The Facts of Life

The Facts of Life – James 1:1-4

James 1:1-4 – 1 This letter is from James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am writing to the “twelve tribes” – Jewish believers scattered abroad. Greetings! 2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. (New Living Translation)

Which James Is the Author of the Epistle of James?

What Is James Saying to Us?

▸ There’s a ________________________ We Ought to Foster

• James doesn’t call himself a boss, but a __________________

John 1:12 – Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God . . . (New International Version)

Galatians 3:26 – For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. (New Living Translation)

• We are ___________________________ and are instructed to foster a loving relationship with each other

John 15:17 – This is my command: Love each other. (New Living Translation)

Galatians 6:10 – Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone – especially to those in the family of faith. (New Living Translation)

1 Peter 1:22 – Now you can have sincere love for each other as brothers and sisters because you were cleansed from your sins when you accepted the truth of the Good News. So see to it that you really do love each other intensely with all your hearts. (New Living Translation, 1st ed.)

1 John 3:14 – If we love our brothers and sisters who are believers, it proves that we have passed from death to life. But a person who has no love is still dead. (New Living Translation)

▸ There’s a _______________________ We Ought to Face

• James doesn’t say ‘if’ or ‘maybe’, but ‘when’

• “Troubles”

❏ Trials are sent by God in order to make a person ______________________

❏ Temptations are sent by Satan to make a person __________________

• The reality of troubles

❏ Troubles will not be _________________________

2 Timothy 3:12 – Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. (New Living Translation)

❏ Troubles should be _________________________

▸ There Are ________________________ We Ought to Find

• ‘Consider it an opportunity for joy’ sound likes an absurdity

• We can face troubles with joy when we consider the results

❏ Troubles can be solid ______________________ of your faith

❏ Troubles can show you steady ______________________ of your faith

❏ Troubles can lead us you to ________________________ perfection

Matthew 5:48 – But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect. (New Living Translation)