Trials and temptations | James 2:2-18

- Key Themes: Understanding the purpose of trials, the difference between trials and temptations, and the role of faith in overcoming challenges.

**Introduction:**

Hey, everyone! I’m so excited to continue our series on the book of James, called “Faith That Works.” Tonight, we’re diving into James 1:2-18. This passage is incredible because it shows us how our faith can thrive through the trials and temptations we face every day. Let’s start by getting a bit of context on James.

**Context of the Book:**

James, the brother of Jesus, wrote this letter to Jewish Christians scattered all over the place. These believers were facing some serious trials and needed some practical advice on living out their faith. James is a no-nonsense, straight-to-the-point kind of book. It’s all about having a faith that works.

**Reading the Passage:**

Let’s read James 1:2-18 together:

James 1:2–18 CSB

2 Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing. 5 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God—who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly—and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith without doubting. For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord, 8 being double-minded and unstable in all his ways. 9 Let the brother of humble circumstances boast in his exaltation, 10 but let the rich boast in his humiliation because he will pass away like a flower of the field. 11 For the sun rises and, together with the scorching wind, dries up the grass; its flower falls off, and its beautiful appearance perishes. In the same way, the rich person will wither away while pursuing his activities. 12 Blessed is the one who endures trials, because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. 13 No one undergoing a trial should say, “I am being tempted by God,” since God is not tempted by evil, and he himself doesn’t tempt anyone. 14 But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desire. 15 Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death. 16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 By his own choice, he gave us birth by the word of truth so that we would be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

**Main Points:**

1. **Joy in Trials (James 1:2-4):**

James starts with a statement that sounds crazy: “Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials.” Why joy?

What is joy?

Joy is the gigantic secret of the Christian.

G. K. Chesterton

Joy is to see God and Hi Goodness in everything! It isn’t a feeling for a Christian, it’s a state of being. When you follow Jesus Joy becomes part of who you are, because you recognize that no matter what life throws at you, you have Him! You have the promise of an eternity with God and also a promise that He is going to be with you as you go through the good and bad of life.

So Why did James say to consider it pure joy? Because trials test our faith and produce perseverance. Perseverance leads to maturity and completeness. It’s like working out; it might be tough, but it strengthens us.

*Scriptural Story:* Think about Joseph in the Old Testament. He faced betrayal by his brothers, slavery, and imprisonment. Yet, he remained faithful to God through it all, and God used his trials to bring about great good (Genesis 37-50).

*Rhetorical Question:* How do you usually react when you face a difficult situation? Do you see it as an opportunity to grow?

You might hear that word perseverance and wonder what that practically looks like:

Has anyone in here every worked toward a goal?

*Illustration:* Imagine you’re training for a marathon. The practice is grueling, but the reward is worth it. In the same way, our trials are spiritual training for us to grow stronger in our faith.

*Application:* This week, when you face a difficult situation at school or home, instead of complaining, thank God for the opportunity to grow.

2. **Seeking Wisdom and God’s Perspective (James 1:5-11):**

In trials, we often need wisdom to know how to respond. James encourages us to ask God for wisdom, believing that He will generously give it to us. But we must ask in faith, not doubting. Plus, James teaches us to have the right perspective on our circumstances, whether we’re humble or prosperous. Our situation is temporary, but our spiritual wealth in Christ is eternal.

*Scriptural Story:* Consider Solomon, who, when given the chance to ask God for anything, chose to ask for wisdom to govern his people. God was pleased with this request and granted him unparalleled wisdom (1 Kings 3:5-14).

*Rhetorical Question:*

When you need guidance, do you turn to God first, or do you rely on your own understanding?

What do you value most in life? Is it your possessions or your relationship with God?

*Illustration:* Imagine you’re lost in a city and need directions. You ask someone for help, but you don’t follow their advice. You’d still be lost! Similarly, we need to trust God’s wisdom when we ask for it.

*Application:* When you’re unsure about a decision or a situation this week, take a moment to pray and ask God for wisdom

3. **Perseverance Under Temptation and Recognizing God’s Goodness (James 1:12-18):**

James then talks about standing firm under temptation. Temptation doesn’t come from God but from our own desires. When we give in, it leads to sin and ultimately death. But those who persevere will receive the crown of life. James also reminds us that every good and perfect gift comes from God. He doesn’t change and is always good. We are His chosen ones, born through His word of truth.

*Scriptural Story:* Think about Jesus being tempted in the wilderness. He faced three major temptations from Satan but resisted each one by quoting Scripture and standing firm in His faith (Matthew 4:1-11). And recall the story of the Israelites in the wilderness. Despite their complaints and unfaithfulness, God provided manna from heaven and water from a rock to sustain them (Exodus 16-17).

*Rhetorical Question:* How do you handle temptation? Do you resist it or give in easily? Do you recognize the good gifts God has given you, even in difficult times?

*Illustration:* Think of temptation as a baited hook. It looks appealing, but once you bite, you’re trapped. Avoiding temptation and standing firm in faith leads to true life.

*Application:* Identify a specific temptation you struggle with. Find a Bible verse that speaks to it and memorize it. When you feel tempted, recite this verse and pray for strength to resist.

**The Gospel Message:**

In the midst of trials and temptations, the ultimate hope we have is in Jesus Christ. James points us towards perseverance, maturity, and completeness, but we must understand that these are made possible through the gospel.

Jesus, who lived a perfect life, faced the greatest trial—dying on the cross for our sins. He overcame the ultimate temptation by remaining sinless, and through His resurrection, He defeated death, offering us eternal life. This is the crown of life James speaks about.

**Romans 5:3-5** tells us:

Romans 5:3–5 CSB

3 And not only that, but we also boast in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, 4 endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. 5 This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Jesus is our hope in all circumstances. Because of His sacrifice, we can face our trials with joy, knowing that they produce perseverance and hope. Our faith is built on the solid foundation of His love and victory over sin and death.

**Altar Call:**

Now, with every head bowed and every eye closed, I want to give you an opportunity to respond to this message. Maybe you’ve been facing trials and temptations and you’ve been trying to handle it all on your own. Maybe you’ve never put your faith in Jesus and you’re realizing tonight that He is the hope you’ve been searching for.

John 3:16–17 CSB

16 For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

If you want to start a relationship with Jesus tonight, if you want to receive His forgiveness and His love, I want you to raise your hand. Just raise your hand right where you are. This is a moment between you and God.

Thank you. I see those hands. God sees those hands.

**Conclusion:**

Remember, James teaches us that our faith grows through trials and temptations. Let’s thank God for the opportunities to grow, seek His wisdom, and recognize His goodness in our lives. And never forget, our ultimate hope and strength come from Jesus. Have a great week, and God bless you all!