Count It All Joy!

Let me ask you a question this morning: “what is the worst day of school besides the first day of school?” It’s test day. For the high school student, you work the entire year to take one test that determines whether you pass your grade or fail your grade. For the college student, you work an entire semester to take one exam or write one final paper that determines whether you pass your classes or fail your class. In both situations, you study for hours and hours to make a worth grade that reflects your character and work ethic. Did you know that we experience tests in the Christian life? While these tests do not provide us with a passing or failing grade, these tests are sent into our lives to prove the authenticity and maturity of our faith in Jesus Christ. Additionally, did you know that God has a purpose for these times of testing? While God doesn’t give us a paper to write or a physical test to take, he does allow us to go through times of trial to test our faith. In our time together this morning, I want to show how you can rejoice in your trials!

Background:

James is writing to a group of Christians that are going through times of suffering and trials. These believers are cultural outcasts in their society.

Need Element:

Everyone goes through trials. Like, trials and tribulations are no respecter of persons. Concerning times of examination and testing, you have three stages: 1) you are fixing to enter into a trial; 2) you are currently in a trial; or 3) you are coming out of a test. Regardless of your stage this morning, God wants you to rejoice in your examination. God wants us to develop his perspective concerning trials.

Textual Idea:

James reminded his readers that God had a purpose for their trials. Therefore, they needed to develop a joyful perspective concerning their tests.

Big Idea:

This morning, God wants us to rejoice in our trials.

Interrogative:

Why should we rejoice in our trials?

Outline|

I. We can rejoice in our trials because God uses trials to help us mature in our faith (vv. 2-4)

Explanation:

James begins his letter by imploring his readers to consider trails as joyful. The word count carries the idea of thinking about something intently. You might say it this way: “when you encounter various/multifaceted trials, you must consider it all joy” (Greek).

One writer says that “joy may be defined as a settled contentment in every situation or an unnatural reaction of deep steady, and unadulterated thankful trust in God.”

The word trials suggest a time of testing or examination. We need to remember that a trial is something that threatens our faithfulness to Christ. These trials might include conflicts from opponents, doubts, fears, physical illness, financial reversal, the death of a loved one. However, we need to remind ourselves that God allows these multifaceted tests to enter our lives to prove the genuineness of our faith. James provides the reason for the rejoicing: “knowing this, that the testing of our faith produces endurance and let endurance have her perfecting work” (Greek). The word patience means endurance. God uses trials to test our faith to help us develop spiritual endurance. The idea of endurance denotes an inward fortitude that produces an ability to withstand hardships or stress. We can rejoice in trials because God is helping us develop in our faith. The purpose of our perfecting work is seen in the final portion of verse 4. James says: “so that you may be developed and complete [and] lacking nothing” (Greek). He provides a threefold spiritual purpose for trials: 1) trials produces endurance; 2) trials produce maturity; and 3) trials creates wholeness. For this reason, we can rejoice in our trials because they help us grow and mature in our faith. While the trials are not easy, we can celebrate because God is helping mature our faith!

Illustration:

When American Airlines trains their pilots, they first seek to prove them by use of a simulator. The simulator is designed to present the pilot with a variety of potential problems so that he will be able to handle any emergency in the future. First, the pilot is tested with simple challenges, which eventually build up to catastrophic situations. The pilots are given more difficult problems only after they have mastered the previous ones. The result is that when the pilots have completed their courses, they are prepared to handle any challenge that comes their way. This is similar to God’s method of working with us. God teaches us how to handle the problems of life, but never gives us more than we can handle. He shows us through each situation so that we can be fully prepared and mature people, ready to handle any challenge in life that might come our way.

Argumentation:

Why does God allow times of testing?

Peter reminds us that every trial has a purpose:

Peter says: “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (, ESV).

Application:

We can rejoice in trials because they are helping us mature in our faith. We must change our perspective of our tests. During times of testing, we must view our situation from God’s point of view and purpose—spiritual development and maturity. Instead of complaining about our trials, I want to encourage you to praise God’s purpose and plan. Instead of being pessimistic about our trials, we must turn our tests into a time of praise for God’s work in us and through us.

As one translation says: “So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing” (, NLT).

God wants you to remember that He has a purpose for your pain, a reason for your struggle, and a reward for your faithfulness. So, trust Him and don’t give up!

II. We can rejoice in our trials because trials drive us to ask God for wisdom with a steadfast faith (vv. 5-8)

Explanation:

Because tests are not meant to hurt us but to help us, we need to develop wisdom concerning our trials. James says: “if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God” (Greek).

Wisdom is “the ability to make sound judgments and speak the right words [based upon God’s word].”

