
(All Bible verses from ESV unless othewise noted)
The theme of James: Practical Christianity!
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings. —James 1:1
God isn’t trying to ruin you but refine you.
Problems are Inevitable.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds —James 1:2
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. —Romans 8:28
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. —1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God —Philippians 4:6
…the whole creation (“all things”) has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. —Romans 8:22-23
Problems are various
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds —James 1:2
Problems are profitable
…that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. —James 1:3-4
Maturity Process:
Trials → Faith → Perseverance → Maturity
Take home truth
God uses trials to refine us, not ruin us.
Benediction
Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless (and complete) before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. —Jude 1:24-25
Study Guide
Pursue God
James 1:2-3 (NIV)
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
Explain/Explore:
Apply (What did I learn about God or myself?):
Respond (Pray):
Practice His Ways
Focus on the following practice in your pursuit of God:
1. Learn to recognize the big events and daily moments God uses to deepen your relationship with Him.
2. Observe the places in your life where God is getting your attention. What made you sad, glad, or mad today? What stood out from the passage above or Jay’s message?
3. Reflect on these areas. Where do you need to change the way you are thinking? What truth do you need to believe in its place?
4. Discuss this with your group or another close person in your life. What is God asking or leading you to do?
Pursue Others
Courageously choose to know and be known by sharing what God is doing in your life with your group.
1. James tells us problems are inevitable and variable. What is a difficult situation you are facing right now?
2. What would change if you viewed this current problem as profitable? How would you advise someone to make this change in perspective?
3. Think of a time when a trial helped to perfect or complete you. What was the trial? What was the work God already started and perfected or completed through this trial? What did you do to allow that work to happen?
Practice His Ways
Focus on the following practice in your pursuit of others:
1. Intentionally care for someone by visiting, preparing meals, writing notes, or praying for them.
2. Who in your neighborhood could use care this week?
3. Think about caring for a member of our church family who is homebound or in a care facility.
4. Who in your group could use care this week?