2. James 1:2-12 CONSIDER TRIALS ALL JOY

3. Christians experiencing trials are a certainty. Not IF, but WHEN (v. 2). Not IF, but WHEN (v. 2). 2 Timothy 3:12; Acts 14:22 2 Timothy 3:12; Acts 14:22 They will come; they must be encountered. They will come; they must be encountered. These trials are different kinds of tests – a testing of faith. These trials are different kinds of tests – a testing of faith. Not temptations (James 1:13-15). Not temptations (James 1:13-15).

4. Count trials all joy. “count” or “consider” = to reckon, to regard “count” or “consider” = to reckon, to regard Regard the testing of faith as a matter to rejoice in, a thing to be accepted gladly. Regard the testing of faith as a matter to rejoice in, a thing to be accepted gladly. Hebrews 12:1-3 Hebrews 12:1-3

5. What is the joy-producing value of unpleasant trials? Recognition of the joy of trials begins with the acknowledgment that trials are character building (vs. 3-4). Recognition of the joy of trials begins with the acknowledgment that trials are character building (vs. 3-4). Brings about endurance or steadfastness and maturity. Brings about endurance or steadfastness and maturity. Endurance does not truly show itself until it is effectively practiced. Endurance does not truly show itself until it is effectively practiced. Romans 5:3-5 Romans 5:3-5

6. What is the joy-producing value of unpleasant trials? Joy increases when Christians understand that God offers them the gift of wisdom in their times of trial (vs. 5-8). Joy increases when Christians understand that God offers them the gift of wisdom in their times of trial (vs. 5-8). Proverbs 9:10; 15:33 Proverbs 9:10; 15:33 James 3:17 James 3:17 During trials, wisdom is needed. Ask the generous Giver. During trials, wisdom is needed. Ask the generous Giver. Luke 18:3, 7-8; Hebrews 4:16 Luke 18:3, 7-8; Hebrews 4:16

7. What is the joy-producing value of unpleasant trials? Joy in the Lord is not conditioned upon nor defined by an individuals financial situation (vs. 9-11). Joy in the Lord is not conditioned upon nor defined by an individuals financial situation (vs. 9-11). Both the rich brother and the poor brother are to take joyful confidence in their physical circumstances because of the true riches they have and will have in Christ. Both the rich brother and the poor brother are to take joyful confidence in their physical circumstances because of the true riches they have and will have in Christ. Philippians 4:12 Philippians 4:12

8. What is the joy-producing value of unpleasant trials? “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.” (v. 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.” (v. 12)