When Life Is Hard - God Is Working
James 1:1–12
Matthew 13:55 (NIV)
"Isn't this the carpenter's son? Isn't his mother's name Mary, and aren't his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas?"
1 Corinthians 15:6–7 (NLT)
6 After that, he was seen by more than 500 of his followers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died.
7 Then he was seen by James and later by all the apostles.
James 1:1 (NIV)
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations:
Greetings.
Greetings: (which literally means) Joy be to you!
1st Key: An Attitude of Joy
James 1:2 (NIV)
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
Acts 16:25 (NIV)
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.
Philippians 1:18 (NLT)
But that doesn't matter. Whether their motives are false or genuine, the message about Christ is being preached either way, so I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice.
Philippians 3:1 (NLT)
Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord. I never get tired of telling you these things, and I do it to safeguard your faith.
> Our values determine our evaluations. If we value comfort more than character, then trials will upset us. If we value the material and the physical more than the spiritual, we will not be able to count it all joy. If we live only for the present and forget the future, then trials will make us bitter, not better. ---Philippians, The Wiersbe Bible Study Series Warren Wiersbe, 2007
2nd Key: An Informed Mind
James 1:3 (NIV)
because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
James 1:3 (NIV)
because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
James 1:4 (NIV)
Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Literally: Let perseverance have its perfect work that you might be perfect.
3rd Key: A Believing Heart
James 1:5 (NIV)
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
“Lord how would You like me to respond in this situation so that I am positioning myself to grow spiritually?”
James 1:6–8 (NIV)
6 But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.
8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
4th Key: A
4th Key: A Biblically Wise Perspective on Life and Trials
James 1:9–11 (NIV)
9 The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position.
10 But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower.
11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.
1st The poor person can believe:
If I had money, I’d have peace.
2nd The rich person can believe:
I have money, so I can protect myself from problems.
James 1:12 (NIV)
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
Luke 12:15 (NLT)
Then he said, "Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own."
James 1:12 (NIV)
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
