James Sermon #1

I. Believers will experience trials

Notice that James 1:2 does not say, "Consider it a great joy, my brothers, if you experience various trials". No, it says, "…when you experience various trials".

A. Suffering is part and parcel of the Christian life.

Seen in Jesus (John 16:33)Seen in Paul (Romans 8:17)Seen in Peter (1 Peter 4:12)

B. This truth prepares us for all types of suffering.

God is sovereign over all the "various trials"

By telling us that we will suffer the Lord is giving us grace. It keeps us from going into shock and asking foolish questions when suffering comes upon us. When we know that suffering is part of God's plan we will be better prepared to trust His sovereign goodness. We are reminded thatGod knows that we are going to suffer, but he also knows that our suffering has a purpose.

II. Believers will grow from trials

Verses 3-4 give us the reason why we should be joyful in the midst of trials.

A. The furnace of suffering reveals our approval before God

In verse 2 James refers to our suffering as a trial.In verse three he calls it "testing". The word in verse 3 is one that refers to the act of proving the worth of something.

B. The furnace of suffering produces endurance

C. The furnace of suffering results in our greatest joy; namely conformity to Christ

Endurance isn't the final goal, maturity and completion in Christ is our final goal.Paul speaks similarly in Romans 8. Nothing that God works all things together for our good, and this greater good is Christ-likeness. James is saying something similar.

III. Believers will overcome trials

The fact that "endurance must do its complete work"helps us see that God will finish His work. Believers will endure these trials, for our good and His glory.

A. Our response to suffering mattersOur joy (1:2) and our cooperation (1:4) is important as we respond to our suffering

B. Our response reveals our heartJames 1:5-8 will build upon this theme. Those with a God-ward orientation will trust in the self-giving God in the midst of suffering. Those with double-minded hearts will doubt his goodness. Our response in the fire reveals if we have faith that will endure.

Conclusion

We will all face seasons of suffering--believers and unbelievers. Yet, none of us will experience the full weight of suffering as Jesus experienced it. He experienced suffering so that He could ultimately redeem our suffering. Through Christ suffering can actually become a means to joy.

What is your response to suffering? It reveals something about our hearts. Do we trust in the goodness of God? Is our faith one that is strong enough to endure the furnace of suffering? If you are suffering know in this season that God is inviting you to trust His goodness. If you are not in a season of suffering this is the time to develop a robust theology of suffering. Then don't be surprised when God calls you to use it.