James 1:2–8 - Cameron Jungels - Wed PM, August 27, 2014

“Encountering Trials with Joy and Wisdom” (James 1:2–8)

Cameron Jungels/Eastside Baptist/Wed PM/August 27, 2014

 

2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. (James 1:2–8, NIV)

 

1.       We can face trials with joy, because we know that they are used by God to move us toward spiritual maturity (2–4).

 

a.      Perspective of Joy

b.      Purpose of Spiritual Maturity

 

2.      In the midst of trials, we can call on God in faith and he will give us the wisdom that we need (5­–8).

a.      Our Need: We need wisdom in the midst of trials, and all times of life as a believer of Christ in a pagan world.

b.      God’s Response: generosity and liberality.

c.       Our Attitude: Undoubting, single-minded faith.