1. The Reflection of Faith A Study of the Book of James Sermon 1: Reflecting Faith in Adversity James 1:1-4

2. Reflecting faith in adversity James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings, Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish it work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:1-4 (NIV)

3. Reflecting faith in adversity 1. Having joy in adversity is not a natural response to trouble. (v.2) 2. Having joy in adversity is a gift from God (v. 2)

4. Reflecting faith in adversity 3. There is joy knowing that in adversity we are in God’s loving hands, as He skillfully uses our adversity to serve His purpose. (v. 2) 1) The adversity is to test the strength of our faith. (Ex. 16:4; cf. Deut. 13:3-4; 2 Chron. 32:31; Luke 14:26) 2) Adversities are given to humble us. (2 Cor. 12:7) 3) God allows us to suffer adversity in order to wean us from our dependence on worldly things or people. (John 6:5-7; Ex. 2:11- 25) 4)God uses adversity to call us to eternal and heavenly hope. (Phil 1:23-24; Rom. 8:18-25; cf. 5:3-4; 2 Cor. 4:14,16-18)

5. Reflecting faith in adversity 5) God uses adversity to reveal what we really love. (Deut. 10:12; 13:3; Matt. 22:38; Gen. 22) 6) God uses adversity to teach us to value God’s blessings. (Ps. 63:3-7; Heb. 12:2) 7) The Lord uses adversity to develop in His saints enduring strength for greater usefulness. (2 Cor. 12:10; Heb. 11:33-34; Isa. 41:10) 8) The Lord uses adversity to enable us to be better help others in their trials. (Luke 22:31-32; Heb. 2:18; 2 or. 1:3-6)

6. Reflecting faith in adversity 4. There is joy that even in dark seasons of the soul, God will walk with us through adversity. (v. 3-4) 5. In adversity we are to have joy because God is working to present us mature in Christ (Eph. 5:27; Col. 1:28-29) (v. 3-4) 6. In adversity we can have joy for the Lord will accomplish His work in us. (Phil. 1:6) (v. 3-4)

7. Reflecting faith in adversity 7. There is joy knowing that adversity is a means to a glorious and victorious eternity (v. 3-4) 1) Our adversity will turn into indescribable glory that will be revealed in us. (Rom. 8:18) 2) Our adversity will turn into a great reward in Heaven. (Matt. 5:12) 3) Our adversity will give us an inheritance in God’s Kingdom (Matt. 5:10; I Peter 1:4). 4) Our adversity will result in praise, glory and honor filled with inexpressible joy when Jesus is revealed. (I Peter 1:7-8).