Romans

These 35 messages were originally preached in 2000 at Crossroads Christian Fellowship in Kaua'i, Hawaii.

Each one of the messages preached in Romans has the PDF Message (in thorough outline style), as well as PDF Outlines for the listeners (one with blanks and one filled in). The only exceptions are lessons 9 and 10 which are missing some of the extra outline files.

1. Introduction to Romans (Romans 1:1-7)

2. Unleashing the Gospel (Romans 1:8-17)

3. The Wrath of God Revealed (Romans 1:18-32)

4. To Judge or Not to Judge (Romans 2:1-16)

5. The Fruit of Hypocrisy (Romans 2:17-29)

6. No One is Righteous (Romans 3:1-20)

7. A Righteousness from God (Romans 3:21-31)

8. Abraham’s Righteousness – Part I (Romans 4:1-12)

9. Abraham’s Righteousness – Part II (Romans 4:13-25)

Outline Filled in PDF

10. Rejoicing in Righteousness (Romans 5:1-11)

11. Choose Your Champion (Romans 5:12-21)

12. Dead or Alive? (Romans 6:1-14)

13. Choose Your Master (Romans 6:15-23)

14. The Necessity of Death (Romans 7:1-13)

15. What’s Your Problem? (Romans 7:14-25)

16. Life in the Spirit – Part I (Romans 8:1-17)

17. Putting Suffering into Perspective (Romans 8:18-27)

18. The Believer’s Confidence (Romans 8:28-39)

19. God’s Sovereign Choice (Romans 9:1-18)

20. “God’s Sovereign Choice - II” (Romans 9:19-33)

21. The Righteousness from God (Romans 10:1-13)

22. Hey, Nice Feet! (Romans 10:12-21)

23. “Rejected?” (Romans 11:1-16)

24. The Irrevocable Call of God (Romans 11:17-36)

25. The Fruit of God’s Mercy (Romans 12:1-8)

25A. Directed Prayer (Romans 12:1-8)

26. The Fruit of a Sacrificed Life (Romans 12:9-21)

27. Submission to Authority (Romans 13:1-7)

28. Love in Action (Romans 13:8-14)

29. Dealing with Disputable Matters (Romans 14:1-12)

30. The Strength to Yield (Romans 14:13-23)

31. The Characteristics Of The Strong (Romans 15:1-13)

32. A Heart for the Lost (Romans 15:14-33)

33. What’s in a Name? (Romans 16:1-16)

34. Famous Last Words (Romans 16:17-27)

Ephesians

These 24 messages were originally preached in 1998 and 1999 at Crossroads Christian Fellowship in Kaua'i, Hawaii.

Each on eof the messages preached in Ephesians has the PDF Message (in thorough outline style), as well as PDF Outlines for the listeners (one with blanks and one filled in).

The video version of twenty-two messages may also be viewed here.

1. Introduction to Ephesians (Ephesians 1:1-2)

2. Loved, Chosen and Accepted (Ephesians 1:3-6)

3. Appointed for His Glory (Ephesians 1:7-12)

4. Signed, Sealed and Delivered (Ephesians 1:13-14)

5. The Prayer of a Disciplemaker (Ephesians 1:15-23)

6. Back from the Dead (Ephesians 2:1-10)

7. Outsiders No More (Ephesians 2:11-22)

8. The Mystery of Christ (Ephesians 3:1-12)

9. Rooted and Established In Love (Ephesians 3:14-21)

10. Living Up to Our Calling (Ephesians 4:1-6)

11. Different Gifts -- One Body (Ephesians 4:7-16)

12. Out With the Old -- In With the New (Ephesians 4:17-24)

13. New Clothes for a New Life (Ephesians 4:25-32)

14. Be Imitators of God (Ephesians 5:1-2)

15. Live as Children of Light (Ephesians 5:3-20)

16. Submission?! (Ephesians 5:21)

17. You Want Me To WHAT?! (Ephesians 5:22-24)

18. Becoming A Christ-Like Husband (Ephesians 5:25-33)

19. The Battle of the Sexes (Genesis 3:16; 4:7)

20. Parenting: God's Way (Ephesians 6:1-4)

21. Your Work Matters To God (Ephesians 6:5-9)

22. Standing Strong – Part I (Ephesians 6:10-13)

23. Standing Strong - Part II (Ephesians 6:14-15)

24. Standing Strong - Part III (Ephesians 6:16-24)

Related Topics: Christian Life

Philippians

People are searching for joy and peace today, but most find these disappointingly illusive. Instead of turning to God, they end up looking in all the wrong places:

1. Money and lots of it
2. Power and influence
3. Success and achievement
4. Philanthropy and acts of kindness
5. A vegan diet

Others who have all but abandoned the hope of experiencing lasting joy and peace have turned to more destructive activities in hopes of temporary escape. They drink alcohol, smoke dope, swallow pills, sleep around, leer at pornography, eat to the point of gluttony, abandon their families and go on shopping sprees.

“Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition, when infinite joy is offered to us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in the slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.” (Lewis, C. S. The Weight of Glory and Other Addresses)

But despite all of the world’s efforts to find peace and joy, the things that it is reaching for often do more harm than good. Why?

1. They fail to provide LASTING PEACE in the face of life's often harsh realities
2. They fail to deal with the PROBLEM OF SIN, the true underlying cause of most of our problems including depression and anxiety.
3. They do not provide PEACE WITH GOD, the only true basis for lasting peace of mind

This short book was written by a man who had found true joy and peace of mind:

1. Even though he was imprisoned at the time! - Phil 1:12-18
2. Even though he was facing capital punishment as a martyr! - Phil 2:17-18

He had the joy that comes from peace of mind, and wanted to share it with others! - Phil 4:4-7, 11-13

These 11 messages were originally preached in 2008 at Crossroads Christian Fellowship in Kaua'i Hawaii.

Each of the messages preached in Philippians have the PDF Message (in thorough outline style), as well as PDF Outlines for the listeners (one with blanks and one filled in).

1. Introduction To Philippians (Philippians 1:1-2)

2. The Heart of an Undershepherd (Philippians 1:3-11)

3. Two World’s -- Two Passions (Philippians 1:12-30)

4. Joy: Humility and Exaltation (Philippians 2:1-11)

5. Work It Out (Philippians 2:12-18)

6. Letters Of Reference (Philippians 2:19-30)

7. The Fork In The Road (Philippians 3:1-11)

8. Hele On! (Philippians 3:12-21)

9. Sage Advice (Philippians 4:1-9)

10. The Secret of Being Content (Philippians 4:10-23)

11. Lessons From the Life of Paul (Philippians 2:1-4:23)

Related Topics: Christian Life

Genesis

The book of Genesis is the most important book ever written and has had a greater influence on history than any other book ever produced. As a result, no other book of the Bible is quoted more often or referred to so frequently as the book of Genesis. There are at least 165 passages in Genesis that are either directly quoted or clearly referred to in the NT. Over 100 of these quotations are taken from the first 11 chapters of Genesis.

The book of Genesis answers the most basic and yet profound questions of life:

1. Who am I?
2. Where did I come from?
3. Is there a God?
4. And if there is a God: a. How can I know him? b. What is His purpose for my life?

If a person believes he originated from cosmic goo or is a descendant of apes, that will have a profound effect on his worldview – essentially reducing mankind to little more than a cosmic accident. On the other had, if a person believes that we were divinely created in the image of an all-powerful, holy, and loving God, that will have a dramatic impact in elevating mankind to a place of great significance in the vast arena of God’s creation.

These 52 messages were originally preached 2002-2004 at Crossroads Christian Fellowship in Kaua'i Hawaii.

Each of the messages preached in Genesis have the PDF Message (in thorough outline style), as well as PDF Outlines for the listeners (one with blanks and one filled in). [excepting the missing "blank" outline for Genesis 1, Genesis 10, and the final summary message]

0. Introduction to Genesis (Genesis 1:1)

1. The Revelation Of Creation (Genesis 1:1-2:3)

Outline Filled in PDF

2. The Perfect Life (Genesis 2:4-25)

3. Paradise Lost (Genesis 3:1-24)

4. The Fruit Of Sin (Genesis 4:1-26)

5. A Father’s Legacy (Genesis 5:1-32)

6. God’s Impending Judgment (Genesis 6:1-22)

7. Lessons From The Flood (Genesis 7:1-24)

8. But God Remembered … (Genesis 8:1-22)

9. God’s Covenant With Noah (Genesis 9:1-29)

10. The Genealogy of the Nations (Genesis 10:1-32)

Outline Filled in PDF

11. The Tower Of Rebellion (Genesis 11:1-32)

12. Venture Of Faith (Genesis 12:1-20)

13. The Faith To Yield (Genesis 13:1-18)

14. Operation Lot (Genesis 14:1-24)

15. God’s Covenant With Abram (Genesis 15:1-21)

16. Making It Happen! (Genesis 16:1-16)

17. Let’s Make A Deal! (Genesis 17:1-27)

18. The Visitation (Genesis 18:1-33)

19. What A Difference A Day Can Make! (Genesis 19:1-38)

20. Deja Vu (Genesis 20:1-18)

21. The Illusion Of Legalism (Genesis 21:1-34)

22. The Test Of Faith (Genesis 22:1-24)

23. The Death Of Sarah (Genesis 23:1-20)

24. The Search For A Bride (Genesis 24:1-67)

25. The Offspring Of Abraham (Genesis 25:1-34)

26. Like Father, Like Son (Genesis 26:1-35)

27. “Working The Angles” (Genesis 27:1-46)

