The Trials of Faith
James 1:2-4 “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces
endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
I. THE DAILY PROBLEM (James 1:2)
James 1:2 “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials…”
Obvious Fact #1 Trials are inevitable
James 1:2 “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when (not “if”) you encounter various trials…”
1 Peter 4:12 “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as
though some strange thing were happening to you…”
Obvious Fact #2 Trials are unexpected
James 1:2 “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter (i.e. when you unexpectedly fall into) various trials…”
Obvious Fact #3 Trials are assorted
James 1:2 “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various (literally: multi-colored, variegated) trials…”
Everyone’s hurt is always the worst
Obvious Fact #4 Even Christians experience trials
James 1:2 “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials…”
• Jesus faced trials
“And you are those who have stood by Me in My trials.” (Luke 22:28)
• Jesus’ disciples will also face trials
“In the world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33)
Matthew 24:9 “Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations on
account of My name.”
Psalm 34:19 “MANY are the afflictions of the righteous.”
“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange
thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing; so that also at the
revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exultation.” 1 Peter 4:12-13 cf. Romans 8:18
II. THE DIFFICULT PRESCRIPTION (James 1:2-4)
James 1:2 “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials…”
It is not joy because of the trial but joy in spite of the trial, because we are able to see beyond the trial and look to
God who is working in us through the trial.
A. THE RIGHT ATTITUDE TOWARD THOSE TRIALS (James 1:3)
James 1:3”…knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.”
Knowing = Greek: ginosko = knowing experientially
• Romans 8:28 “…we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called
according to His purpose.”
• 1 Peter 1:7 “…that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may
be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ…”
• Malachi 3:3 “He will sit as a smelter and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and
silver, so that they may present to the LORD offerings in righteousness.”
Trials are a positive act of God in our lives, making us into a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God (cf. Romans 12:1).
1 Thessalonians 5:18 “Give thanks in all circumstances for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
“produces endurance” = Greek: hupomone = “staying power” — GOING through a trial vs. GROWING through it.
B. THE RIGHT ACTION TOWARD TRIALS (James 1:4)
James 1:4 “And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
“Let go. Let God.”
III. THE DIVINE PRODUCT (James 1:4b)
James 1:4 “And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
The Reason for God’s Refining Process
1. God uses trials to cause us to grow…
James 1:4 “And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect….”
perfect = Greek: perfect/fully grown and developed.
cf. 1 John 2:12-15 re the stages of growing
—from a child in the faith who knows God as the Father.
—to a young man/woman in the faith who knows the Word.
—until ultimately we become a father or mother in the faith who has an indescribable intimacy with Jesus.
Trials a part of the tools by which that growing process happens.
2. God uses trials to cause us to grow in all areas of our lives…
James 1:4 “And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
complete: Greek: holokleroi = whole in every area/complete in all parts.
Col 1:18 “…every man complete in Christ.”
3. God uses trials to cause us to grow in all areas of our lives so we can have the wisdom we need to handle
anything that comes our way….
James 1:4 “And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
“lacking in nothing” = a banking term meaning to have no shortage.
When our “wisdom account” seems to be lacking God sometimes allows trials to equip us with the wisdom, insight and
understanding we need.
James 1:5-8 “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without
reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the
surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man expect that he will receive anything from the Lord,
being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”
4. God uses trials to cause us to grow in all areas of our lives so we can have the wisdom we need to handle
anything that comes our way and to ultimately receive “the crown of life.”
James 1:12 “Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which
the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”
Trials are God’s way of preparing us for the rewards in heaven and His power now.
• Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and
learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My load is
light.”
• Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
• Job 42:2 “I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.”
Concluding Challenge: The choice is clear…Choose to GO through trials or GROW through them!
“In the presence of trouble, some people grow wings; others buy crutches.”
“Today’s trial is tomorrow’s testimony.”
Discussion Questions:
1. Describe a person who handled a trial in such a way that their attitude and actions served to be an example to you.
2. Describe a trial in which God taught you a valuable and unforgettable lesson. In what way did He use the trial to mature
you and teach others?
3. In what challenge in your life do you feel the most in need of wisdom and endurance? How do you expect to grow
through that circumstance?
4. In what ways was this message helpful to you as you face the trials you will inevitably face?