[Sorry, no audio due to technical difficulties. -MRW]

  • Chapter 1: Trials

    • What is a trial? James 1:2

      • An experiment or attempt, tried, or tested.

    • We are tested or approved.

      • A struggle of a spiritual nature.

    • How might trials look today?

      • Examples of trials à Conflicts, sufferings, troubles

      • Persecutions

    • Reasons we have trials (James 1:3-4)

      • Testing of your faith produces patience.

      • Trials fill the gaps in our character.

        • I Peter 1:6-7 (builds us up)

        • Romans 5:3-4 (perseverance, character, and hope)

    • Our attitude toward trials

      • Count it all joy – James 1:2

      • Be patient … let it have its work (James 1:3-4). Sometimes its turbulent. Matthew 14:25-32

        • That you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:4
          • Idea of standing fast under pressure
        • Hebrews 12:3-11 – Trials produce the peaceable fruit of righteousness.

    • James tells us “how to” endure trials.

      • If we lack wisdom (James 1:5) … ask of God … Pray.

        • The promise is that we will receive it.

      • But ask in faith and ask with no doubting. James 1:6

      • How can we doubt in prayer? Mark 11:23

      • Why is doubt wrong?

      • When we doubt we are tossed like waves driven by the wind.

      • This is how we gain wisdom. We endure trials and we ask in faith without doubting.

      • Remember that the wisdom of God starts with a genuine reverence for the Almighty. Psalms 111:10; Proverbs 9:10

    • Examples of trials

      • Comparing the rich and lowly (James 1:9-11)
        • James 4:13; Luke 12:16-20

    • Trials and temptations (James 1:12-15)

      • There are blessings involved in enduring temptation.

      • Our reward is the crown of life that the Lord has promised.

        • To those who love Him. John 14:15

      • It is possible to endure. James 1:12

        • I Corinthians 9:27

      • Temptations are not from God. James 1:13

      • God is not tempted and does not tempt us. I Corinthians 10:13

      • James 1:14 – Temptation comes from our own desires.

      • James 1:15-16 – Desire leads to sin, sin leads to death.

      • Example: An addict … a habit, once acquired, eventually controls that person.

      • James 1:17-18 – Don’t be deceived, good and perfect gifts are from God. God doesn’t tempt us but our trials are there to strengthen us, to perfect and complete us.

    • Qualities we need

      • James 1:19-21 – Have a teachable spirit. This is how we will acquire these abilities.