JOY IN THE MIDST OF TRIALS

November 15, 2020

SUNDAY SERMON

JOY IN THE MIDST OF TRIALS

James 1:1-12

Introduction

A. James simply calls himself a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ

B. He Writes to the Family of God: "My Brethren"

1. We become part of God's family through faith (Rom. 5:1)

2. You can become a child of God by receiving Christ (John 1:12)

C. James Also Writes About Joys and Trials

1. We are to see trials as joy

2. How can this be?

1. Trials are not joyful

2. How can we be joyful in them?

Let's take the time and look at word JOY.

Joy = charas

Pronunciation = khar-ahs

An inner gladness. a deep-seated pleasure. It is a depth of assurance and confidence that ignites a cheerful and rejoicing heart. it is a cheerful heart that leads to cheerful and joyful behavior.

This joy that we have comes from God. The world's joy is always incomplete and missing some ingredient. There is not a complete sense of assurance, confidence, and satisfaction.

The believer's joy is divine. It is possessed and given only by God. Its roots are not in earthly material things or cheap triumphs. This joy does not depend on circumstances or happiness. Happiness depends upon happenings. but the joy that God implants in the believer's heart overrides all, even the matters of life or death.

This joy that I have the world didn't give it to me and the world can't take it away! So, how can we be joyful in trials? We have three movements that will help us with this lesson.

I.

WE CAN LOOK PAST OUR TRIALS

v. 2-4

A. "The trying of your faith worketh patience"

1. Patience looks forward to better things

2. Patience looks beyond today's clouds to sunshine

B. Jesus has set the example at the Cross (Heb. 12:2)

1.. The pain and shame of the Cross made it a terrible trial

2. Jesus looked beyond these to the joy that would follow

C. Joy was ahead for Jesus after the Cross

1. He would have the joy of his resurrection and ascension to the

Father

2. He would have the joy of the coming Rapture and His kingdom

3. He would have the joy of millions saved and sharing heaven with

Him

II.

WE CAN LOOK FOR THE POTENTIAL FOR GOOD IN OUR TRIALS

v.5

A. There are lessons to be learned in our trials

B. There are changes to be made in us

C. We need wisdom to understand what God is doing in our trials

1. We can ask for this wisdom and receive it

2. Our Lord imparts this wisdom freely to those who ask for it

D. God may be developing new attitudes in us through trials

E. God may be activating some talent in us through trials

F. God may impart wisdom through another person to us in our trials

III.

WE CAN LOOK TO THE POWER OF PRAYER IN OUR TRIALS

v.6-8

A. We are invited to ask for help in trials

1. Grace to help is available in our trials

2. This grace is available in the time of need

B. God is there to hear and answer us in our trials

1. Consider the disciples in the storm

2. Consider Mary and Martha at the death of Lazarus

C. We can pray and ask others to pray

D. Faith grows through answered prayer during trials

We can Look to the Prize That Awaits After Our trials (v. 12)

Remembering the Reward for Enduring: A Crown of Life