2. James 1:2-12 “Consider is all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

3. “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” But let him ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”

4. “But let the brother of humble circumstances glory in his high position; and let the rich man glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with a scorching wind, and withers the grass; and its flower falls off, and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so too the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away.”

5. “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.”

6. I. The Purpose of Testing A. Trials “Consider it all joy, …, when you encounter various trials, …” Various Trials 1) Internal temptation 2) External adversity 3) Persecution Things that Masqerade as Trials 1) Foolish Choices we Make 2) Sin & its Consequences

7. I. The Purpose of Testing B. Tests “Consider it all joy, …, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” Two Types of Test 1) Tests that reveal the strength of our faith 2) Tests that perfect the strength of our faith The Process of Testing 1) Trials test our faith by strengthening it 2) Process of refining metals (like silver & gold)

8. I. The Purpose of Testing C. Endurance “And let endurance have its perfect result, …” Endurance Perseverance Steadfastness Staying Power Perfect result Finish its work (NIV) Complete its work Full effect (ESV)

9. I. The Purpose of Testing D. Maturity “And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” Perfect (teleiloi) Perfect Complete Mature Complete (holokleroi) Completeness Has all its parts

10. “… we also exult (rejoice) in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character …” Romans 5:3-4 “In this you greatly rejoice, even though for now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, …, you greatly rejoice with joy …” I Peter 1:6-8 “… Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross …” Hebrews 12:2

11. II. Tests Require Wisdom “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him …” 1) Ask of God …, and it will be given him. a. God gives to all men generously b. God gives to all men without reproach 2) Ask in Faith (w/o doubting) The Doubting Man Let not that man expect to receive anything from the Lord like the surf of the sea (driven & tossed by the wind) double minded unstable in all his ways

12. III. The Poverty-Wealth Test “But let the brother of humble circumstances glory in his high position; …” 1) The Brother (humble circumstances) glory in high position 2) The Rich Man glory in his humiliation a. (like) flowering grass he will fade away (for the sun rises with a scorching wind, and withers the grass; and its flower falls off, and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed) b. (so too) the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away

13. IV. The Reward for Passing the Test “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial; …” 1) Approved for once he has been approved (passed the test of perseverance) 2) The Crown of Life the Lord has promised to those who love Him