Embracing Trials: God's Power in Our Pain.

On April 23rd, 1956 C.S Lewis would marry Joy Davidman. His brother would comment on C.S Lewis’ love for his wife by saying “Is is like no other woman existed...” But unfortunately, three years after their wedding date C.S Lewis would lose his wife to bone cancer. This was his response:

“God has not been trying an experiment on my faith or love in order to find out their quality. He knew it already. It was I who didn’t … He always knew that my temple was a house of cards. His only way of making me realize the fact was to knock it down.”

The Context:

James Ch. 1: 1

James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,

To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad

James is writing to the Jewish Christians that have been scattered (Diaspora) throughout the known world due to the intense persecution of their faith. He’s writing to give them confidence, hope, and strength to endure the trials they are facing.

The Reaction To Our Trials. Vs. 2a

James 1:2 “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,”

Count- Means to consider.

All Joy- Pure joy, unmixed joy, total joy… Happiness… This is not a natural response to trials. That’s why James insist that the readers “count” it a joy.

James encouraged them to embrace their trials not for what they were but for what God could accomplish through them.

James here teaches that trials serve as a test for genuine faith. Earthly hardships and losses put believers on display. Trials form an essential part of God’s plan for his people. The God who will save us from the fate of the world will sustain us with joy in the midst of it.

Supporting Scripture

James 5:11 “Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.”

Matthew 5:10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

1 Peter 3:14 “But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.””

Acts 14:22 “strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.””

The Diversity of Our Trials. Vs. 2b

James 1:2 “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,”

Various Trails- Trails of many colors and kinds.

James also referred to “trials of many kinds.” A multitude of afflictions are in view: conflicts from opponents, doubts, fears, and tribulations

“In the face of these many kinds of trials, James pointed to God, who was ready to bestow blessing. Joy is a reality for those who serve. We see a reciprocal dynamic here. The servant of Christ swims against the stream of unbelief in his or her service.” NAC on James…

The Frequency of Our Trials. Vs 2c

James 1:2 “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,”

When- (Hotan) In the subjunctive mood and carries the idea not just possibility of trials but the certainty of trails.

No time is free of conflict.

The Evaluation of Our Trials. Vs. 3

James 1:3 “knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.”

Knowing- to fully understand… “why is this happening to me?” now you know.

Supporting Scripture:

Mark 13:28 ““Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender, and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near.”

Romans 1:19 “because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.”

Romans 1:21 “because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.”

testing of your faith- proves the genuineness.

God proves the genuineness of faith in his servants: this is a fundamental biblical theme. The believer endures such testing of faith and service because of what is promised: divine favor in the judgment (i.e., the reward of life in 1:12). As discussed in the introduction, judgment is the end of the trajectory of faith. But the servant of Christ faces that judgment and the trials of the present with joy because of the promise of God’s mercy (cf. 2:13).

The proof that those who suffer trials are God’s children is necessary from God’s perspective, for it will provide a threefold witness: to himself, to the believer, and to the world. God’s interest in the witness to himself can be seen in the testing of Abraham: “Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son” (Gen 22:12).

Patience- (hupomone) Endurance. Patiently enduring trails while trusting in the Lord develops endurance.

PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS!!!!

Supporting Scripture:

Psalm 40:1–2 “I waited patiently for the Lord; And He inclined to me, And heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps.”

2 Thessalonians 1:3–4 “We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other, so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure,”

2 Thessalonians 3:5 “Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.”

Hebrews 11.....

The Product of Our Trials. Vs. 4

James 1:4 “But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

Perfect- fully developed, maturity...

Complete- Carries the idea of being whole....

Lacking Nothing- Not lacking in anything of spiritual importance and value.

Supporting Scripture:

1 Peter 5:10 “But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.”

Psalm 37:7–11 “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret—it only causes harm. For evildoers shall be cut off; But those who wait on the Lord, They shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more; Indeed, you will look carefully for his place, But it shall be no more. But the meek shall inherit the earth, And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.”

Closing Statements:

Our suffering is not worthy the name of suffering. When I consider my crosses, tribulations, and temptations, I shame myself almost to death; thinking what are they in comparison to the sufferings of my blessed Savior Christ Jesus.

Martin Luther (Founder of the German Reformation)

The Christian doctrine of suffering asks for more than a patient tolerance of suffering.… The pain and suffering of life fix our spiritual vision on the central, spiritual goods of … the redemption of Christ.

Timothy Keller

Those who understand God’s sovereignty have joy even in the midst of suffering, a joy reflected on their very faces, for they see that their suffering is not without purpose.

R. C. Sproul