While the phrase, if any of you lacks wisdom, seems ambiguous, we must remember that context helps us in understanding the author’s train of thought. In context, James is referencing trials. You might say it this way: “if any of you lack wisdom [concerning the testing of your faith], let him ask God. . . and He will give it to you.” We need to recognize our need for wisdom amid trials and the process of Spiritual maturity. I want you to notice two facts about seeking wisdom through prayer. When we pray, we must rest in the faithfulness of God (vv. 5). God gives us wisdom because of his character—“who gives to all sincerely and without reproach” (Greek). The word liberally suggests being straightforward, open, or above board. Because God is open to our needs and prayers (), he answers our prayer with straightforwardness. The phrase upbraideth not denotes the idea of blaming someone or heaping insults upon someone. God does not blame us or find fault with our request for wisdom. Instead, He answers our prayer by giving us wisdom. When we pray, we must pray with trust and faith (vv. 6-8). The phrase nothing wavering carries the idea of doing something without doubting. James uses an analogy of a faith that doubts—the waves of the sea. The ocean is ALWAYS shifting and changing. The ocean is driven by the wind. The word wavereth suggests doubting within oneself. You could say it this way: “for the one who doubts in himself is like a wave of the sea driven and blown here and thereby the wind” (Greek). Don’s miss this, when you have doubts concerning the reliability of God, you will be driven to trust your human understanding and wisdom. When this happens, this “man must not think in himself that he will not receive anything from the Lord because he is a double-minded man and unstable in all of his ways” (Greek). The idea of a double-minded man is one who is uncertain about a truth. We have a definite truth about prayer—an unsure person will not receive anything from the Lord! Therefore, we must commit ourselves “to God and must wholeheartedly and single-mindedly trust His character and promises.”

Illustration:

We have a perfect example of unwavering faith in and . In , God tells Abraham to sacrifice his one and only son Isaac on the top of Mount Moriah. Abraham steps out in faith and trust in God’s promise and character. He prepares the firewood and the donkeys. Then, Abraham, Isaac, and his servants. Once they arrive at the mountain, Abraham says to his servants: “Stay here with the donkey; the boy and I will go over there and worship and come again to you” (). As Abraham and Isaac are traveling up the mountain, Isaac asks: ““My father, . . .Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” Abraham responds: “God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” The Bible records: “When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built the altar there and laid the wood in order and bound Isaac, his son and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son. But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now, I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me” (, ESV). From Hebrews, we understand that Abraham believed that God would raise his son from the dead.

reads: “By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, of whom it was said, “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back” (ESV).

Argumentation:

Why should we ask God for wisdom with an unwavering faith?

Due to our human nature, we have a problem with trust and faith. We often resort to trusting our flawed human understating and wisdom. However, we must suppress those desires and lean entirely upon the Lord!

reads: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones” (, KJV).

When we pray, we need to pray, trusting God to answer our prayer for wisdom and understanding!

Application:

We need to pray for wisdom and understanding concerning our trials. I have no idea what you are going through right now in your life. However, God knows and understands your trials. Instead of asking God to remove your trials, you need to praise God for using the trials to help you grow in your faith. You also should ask God for wisdom and understanding concerning your trials. Instead of considering your problem as a hinderance, you ought to ask God for wisdom and discernment. We must also rest in the perfect character of God! You can trust Him because He is faithful in all of His ways and works.

III. We can rejoice in our trials because they change our perspective of wealth (vv. 9-11)

Explanation:

I want you to notice how James transitions to a discussion of wealth within the Christian Community. In the first century, people believed that wealth was a sign of “living right.” The word boast carries the idea of taking pride in something or glorifying something. We notice that trials drive us to trust God during times of exaltation (vv. 9a). The poor man must learn to take pride in his “exalted position.” In Christ, we have been given an elevated position. As Christians, we do not find our identity in our financial security or our physical situation. Instead, we find our identity in Jesus Christ. Thus, we are driven to trust Him. We are also urged to glorify God through our identity in Christ! While the poor man may not have a lot of money, he is a child of the king and a joint-heir with Jesus. Therefore, from a spiritual perspective, he is the richest man on earth. As one writer says: “One should not take pride in possessions but in Christ alone.” We notice that trials drive us to trust God during times of embarrassment (vv. 9b-11). James says to the rich man: you must boast in your humiliation. The phrase he is made low suggests being humiliated in front of others—embarrassment. The most humiliating thing for a wealthy person is not being wealthy! Wealth consumes them to the point that it destroys them. James describes wealth as a flower.

James says: “For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed” (, NIV).

James makes a rather harsh conclusion: “the rich [man] will also parish amid his pursuits” (Greek). When the rich man loses his wealth, he is driven to trust God just like the poor man. We must remember that wealth is not the problem.

Instead, it is “the rich person’s attachment to it and the poor person’s lust for it, a confidence in it rather than in God”

When we are exalted as a poor person, we can boast because we boast in Christ. When we are embarrassed a wealthy person, we can boast because we boast in Christ. We can rejoice in our trials because they change our perspective of wealth and drive us to trust God for our needs! Instead of placing our trust in our finances, we need to put our trust in the faithfulness of God!

