1. Jewels from James Pure Religion Practical Christianity Grace at Work

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

3. Diaspora: Those who have been disbursed from Jerusalem during the intense persecution of Christians that occurred in the latter part of the first century.

4. PREMISE: God desires to establish endurance in our life. Endurance, patience, or perseverance, root meaning: to stay behind, to await, to endure. Its usage in the New Testament is typically that of patient endurance or perseverance.

6. But he took his stand in the midst of the plot, defended it and struck the Philistines; and the LORD brought about a great victory. —2 Samuel 23:12

7. Ephesians 6:13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.

8. Luke 21:19 "By your endurance you will gain your lives.

9. Hebrews 10:36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.

10. 1 Corinthians 13:7 [Love] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

11. PRINCIPLE: Endurance is possible for children of God. 1 Corinthians 13:7 [Love] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

12. James 5:11 We count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord's dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.

13. Romans 12:12 rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer,

14. 2 Timothy 2:10 For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory.

15. Mark 13:13 "You will be hated by all because of My name, but the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. PROBLEM: Endurance does not come automatically.

16. Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, PROBLEM: Endurance does not come automatically.

17. “I was given a second opportunity to get it right.” --Winston Churchill PROBLEM: Endurance does not come automatically.

18. 2 Timothy 2:12 If we endure, we will also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He also will deny us; PROBLEM: Endurance does not come automatically.

19. James 1:12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Who was he?

20. James 1:2 [KJV] My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; PURPOSE: The trying of our faith will establish endurance in us.

21. “divers temptations” would best translate “various kinds of trials.” The reference is to diversity in kind rather than number. PURPOSE: The trying of our faith will establish endurance in us.

22. Temptation, for James, has both an internal and an external source. In this passage, James is referring to external temptations that try our faith. PURPOSE: The trying of our faith will establish endurance in us.

23. 1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.

24. Kites rise highest against the wind, not with it. -- Winston Churchill,

25. 1 Corinthians 4:12 and we toil, working with our own hands; when we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure;

26. 2 Timothy 4:5 But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

27. Hebrews 12:7 It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline?

28. 1 Peter 2:20 For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God.

29. Endurance provides maturity and completeness—no parts missing. Pure Perseverance is what I long for in my walk with Christ. How about you?