How to Profit From Your Trials

1. Background– James is the half-brother of Jesus.

a. He once did not believe.

b. Jesus appeared to him personally after the resurrection.

c. Now he calls himself a bondservant.

Our siblings are the most honest regarding our faults.

This is significant because he can attest to Jesus’ perfect life.

2. Trials have a Perfecting Work. verses 2-4

a. James jumps right in telling us to have joy in various trials.

i. Count it joy. Consider it now and from now on.

ii. This is impossible except by the power of the Spirit.

b. Trials are a guarantee of life.

i. Jesus said, “In this world you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

ii. Various trials.

1. Physical trials. – These believers were recently displaced from their homes and families.

2. Emotional / Mental trials

3. Health Trials

4. Family Trials

5. Financial Trials

c. Trials are tests of our faith to prove what is there

i. Algebraic proofs are tests to show that something is valid

ii. Job was tested to prove that his faith in God was sincere

iii. If our faith only works when things are good, then who needs it?

d. Trials serve to “prune” us to bear more fruit – John 15:2

e. Trials produce patient endurance.

i. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. Romans 5:3-5

ii. We grow in our faith and fellowship with God through trials.

iii. Take encouragement – God is at work

3. Trials show need Pray For Wisdom – verses 5-8

a. Trials show us our weakness, but invite us to depend upon God.

b. Ask in Faith

i. God gives to all men liberally. He loves to give to our need.

ii. God does not chastise when we ask.

1. Doesn’t say, “Why didn’t you ask earlier?”

2. Doesn’t scorn us for lack of knowledge.

iii. James promises that wisdom will be given.

1. Big and little problems.

2. Example of setting up a jig.

c. Satan tries to get us to doubt God’s nature and desire to give us wisdom

i. He has caused us to doubt God’s goodness from the beginning.

d. God’s gifts are always good.

4. Trials Give Perspective on Wealth – verses 9-11

a. Both the poor and the rich are made equal by trials.

b. We lose are dependency on material wealth by trials.

We gain an appreciation for what endures.