Untitled Sermon

Ice Breaker:

MacArthur Bible Studies: James Opening Thought

Consider the church folk you know and have known. What have you observed as the most common “Christian” responses to trials and setbacks in their lives?

MacArthur Bible Studies: James Opening Thought

Describe a situation in which a believer you know has handled a difficult time with exceptional grace and humility. What made the difference? What was his or her “secret”?

Prayer

MacArthur Bible Studies: James Background of the Passage

If a person’s faith is genuine, it will prove itself during times of trouble, whatever the nature or source of the trouble may be.

James 1:1–12 NASB95

1 James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings. 2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. 5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, 8 being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. 9 But the brother of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position; 10 and the rich man is to glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away. 11 For the sun rises with a scorching wind and withers the grass; and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so too the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away. 12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

QUESTIONS

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What stands out at you from this passage

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MacArthur Bible Studies: James Understanding the Text

What does James say trials accomplish in the life of a believer?

James 1:1–4 NASB95

1 James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings. 2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

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Describe perseverance? What is it? Is it a good thing or a bad thing? How do you get it?

James 1:1-

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MacArthur Bible Studies: James Understanding the Text

What does it mean to be double-minded?

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MacArthur Bible Studies: James Reflecting on the Text

What trials are in your path right now? How can you take the truths of this lesson and glorify God in the midst of your difficulties?

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MacArthur Bible Studies: James Reflecting on the Text

How would you define endurance in the Christian life? How would you rate yourself when it comes to clinging to God in faith through tough times?

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MacArthur Bible Studies: James Reflecting on the Text

According to James 1:12, why is it imperative that we persevere?

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How can you apply this passage to Your life?

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How could you explain the message this passage to someone else? Is there an illustration you would use?

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Diaspora

The New American Commentary: James Greeting to the “Diaspora” (1:1)

is to the inclusive people of God who are scattered throughout the earth

Consider it all Joy...

The New American Commentary: James 1. Faith for Wisdom (1:2–8)

For James joy is not the product of circumstances but rather the most fundamental expression of faith.

The New American Commentary: James (1) Joy for Maturity (1:2–4)

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

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Wisdom

The New American Commentary: James (2) Faith without Doubt (1:5–8)

To request wisdom in the midst of trial is precisely what God intends for his people.