Genuine Faith Perseveres in Trials.
James 1:2-12
Some things we call trials are _____________________________________.
Some things we call trials are _____________________________________.
Some things we call trials are _____________________________________.
Some things we call trials are _____________________________________.
When James writes about trials, he may be thinking of hardships that are unrelated to our faith. He does mention that there are trials of ‘various kinds.’ But what he mostly has in mind are the trials and persecution that result from living out our faith in Jesus Christ.
How is it possible to persevere in trials, and even consider them a cause or occasion for joy?
Six perspective about the trials that we face:
James 1:2 Trials ________________________________________.
James 1:3-4 Trials ________________________________________.
- They produce _______________________________.
- They produce _______________________________.
James 1: 5-8 Trials ________________________________________.
James 1:9-11 Trials ________________________________________.
James 1:12 Trials ________________________________________.
James 1:12 Trials ________________________________________.
Other Passages to consider: 1 Peter 1:3-9, Romans 5:3-4 and Hebrews 10:36
Connection Group Questions/For Further Study
Read James 1:1-12
Verse 2
What do you think James means when he says to “count it all joy” when we meet trials? What things make it hard for us to find joy in the midst of difficulty in life?
Verse 3
What are the ways your faith has been ‘tested’? What has that testing proven in you? According to these verses, what are some of the purpose of our trials? What do you think it means to be “steadfast”?
Verse 4
What does it mean to be made perfect and complete? How do you think that is accomplished specifically through trials in our life? How would developing steadfastness and perseverance change the way you live your life? How would it affect your relationships with those around you?
Verse 5
When you are in a time of trial, is wisdom the first thing you ask for? Why or why not? What other requests do you tend to make first?
Verses 6-8
Read Proverbs 3:5-6. How do its words offer a wise way to avoid double-mindedness? Is there an area of your life in which you are double-minded, wavering between your own agenda and God’s agenda? How can you apply Prov. 3:5-6 to that?
Verses 9-11 How does knowing that trials are temporary help you deal with them?
Verse 12 In 1:12, how does James describe the one enduring trials? For the believer who is steadfast, the crown of life awaits. What “lesser crowns” do we seek to wear now, rather than waiting for the better crown to come? How is crown-chasing out of place in the life of the believer?
Look up the other verses listed in the message: Other Passages to consider: 1 Peter 1:3-9, Romans 5:3-4 and Hebrews 10:36. How do these reinforce what James writes about here?
What aspect of God’s character has this week’s passage of James shown you more clearly?
What one step can you take this week to better live in light of this truth?
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