Count it all Joy
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Count it All Joy: Rightly Facing the Trials of Life
Count it All Joy: Rightly Facing the Trials of Life
1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings.
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.
7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;
8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
9 Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation,
10 and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away.
11 For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.
12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.
1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion:
Greetings.
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
9 Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, 10 and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. 11 For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.
12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
Illustration
Teaching Eaglets to Fly
Teaching Eaglets to Fly
One of the most inspiring sights in nature is the eagle in flight. With an endless expanse of blue behind it the eagle spreads its mighty wings and soars majestically and gracefully across the sky. Free, powerful, complete. Because of this the eagle becomes a symbol for how we’d like to be. We all want to soar like an eagle in life.
But I wonder if you know how it is an eagle learns to soar? I am told that there is a particular species of eagle which builds its nest high up on the face of a cliff overlooking the sea. In this nest the eagle chick is hatched and spends its first days watching its mother come and go, collecting food and bringing it back.
One day mum decides it’s time her chicks learned to fly. You know how she does it? She forces her way right into the nest and then pushes her chicks out. The chick starts plummeting down the cliff-face, terrified, shocked, heartbeat racing, aware that death is just seconds away. And then something amazing happens. The chick instinctively stretches the wings it never knew it had, the plummet becomes a fall, then a gentle rise. Soon the chick is soaring like its mother.
It’s in that split second of terrifying danger that the chick comes face to face with itself, and face to face with wider reality. In that terrifying moments the chick discovers what it is. And without that terrifying moment it will never learn to soar.
1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings.
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.
7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;
8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
9 Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation,
10 and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away.
11 For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.
12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.
14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.
15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers.
17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
Introduction
Introduction
Illustration
Up and Under
Up and Under
Teaching Eaglets to Fly
Teaching Eaglets to Fly
One of the most inspiring sights in nature is the eagle in flight. With an endless expanse of blue behind it the eagle spreads its mighty wings and soars majestically and gracefully across the sky. Free, powerful, complete. Because of this the eagle becomes a symbol for how we’d like to be. We all want to soar like an eagle in life.
One of the most inspiring sights in nature is the eagle in flight. With an endless expanse of blue behind it the eagle spreads its mighty wings and soars majestically and gracefully across the sky. Free, powerful, complete. Because of this the eagle becomes a symbol for how we’d like to be. We all want to soar like an eagle in life.
But I wonder if you know how it is an eagle learns to soar? I am told that there is a particular species of eagle which builds its nest high up on the face of a cliff overlooking the sea. In this nest the eagle chick is hatched and spends its first days watching its mother come and go, collecting food and bringing it back.
One day mum decides it’s time her chicks learned to fly. You know how she does it? She forces her way right into the nest and then pushes her chicks out. The chick starts plummeting down the cliff-face, terrified, shocked, heartbeat racing, aware that death is just seconds away. And then something amazing happens. The chick instinctively stretches the wings it never knew it had, the plummet becomes a fall, then a gentle rise. Soon the chick is soaring like its mother.
But I wonder if you know how it is an eagle learns to soar? I am told that there is a particular species of eagle which builds its nest high up on the face of a cliff overlooking the sea. In this nest the eagle chick is hatched and spends its first days watching its mother come and go, collecting food and bringing it back.
It’s in that split second of terrifying danger that the chick comes face to face with itself, and face to face with wider reality. In that terrifying moments the chick discovers what it is. And without that terrifying moment it will never learn to soar.
Why did it come back to the surface in an upright position? Because it was ballasted with a metre thick lining of cement on the bottom of the hull. It is a vivid reminder that life can often go horribly wrong, but if we have the right “ballast” – faith in Christ – then we can get through it and emerge upright on the other side.
One day mum decides it’s time her chicks learned to fly. You know how she does it? She forces her way right into the nest and then pushes her chicks out. The chick starts plummeting down the cliff-face, terrified, shocked, heartbeat racing, aware that death is just seconds away. And then something amazing happens. The chick instinctively stretches the wings it never knew it had, the plummet becomes a fall, then a gentle rise. Soon the chick is soaring like its mother.
Tugboat 1:
It’s in that split second of terrifying danger that the chick comes face to face with itself, and face to face with wider reality. In that terrifying moments the chick discovers what it is. And without that terrifying moment it will never learn to soar.
In 1979 the tugboat Cahaba was headed down the River in Alabama, USA.
Tugboat 2:
The current was flowing fast as the tug’s pilot approached the bridge and released his coal barges.
Tugboat 3:
He then put his 1800 horsepower twin engines into reverse to get away,
Tugboat 4:
but when the boat moved slightly off line the current swung the boat sideways and slammed it into the bridge. The current was so strong that it forced the boat down under the water.
The current was so strong that it forced the boat down under the water.
Tugboat 5:
To the astonishment of onlookers it passed under the bridge and popped up, upright, with the engines still going and the pilot at the wheel, on the other side.
Tugboat 6:
Why did it come back to the surface in an upright position? Because it was ballasted with a meter thick lining of cement on the bottom of the hull.
“ballast” - is used in ships to provide moment to resist the lateral forces on the hull.
The river and the flow of water is naturally there. But the boat that sailed comes prepared with its right “ballast” in place.
The Purpose of Trials
The Purpose of Trials
What does trials do in our life? Testing of faith
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
James 1
3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
Testing” in Greek word is dokímion. Meaning: a test, trial, what is genuine.
