Message Notes
Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, —James 1v2
2 PURPOSES FOR OUR TRIALS
1) TRIALS PRODUCE
Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing. —James 1v2-4
“The unplanted field is smug, contented, protected from the shock of the plow and the agitation of being broken up. Such a field as it lies year after year becomes a landmark to the crow and the blue jay, safe and undisturbed it sprawls lazily in the sunshine, the picture of contentment. It is paying a terrible price for its tranquility: never does it see the miracle of growth; never does it feel the motions of mounting life nor see the wonder of bursting seed nor the beauty of ripening grain. Fruit it can never know because it is afraid of the plow… In direct opposite to this, the cultivated field has yielded itself to the adventure of living. The protecting fence has opened to admit the plow, and the plow has come as plows always come, practical, cruel, business-like and in a hurry. Peace has been shattered by the shouting farmer and the rattle of machinery. The field has felt the travail change; it has been upset and turned over, bruised and broken but its rewards come hard upon its labors. The seed shoots up into the daylight, its miracle of life, curious, exploring the new world above it. All over the field the hand of God is at work in the age-old and ever renewed service of creation. New things are born to grow, mature, and consummate the grand prophecy latent in the seed when it entered the ground. Nature’s wonders follow the plow.” —A. W. Tozer
2) TRIALS HELP ME SEE MY
But let him ask in faith without doubting. For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord, 8 being double-minded and unstable in all his ways. —James 1v6-8
2 PRAYERS WE NEED TO PRAY
1) GRANT ME
2) INCREASE MY
Someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you. He has a spirit that makes him unable to speak. 18 Whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive it out, but they couldn’t.”19 He replied to them, “You unbelieving generation, how long will I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring him to me.” 20 So they brought the boy to him. When the spirit saw him, it immediately threw the boy into convulsions. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. 21 “How long has this been happening to him?” Jesus asked his father.“From childhood,” he said. 22 “And many times it has thrown him into fire or water to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”23 Jesus said to him, “ ‘If you can’? Everything is possible for the one who believes.” —Mark 9v17-23
2 FIGHTS WE ARE IN
1) FIGHT OF
being double-minded and unstable in all his ways. —James 1v8
2) FIGHT OF
Let the brother of humble circumstances boast in his exaltation, 10 but let the rich boast in his humiliation because he will pass away like a flower of the field. 11 For the sun rises and, together with the scorching wind, dries up the grass; its flower falls off, and its beautiful appearance perishes. In the same way, the rich person will wither away while pursuing his activities.12 Blessed is the one who endures trials, because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. —James 1v9-12
No one undergoing a trial should say, “I am being tempted by God,” since God is not tempted by evil, and he himself doesn’t tempt anyone. 14 But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desire. 15 Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death. —James 1v13-15
Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 By his own choice, he gave us birth by the word of truth so that we would be a kind of first fruits of his creatures. —James 1v16-18
Study Guide for Further Reflection
DISCUSS
What does it mean to ‘consider it a great joy’ when facing various trials, and how can you apply this perspective in your own life?
Context
Dean spoke about James 1:2 and how we should react to trials, emphasizing that trials are part of our reality.
Application
Can you think of a specific trial you faced recently? How did you respond, and how might you change your response to see it as an opportunity for growth?
DISCUSS
Why do you think trials help produce maturity in our lives as mentioned in James 1:2-4?
Context
Pastor Dean talked about how trials lead us to experience growth, maturity, and endurance.
Application
Reflect on a time when a difficult experience helped you grow. What lessons did you learn from that situation?
DISCUSS
How can asking God for wisdom during trials, as mentioned in James 1:5, change your perspective on the challenges you face?
Context
Pastor Dean emphasized the importance of seeking wisdom from God during tough times.
Application
What are some specific situations in your life where you feel you need God’s wisdom right now?