James 1:1–2 KJV 1900

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

James 1:1–3 KJV 1900

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

I WANT TO BE MORE LIKE HIM

INTRODUCTION:

Apart from your job, your hobbies, your achievements, think about this question: "What are you known for?"—you personally.

The answer to this question will likely reveal whether you are motivated toward spiritual things.

Do people think of you as someone who regularly attends church?

Is it common to find you:

1. working for Christ in your local church?

2. witnessing to others?

3. serving God in various ways?

James was apparently so well known among the believers throughout the world that no title was needed other than his name.

This points rather strongly toward his being James, the Lord’s brother.

Note two touching and very important facts about what James says.

1. He simply calls himself James, “a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.” He is a leader among God’s people, a world renown leader. Yet his glory is not in the title of his position, but in the fact that he is a servant of God and Christ.

2. Despite his position, and worldwide reputation, what matters to him most is the intimacy of his relationship to God and his Lord.

This is clearly seen when the word servant is understood, for the meaning of the word shows that James deliberately chose the word to describe his relationship to the Lord.

ILLUSTRATION:

The great violinist, Nicolo Paganini, willed his marvelous violin to Genoa—the city of his birth—but only on condition that the instrument never be played. It was an unfortunate condition, for it is a peculiarity of wood that as long as it is used and handled, it shows little wear. As soon as it is discarded, it begins to decay. The exquisite mellow-toned violin now has become worm-eaten in its beautiful case, valueless except as a relic. The moldering instrument is a reminder that a life withdrawn from service to others loses its meaning. James’ strong emphasis upon service is illustrated well! In order to retain our value and our worth and not degenerate into a worthless relic, we should serve and remain active.

Matthew 20:26–27 KJV 1900

But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:

THE ESSENTIAL ATTITUDE TO TRIALS AND TEMPTATION: JOY

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James 1:3 KJV 1900

Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

INTRODUCTION:

The path of life is not an easy path to walk. It is filled with all kinds of trials and temptations, trials such as sickness, disease, accidents, disappointments, sorrows, suffering, and death; and temptations such as all the seductions to sin and evil. What we need is a guaranteed way to conquer all the trials and temptations of life.

This is the glorious message of this passage: there is a way to conquer and triumph in this life, no matter how severe the trial or temptation.

What is the way? It is possessing a spirit of joy and perseverance as we face the trials and temptations of life. This is a striking study on enduring faith. Faith, real faith which comes from God above, endures all trials. It will not fail. Such faith is complete, full, perfected.

It is possessing a spirit of joy and perseverance as we face the trials and temptations of life. This is a striking study on enduring faith.

Faith, real faith which comes from God above, endures all trials. It will not fail. Such faith is complete, full, perfected.

WE WILL HAVE MANY TRIALS AND TEMPTATIONS

James 1:2 KJV 1900

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

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The word used for temptations or trials throughout James means to tempt; to try; to test; to prove. We all go through many common temptations and trials of life. Life is often hard.

But note that the word James uses means far more than just to tempt; it means...

1. to test

2. to try

3. to prove

Hebrews 12:11 KJV 1900

Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

But we must always remember: no matter what the trial or temptation, it is for our good and for our benefit.

It is to help us. It is to prove us—to make us stronger and much more pure and righteous—to make us much more dynamic witnesses for Christ.

God allows trials and temptations to make us more and more like Jesus.