“Testing” in Greek word is dokímion. Meaning: a test, trial, what is genuine. Testing what is genuine.
Similar Greek word used in
7 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.
7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
1
These means that the testing of your
Its about building you up
Its about building you up
To reach your full maturity in Christ
3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1:
“and let steadfastness (endurance/patience) have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing”
Illustration: Body builder: Before
Illustration: Body builder: After
Illustration: Eagle learning how to fly
You are God’s child, and He knows your potential. And he is teaching you to reach that potential of growth.
Its about your faith
Its about your faith
To subject your faith for the glory of God
7 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.
7 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.
The bible declares in
12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
There is a spiritual war. And God wants your trials to become the venue of God’s glory. He wants you to overcome that trials and declare the goodness of God in spite of sufferings, hardships, and heart-aches.
But you know? The devil wants you to be the loser. He wants you found defeated. He wants you to blame God for that trials.
Church, trials is about your faith. How you react, face, and handle it manifest your faith in Christ and the Gospel in you.
The Product of Trials
The Product of Trials
What Characters does trial produces in our life?
3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
Perseverance
Perseverance
The Character Produces by Trials
3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
In Greek word: hypomonḗ (from 5259 /hypó, "under" and 3306 /ménō, "remain, endure") – properly, remaining under, endurance; steadfastness, especially as God enables the believer to "remain (endure) under" the challenges He allots in life.
Greek: hypomonḗ
Greek: hypomonḗ
Same word used in by Apostle Paul: “perseverance”
2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
3 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;
Dependence
Dependence
English definition: “persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.”
Dependence
Dependence
The Character Produces by Trials
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.
James 1:5
Take note the repeated words in verses 5 & 6:
In Greek: aiteó - “let him ask”
“let him ask in faith”
Greek: aiteó
Greek: aiteó
Meaning: to ask, request
In Greek: diakrinó - “doubting”
Greek: diakrinó
Greek: diakrinó
Usage: I separate, distinguish, discern one thing from another; I doubt, hesitate, waver.
We do not always understand God’s purposes, and often Satan tempts us to ask, “Does God really care?” This is where prayer comes in: we can ask our Father for wisdom, and He will give it to us. But we must not be double-minded.
Double-minded Christians are not stable during trials. Their emotions and their decisions waver. One minute they trust God; the next minute, they doubt God. Faith in God during trials will always lead to stability
These words signifies that God wants us to come to him and ask for wisdom. God wants us to be dependent to Him. Ask him. Ask him without doubting.
Do not question God’s sovereignty over our trials. Instead, put your trust in Him. Come to him.
God wants you to depend on him alone. It just mean that without him, we are nothing. We cannot do it better. We cannot handle it good and fair.
Humbleness
Humbleness
The Character Produces by Trials
12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
9 Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation,
10 and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away.
11 For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.
9 Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, 10 and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. 11 For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.
9 Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation,
-
Santiago 1:9-11
Ang Mahirap at ang Mayaman
Ang Mahirap at ang Mayaman
9 Dapat magalak ang mahirap na kapatid kapag siya'y itinataas ng Diyos, 10 at gayundin naman ang mayamang kapatid kapag siya'y ibinababâ, sapagkat ang mayaman ay lilipas na gaya ng bulaklak ng damo. 11 Ang damo ay nalalanta sa matinding sikat ng araw, nalalagas ang kanyang mga bulaklak at kumukupas ang kanyang kagandahan. Gayundin naman, ang mayaman ay mamamatay sa gitna ng kanyang mga kaabalahan.
Wag maging mayabang.
A true and genuine Christian must demonstrate humbleness in all circumstances in life. Because Christ did.
The Promise In Trials
The Promise In Trials
What promise does trials have in our life?
12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
The possession of an inner blessedness
The possession of an inner blessedness
James (1) Inner Blessedness (Verse 12a)
Blessed, which means “fortunate,” speaks of an inner quality of happiness in God, a happiness not affected by outward circumstances
The mere experience of trial does not necessarily bring blessedness to an individual
For some men come out of their difficulties not softened but hardened
and their testing proves
The reception of a crown of life
The reception of a crown of life
Meaning: reception=the action or process of receiving something sent, given, or inflicted.
12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he hath been approved, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord promised to them that love him.
(2) The crown of life (verse 12c). “for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him”. The ASV more correctly translates the first words, “for when he hath been approved.” The word translated “approved” (“tried,” KJV) was used of metals and coins which had been tested and found true.
It is simply another way of expressing the idea of endurance.
12 Happy are those who remain faithful under trials, because when they succeed in passing such a test, they will receive as their reward the life which God has promised to those who love him.
The TEV renders the phrase, “because when they succeeds in passing such a test.” Its a test to prove the genuineness of your faith.
Its a test to prove the genuineness of your faith.
LOOK AT THESE VERSES:
2 Corinthians
5 Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!
10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.
11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.
10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.
If you are in Christ, you will endure the test and you will receive the crown of life. Eternal salvation.
Count it all joy: Rightly Facing The Trials of Life
Count it all joy: Rightly Facing The Trials of Life
The purpose of trials: What does trials do in our life?
Its about building you up: To reach your full maturity in Christ
Its about faith: To subject your faith for the glory of God
The product of trials: What Characters does trial produces in our life?
Perseverance
Dependence
Humbleness
The promise in Trials: What promise does trials have in our life?
The possession of an inner blessedness
The reception of a crown of life
4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.