ENTERING INTO TRIALS
James 1:1-4

(John 16:33)  "…In the world ye shall have tribulation..."

(2 Tim 3:12)  "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."

Introduction:      We are surrounded by many and varied trials. How shall we deal with them? In the Book of James, God reveals the key. We can use these trials as instruments for advancement into Christ-likeness!

I.           WITH JOYFUL CONFIDENCE (V.2)
We should prepare for trials, especially in attitude. (Illus: the Disciples rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer for Christ). This is an uncommon attitude to a common experience. Our Outlook determines Outcome & Attitude determines Action! Trials are not joyful but we should respond with joy. How?

·         “Count” = mathematical term; to deem or consider. Meaning “looking ahead,” to “think forward.” (Illus: It is what Jesus did in (Heb 12:2) "…who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.") Because of thinking that went forward, beyond the cross, Jesus endured of the joy that would be His.

·         “Fall” = to fall into something that is all around. To stumble upon or encounter. You cannot plan for a trial. They always catch us unaware. The spiritual equivalent of a “pop quiz.”

·         “Divers” = various; diverse; multifaceted or manifold. (1 Pet 1:6) "Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:" (1 Pet 4:10) "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." (Eph 3:10)  "To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God," My point here is simply that whatever to trial, God has the grace and wisdom to match it.

·         “Temptations” = a putting to proof. A trial or test that comes from outside experiences. (Illus; in every trial there are two things happening at the same time – (1) The temptation to run out from under the trial and please our flesh and to blame God and everyone else. (2) A test to see if we will honor God by obeying His Word.
 

II.         WITH EXPERIENCED KNOWLEDGE (V.3)
This is knowledge derived from practical experience.

·         “Knowing” = to understand by experience. When we begin to experience this test, God develops in us the ability to abide under adversity.

·         “Patience” = endurance; to not bail out, but to go the distance. This patience is not merely passive endurance, but the brave patience with which the Christian contends against the various trials that come their way in conflict with this present world system. (Job 23:10 ) "But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold." Your trial may be designed by God.

III.       WITH DETERMINED PURPOSE (V.4)
To grow toward maturity in the Christian life and in order for trials to accomplish God’s intent in our lives, we must cooperate with the process.

·         “Let” = let it keep on having. Let the trial run its course.

There are two possible responses: (1) Enduring (trusting the Savior) (2) Escaping (trusting self). Enduring means more than tolerating the trial, it means actively putting our trust in God in the midst of the trial. Escaping means bailing out of walking by faith, running away from the God given trial and the exercise of faith it requires.

·         “Perfect” = full grown; mature. Not maturity in life as a whole, but maturity in this situation.

·         “Entire wanting nothing” = complete; not lacking. (Illus; if your response to the trial is a mature exercise of faith, nothing else is needed for victory). Our victory doesn’t depend on a change of our circumstances, but a change of our character! God help us to think forward and look ahead unto Jesus.

Conclusion:       Three reasons I should rejoice in my trials: (1) Trials purify faith (proves faith is genuine) (2) Trials produce patience (steadfastness0 (3) Trials perfect character (make mature, whole, no defects).