Count/Consider it Pure Joy

The New International Version Chapter 1

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,a whenever you face trials of many kinds,f 3 because you know that the testing of your faithg produces perseverance

Consider it All Joy

(G5479 χαρά: chara - delight)

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Introduction

“Consider it [pure] all joy, my brothers and sisters, a whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

The New International Version. (2011). (). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

I like the way The Message puts it as it gives further insight of why God allows the trials to come our way.

The Message

“ Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.”

Sounds like a moment where we think “You have got to be kidding me!” We say this because we forget what life down here is all about - God’s #1 priority:

“He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

Sounds like a moment where we think “You have got to be kidding me!”

Let’s take a closer look at the individual words of this verse.

CONSIDER - we are to think about what is being said, think about it. This is part of the renewing of our minds - seeing things the way God sees it.

JOY - anything that causes cheer and dispels gloom.

TRIALS - adversity / Temptation / Testing (10X)

English Standard Version Chapter 1

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.

PERSEVERANCE - patient steadfast endurance

Why is God telling us to be joyful during these times? There are two primary reasons:

Why is God telling us to be joyful during these times? There are two primary reasons:

“Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.” The Message

Peterson, E. H. (2005). The Message: the Bible in contemporary language (). Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress.

What and why is God telling us to be joyful during these times?

There are two primary reasons:

FIRST: We are to continually remember our eternal destination. We are here only for a short time for very special reasons to fulfill God’s plan for us as individuals and for all mankind.

“In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.”

The New International Version Chapter 1

In his great mercyn he has given us new birtho into a living hopep through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,q 4 and into an inheritancer that can never perish, spoil or fade.s This inheritance is kept in heaven for you,t 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s poweru until the coming of the salvationv that is ready to be revealedw in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice,x though now for a little whiley you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.

What did Jesus do when He faced His trials?

SECOND: These times of tribulation reveal where we are in our maturity, our spiritual strength.

“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross.”

SECOND: These times of tribulation reveal where we are in our maturity, our spiritual strength.

What did Jesus do when He faced His trials?

The New International Version Chapter 12

let us rung with perseveranceh the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus,i the pioneerj and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross

Hebrews 12:1–2 NIV

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross.”

Let’s answer some questions to better get to God’s purpose in allowing trials in our lives.

). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Where do trails come from?

- Steal, Kill & destroy

- enemy prowls around looking for someone to devour

These trails are the flaming arrows launched by the enemy.How should we respond to these flaming arrows?

;

;

How do these trials affect us and others from an eternal perspective?

Let’s face it, it’s not easy at times to persevere during the trials. In fact many times we retreat instead of standing our ground.

Conclusion & Life Application

Let’s look at these verses in detail so we can “be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

Perseverance is the key

The New International Version. (2011). (). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Endure - is to withstand, to defy and to resist => a form of fighting back/opposing. As opposed to surrendering.

Conclusion & Life Application

Is what you do when you face trails based on a reaction or based on your relationship with Jesus, your Lord and Savior?

If it’s a reaction, that needs to change in order to deepen your relationship with Jesus. Renew your mind. Be quick to listen, slow to speak, take every thought captive. Remind yourself:

First, that you are a member of the Body of Christ - you have been bought with a price, you are not your own;

Second, remember there is an enemy out there that is trying to steal, kill and destroy you;

Third, recognize that, as a member of the Body of Christ, that you have been fully equipped to defeat the enemy - every time!

- God tells us that the very power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to you

- you have the full armor of God available to you; clothe yourself daily before you start your day

- God will soon crush Satan under your feet!

English Standard Version Psalm 30

Weeping may tarry for the night,

but joy comes with the morning

The New International Version Chapter 7

those who marry will face many troubles in this life