Count It All
Joy
James 1:2-4
INTRODUCTION:
1. James
1:2-4 (meaning of temptations).
DISCUSSION:
I.
Recognition that trials will come.
A.
Certainty of trials.
1. James
wrote, count it all joy when, not if.
2.
Consider John 16:33, Acts 14:22, II Timothy 3:12, I Peter 4:12.
B. Divers
(manifold) trials.
1.
Sickness.
2.
Accidents.
3.
Disappointments.
4.
Financial setbacks, etc.
II. Response
to trials.
A. Count it
all joy.
1. Not
literally looked upon as a joyful time but refers to our attitude.
2.
Consider Acts 5:41, Romans 5:3, I Peter 1:6-8, I Peter 4:12-14.
B. Trials
are not without their benefits.
1. Bodily
afflictions can produce longing for heaven – II Corinthians 5:1-8.
2.
Material need can motivate us to depend on God – Philippians 4:11-13.
3. Death
of a family member can encourage us to consider the brevity and frailty of
life – James 4:14.
III. Result
of trials.
A. The
trying of our faith produces patience.
1. The
word patience comes from two words meaning under and remain.
2. To be
patient does not mean to passively accept existing circumstances but
rather to remain faithful while bearing our burden, or load.
B. Let
patience have its perfect work.
1.
Perfect conveys the idea of completeness.
2.
Maturity as a Christian.
CONCLUSION:
1. How can we
be able to triumph through our trials?
a)
Recognize that trials will come.
b) Respond
to trials with proper attitude – count it all joy.
c)
Appreciate the result of our trials – maturity as Christians.
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