but “when”

Jn. 16:33 [33] These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

2 Tim. 3:12 [12] Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

Job 3:26 [26] I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet; yet trouble came.

Job 14:1-2 [1] Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble. [2] He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.

NOTE – these trials are not joyous but to be counted as joy – not because they are pleasant but because of their value to us Verses 3-4 tell us why we are to count it as joy

Acts 16:25 [25] And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

2. Causes patience (vs. 3-4) [3] Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. [4] But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing

Trying our faith causes us to be more patient When patience completes its work, then were are mature, complete – full grown Christians We must react patiently to the trials and tribulations of life

Heb. 10:36 [36] For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

Heb. 12:1 [1] Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

Gal. 5:22 [22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

3. Call for wisdom (vs. 5-8) [5] If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. [6] But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

[7] For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. [8] A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

Man’s Deficiency If we lack wisdom on how to handle the trials of life – we need to “ask of God”

God’s sufficiency The benefit of prayer is obvious He won’t chew you out for asking He gives wisdom liberally

We must ask in faith – not doubting or showing indecision We must not be double-minded

4. Comes to all (vs. 9-11) [9] Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: [10] But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.

[11] For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.

Trials are no respecter of persons Both the poor and the rich have trials The poor Christian can rejoice in that he is spiritually rich in Christ

The rich Christian can rejoice in that he has been made humble by seeing that his riches cannot save him REMEMBER – the things of this life are fleeting

5. Crown promised (vs. 12) [12] Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

The crown of life is promised = to those who endure with patience the trials and temptations of life The Christian must continue faithful in spite of the trials and difficulties of life

“A faith that cannot be tested cannot be trusted” If a person reacts with Joy, patience, wisdom, realizing all are tried – that person will be able to endure all of life’s trials and receive the crown of life

References – The Man Who Has Faith, Studies in James. Clark and Dunaway. Win-Way Publications, Athens, AL, 1985 Outline Commentary on James, Bob Winton