28. Nowhere to Look But Up (Genesis 28:1-22)

29. The Anatomy Of A Divine Appointment (Genesis 29:1-35)

30. Waging Worldly Warfare (Genesis 30:1-43)

31. Choose This Day … (Genesis 31:1-55)

32. Wrestling With God (Genesis 32:1-32)

33. Reconciled At Last! (Genesis 33:1-20)

34. Violated In Shechem (Genesis 34:1-31)

35. The Return Of Jacob (Genesis 35:1-29)

36. Esau’s Family Tree (Genesis 36:1-43)

37. When Dreams Turn Into Nightmares (Genesis 37:1-36)

38. How To Goof Up Your Life (Genesis 38:1-30)

39. From Bad To Worse (Genesis 39:1-23)

40. Dream On! (Genesis 40:1-23)

41. Rags To Riches (Genesis 41:1-57)

42. The Testing Of Hearts (Genesis 42:1-38)

43. The Testing Of Hearts - II (Genesis 43:1-34)

44. The Cup Of Testing (Genesis 44:1-34)

45. God’s Advance Man (Genesis 45:1-28)

46. The Best Is Yet To Come (Genesis 46:1-34)

47. …In Exchange For Your Soul? (Genesis 47:1-31)

48. Passing The Torch (Genesis 48:1-22)

49. Prophetic Parenting (Genesis 49:1-28)

50. God Intended It For Good (Genesis 49:29-50:26)

51. A Summary Of Genesis (Genesis 1-50)

Outline Filled in PDF

Related Topics: Christian Life

Heaven

This sermon series on Heaven should help you to:

1. See the shores of God’s celestial city and your eternal home
2. Have a fuller understating of what the Bible actually teaches about Heaven
3. Inspire you to invest your life on earth wisely
4. Encourage you to live a life of purity and holiness (1 Jn 3:2-3)
5. Be excited about sharing the Good News of God’s Kingdom with as many of your family members, co-workers and friends as possible.
6. Look forward with great anticipation to Heaven, which includes a resurrected life in a resurrected body, with the resurrected Christ on a resurrected Earth.

These messages were originally preached in 2006 at Crossroads Christian Fellowship in Kaua'i Hawaii.

Each of the messages preached in this Heaven series have the PDF Message (in thorough outline style), as well as PDF Outlines for the listeners (one with blanks and one filled in). Lessons 4 and 5 are listed as one unit since it originally took two weeks to preach.

1. Heaven: Our Misconceptions (Revelation 21:1-27)

2. Heaven: Our Eternal Home (Hebrews 11:1-16)

3. Heaven: Our New Environment (Revelation 21:1-15)

4/5. Heaven: Our New Life (1 Corinthians 15:35-58)

6. Heaven: Our Reward and Work (Matthew 25:14-30)

Colossians: Christ is all-Sufficient

Many of the issues that Paul addresses in this short book are the same questions we face today:

1. Was Jesus just a prophet, a moral teacher, an ascended master – or is He God?
2. Can a Vegan diet heighten a person’s spiritual awareness? Or can you be an on-fire follower of God and still eat pork hash and lau lau?
3. Does it matter what day you worship on? Or is any day as good as another?
4. Is it alright to pursue contact with angels? Are they really mediators between God and man or are they demons in disguise?
5. Can harsh treatment of the body empower a person to overcome the flesh?
6. Is it OK to mix the teachings of Christ with the teachings of Eastern mysticism?
7. Aren’t all religions equally valid – just different paths to the same God?

Paul’s answer to each of these questions is quite simple: “Christ is all-Sufficient”

These messages were originally preached in 2004 at Crossroads Christian Fellowship in Kaua'i Hawaii.

Each of the messages preached in Colossians have the PDF Message (in thorough outline style), as well as PDF Outlines for the listeners (one with blanks and one filled in). The video version of most of these messages may also be viewed here.

1. Introduction to Colossians (Colossians 1:1-2)

2. The Evidence of True Christianity (Colossians 1:3-8)

3. Powered By Prayer (Colossians 1:9-14)

4. Liar, Lunatic Or Lord? (Colossians 1:15-23)

5. Man On A Mission (Colossians 1:24-29)

6. The Power Of Encouragement (Colossians 2:1-7)

7. Freedom In Christ (Colossians 2:8-15)

8. The Illusion Of Legalism (Colossians 2:16-23)

9. Out With The Old, In With The New (Colossians 3:1-11)

10. Extreme Makeover (Colossians 3:12-17)

11. A New Paradigm For The New Life (Colossians 3:18-4:1)

12. Living Beyond Adversity (Colossians 4:2-6)

13. The Heart Of A Disciple Maker (Colossians 4:7-18)

Discipleship: The Great Omission And The Greatest Mission Of All Time (Matthew 28:16-20)

These 2 messages were originally preached in 2002 at Crossroads Christian Fellowship in Kaua'i, Hawaii.