Illustration:

Show Slide 1

The FedEx logo is legendary among designers. It has won over 40 design awards and was ranked as one of the eight best logos in the last 35 years by Rolling Stone magazine. However, did you know that the FedEx logo has a hidden message that embodies their company slogan of “the world on time.” On April 23, 1994, Lindon Leader presented their design idea at FedEx headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee. Fred Smith, one of the executive leaders, was the only one to see the hidden message.

Show Slide 2

Argumentation:

Why do trials help us change our perspective of wealth?

It helps us realize that the only constant in life is Christ. Therefore, we have to trust Him alone.

says: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

Application:

We can make three points of application from this passage. First, you must learn to find your identity in the person of Jesus Christ. You are not defined by your past, possessions, or problems. Your identity is found in Jesus Christ. Secondly, you must learn to trust God in your situation. Life is hard! However, we can trust God because he is faithful and knows the future! Finally, you must learn to give God glory in every situation. When you are broke, you can praise Him. When you are blessed, you can praise Him.

IV. We can rejoice in our trials because God rewards faithfulness and obedience (vv. 12)

Explanation:

James concludes with: “Blessed is the man who endures trial” (Greek). The word blessed carries the idea of gaining divine privilege. The privileged person is the one “who endures the trial.” The word endures gives the concept of maintaining a course of action, holding out, standing one’s ground, or preserving through something in the face of opposition. The term temptation is much debated among scholars. This word is used to describe both times of testing for maturity and times of temptation into sin. Some writers believe this term is connected with times of trial for maturity and endurance (). Other writers argue this term is related to times of temptation into sin (). Personally, I believe this term is connected with times of testing for maturity and endurance.

In , Peter uses this same term to describe times of testing and trial. Peter says: “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy” ().

How is this man blessed or privileged? Look, what James says: “because when he has endured the test, He will receive the crown of life that has been promised to those who love him.” This crown of life is the reward of eternal life that will be given to those who endure through the test and trial. This reward is given to those who “love Him.” Love motives us to respond in two ways: 1) we are motived to be faithful to Christ, and 2) we are motived to be obedient to Christ. We must remember that “Obedience is the nature of a right relationship with God.” We are privileged because of our faithful and obedient love for Christ.

Illustration:

After serving for forty years on the African mission field, Henry C. Morrison headed home by boat. On that same boat also rode Theodore Roosevelt. Morrison was quite depressed when, on entering New York harbor, President Roosevelt received a great fanfare as he arrived home. Morrison thought he should get some recognition for forty years in the Lord’s service. Then a small voice came to Morrison and said, “Henry—you’re not home yet.”

Argumentation:

Why is the person who preservers through trials blessed?

This person is blessed because God blesses obedience and faithfulness.

God told his people: “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might” (, KJV).

Jesus further defines this commandment: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets” (, KJV).

Application:

reminds us to love Christ with the totality of our heart, mind, and soul. We reveal our love for Christ by remaining faithful to Him. reminds us that “The Lord renders to every man his righteousness and his faithfulness.” We also manifest our love by our obedience. Jesus told His disciples: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (, ESV). I want to encourage you to be faithful to Christ as your lord and master. I also want to urge you to walk in obedience to Christ’s word.

Conclusion/Application|

Visualization:

Jesus is the perfect example of rejoicing in trials. The author of Hebrews says: “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (, KJV). This morning, I want to encourage you to look to the example of Jesus Christ.

Action:

I don’t know what you’re going through this morning. It might be a financial problem that you are facing. You may be facing an emotional issue that is weighing down your heart, soul, and mind. It could be a physical problem that is limiting your ability to go and do. However, I know that God has a purpose for every pain. God has given us four reasons to rejoice in our trials: 1) our trials are helping us mature in our faith; 2) our trials are helping us lean and trust God for wisdom; 3) our trials are changing our earthly perspective of wealth; and 4) our trials enable us to experience the rewards of endurance. Amid the pain, you can rejoice because God has a purpose for your pain, a reason for your struggle, and a reward for your faithfulness. So, trust Him and don’t give up!

Appeal:

How has God spoken to your heart? If God has spoken to your heart this morning, I want to encourage you to respond to Him. Maybe, you have forgotten that God has a purpose for every pain. I want to remind you that God might be trying to prove the genuineness and authenticity of your faith. How are you going to respond to your test with faithfulness or faithlessness? Maybe, you have found yourself lacking wisdom during your trials. I want to remind you that God gives wisdom and understanding to those who have faith in his power and purpose. Maybe, you are trying to find your identity in a person, possession, or practice. I want to encourage you to find your worth and identify in the person of Jesus Christ.

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