The Epistle of James A Faith that Works: – It is active. Faith is Mentioned aprox. 14 times Active! 108 verses  59 commands – It is practical. It works! If we want to be successful as Christians, this book gives us what we need…

James 1:1-12

The Recipients (v1) – The Scattered: Acts 8:1-4 Acts 2:8-11 – 12 Tribes (Israel): Philippians 3:3 Galatians 6:16 To the “twelve tribes scattered abroad” James writes to persecuted believers in Christ

Joy in Various Trials? (vs 2-4) Trials will come – James says “When” not “if” We can have joy? (consider Hebrews 12:1-2) – “considering it all joy” is a command in this passage! We must ask the right questions! – What is the end result of these trials? What is GOD doing in us? (vs 3-4) – What/Who are we living for? (vs 9-11)

Wisdom for Persevering (vs 5-7) We need to trust God’s wisdom and pray for His help in seeing things from His perspective God WILL GIVE us of His wisdom (v6) – If we ask in faith – If we ask without doubting

Two Examples of Trials (vs 9-11) Riches and Poverty – “Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation.” – Where is our security? – Do your physical blessings (or lack of them) lead you to waiver in faith instead of persevering in your faith?

The Reward (v12) There is great blessing for the faith that works. – If we persevere, God will give what He has promised! – “Trials are joy when God is our goal. When we believe that knowledge of God and intimacy with God is supremely satisfying, then trials, which cause us to trust, lean on, and pursue God, are a really good thing. Pure joy.” 1 [1] David Platt. Sermon video.

James 1:1-12