Sea Trials

Sea Trials

Think of a recent problem or difficulty in your life. In what ways did God give you strength to face that situation?

Let’s look at James 1: 1-8

The popular belief is that James was authored by the half-brother of our Lord Jesus Christ. Written about 45-50 AD, before the letters of Paul were written.

In verse 2, “count it joy,” would be more literally “count it ecstasy!”

What is ecstasy? Think of a time when you experienced it, what was it like?

You are to rejoice and be thankful that God is testing you in this way. He has chosen you to perfect your Christianity in this trial. Trials implied by the Greek language are “unexpected encounters” or that you “fall into them.”

Testing indicates not the experience itself, but the result of it, this is what develops steadfastness and faith. God already has the goal in mind for you, you are to seek Him to reach it in this trial. (CHART)

How has God brought good things into you life through trials?

In verse 3, James is speaking about the attitude of your heart toward your trouble. The attitude of faith should be that God has permitted it for a purpose and He has a goal in view for you to fashion you into a more perfect believer.

In Jeremiah 29:11, God says- “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”

We can know that God is working something out in our lives. This does not mean that we will understand what purpose God has in it. But there is a purpose!

Testing is proof positive of genuine faith. God puts faith to the test to prove that it is genuine. He tests us in order that He might produce patience in our lives. Patience will mark you as a full grown Christian. Endurance, perseverance, continuing your reliance on God.

Patience is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, you will never become patient by trying to be patient. Patience comes through suffering and testing. People talk about having the patience of Job, but look what trials Job endured to develop this trait! But in actuality, it came as a result of his unwavering faith!

You will never be a fully mature Christian without patience.

Someone look up Romans 5:3-4

Someone look up 1 Peter 1:6-7

Jesus never promised an easy problem free life, but He did promise never to leave us and to always go with us. We must expect problems, trials and testing! These are a mark of our true faith.

How can a person gain wisdom to deal with problems? Look at verse 5-

God is not going to mock us by denying us wisdom! That is not His nature!

-Wisdom to the Greek was worldly knowledge with pride.

-Wisdom to the Jew was acquired only with a relationship with God.

What is the difference between wisdom and knowledge?

Wisdom is putting knowledge to work. God gives and does not hesitate with this request, but it must be made with unswerving reliance on Him to provide.

Why does God want us to ask for His help without doubting?

Look at verse 6- Go to God in prayer, He already has the direction laid out for you to reach the goal that He has in mind! Remember He has perfected this trial to shape you, like the potter shapes the clay. This is custom designed for you, to make you more like Christ.

Look at verse 8- What does it mean to be “ a double-minded man?”

If you are going to work out your problem for yourself, then you have taken God out of the picture, you have just blown your test! God cannot work it out for you according to His original plan. You cannot rely on God and then take matters into your own hands.

How has your relationship with God changed as you have gone through trials and difficulties?

In what ways does this passage relate to your present problems and frustrations?

How can you find joy in your troubles?

Look at the promise made in Verse 12. Isn’t that good news!

The next time you realize that you are in an unexpected encounter or have “fallen in” to a trial- (CHART)