Both messages have the PDF Message (in thorough outline style), as well as PDF Outlines for the listeners (one with blanks and one filled in).

The video versions of these messages may also be viewed here (along with a few other messages on discipleship).

1. The Great Omission (Matthew 28:16-20)

2. The Greatest Mission Of All Times (Matthew 28:19-20)

1. Responding Well to Trials (James 1:1-4)

Related Media

From James, a slave of God and the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes dispersed abroad. Greetings! My brothers and sisters, consider it nothing but joy when you fall into all sorts of trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect effect, so that you will be perfect and complete, not deficient in anything.

James 1:1-4 (NET)

How can we respond well to trials?

James, the brother of Jesus, is the author of this epistle. While Jesus was alive, James didn’t believe Jesus was the messiah (John 7:5). However, after Jesus resurrected and appeared to James, he converted (1 Cor 15:7). James eventually became an apostle—meaning that he testified to Jesus’ resurrection and helped build the church through his ministry. He became known as “James the Just” because of his righteous life and ascetic practices.¹ Tradition says that he developed rough knees like a camel because of all the time he spent praying.^² In contrast to Paul’s ministry being primarily to Gentiles, James’ ministry was primarily to Jewish Christians, even as Peter’s was (Gal 2:7-9). When Paul and Barnabas approached the Jerusalem church about whether Gentile Christians needed to practice the law, James presided over that council (Acts 15). He apparently had become the leader of the Jerusalem church.

When writing this letter, he doesn’t address himself as Jesus’ brother; he calls himself “a slave of God and the Lord Jesus Christ” (v.1). By using the word “slave” or “servant,” he proclaimed his absolute obedience and submission to Christ. Since Greeks looked down on slaves ^³, it was a term of humility, but since the term “servant of God” was used of prophets in the Old Testament like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses (cf. Dt 9:27, 1 Kgs 8:53, Amos 3:7), it was also a term of honor. Paul also called himself a slave or servant of God (cf. Phil 1:1).

Recipients

James addressed this letter to the “twelve tribes dispersed abroad” (v. 1). From this, it is clear that James was writing to Jews who were scattered throughout the world. The fact that he continually calls them “brothers” (cf. James 1:19, 2:1, 14, 5:7, 9, 12, 19, etc.) means the recipients were Jewish Christians. Most likely, James was specifically addressing Jewish Christians who were scattered from Jerusalem because of persecution, as seen in Acts 8:1. He probably had even pastored many of them. In Acts, the gospel spread to the Gentile world, in part, because of Jewish Christians fleeing persecution (cf. Acts 11:19). These believers were being forced to leave their homes, properties, and cities. They were hated by Gentiles and Jews alike—causing them to be scattered like seeds everywhere. No doubt, James’ intention was to encourage them all, even ones not originally from Jerusalem.

Uniqueness of the Epistle

The epistle of James is very unique. It is probably the first New Testament book written—most likely between AD 44-49.^⁴ Many have called it a practical commentary on the Sermon on the Mount because of their similarities. In it, there are at least twenty-one parallel statements with the Lord’s sermon.^⁵ Out of all the NT epistles, it is probably the most practical. Some have compared it to Proverbs because of its short, practical statements about wise living.^⁶ Unlike Paul’s letters which often have a bifid pattern of doctrine for several chapters and then application (cf. Eph 1-3, 4-6; Rom 1-11, 12-16), James’ book has applications throughout. Over half the verses in the book are imperatives (59 out of 108 verses).^⁷ It’s not that James was not concerned with doctrine; it’s just that he was more concerned with people living out the doctrine they knew.

Themes

There are many major themes in the book: (1) One of the major themes is growing in maturity. He uses the word “perfect” several times (cf. Jam 1:4, 17, 25; 2:22; 3:2). James 1:4 says, “And let endurance have its perfect effect, so that you will be perfect and complete, not deficient in anything.” “Perfect” can also be translated “mature” or “complete.”^⁸ God desires for his people to grow in spiritual maturity, and that is one of James’ aims throughout the book. (2) In addition, he focuses on how true faith works. A faith that doesn’t work is a dead faith (Jam 2:15). Therefore, throughout the letter, he provides a series of tests of genuine faith.^⁹ For instance, James 1:22 says, “But be sure you live out the message and do not merely listen to it and so deceive yourselves.” To be deceived means for one to be deceived about the reality of his faith. Christ said the same thing, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the kingdom of heaven—only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven” (Matt 7:21, cf. 24-27). James 1:26 says, “If someone thinks he is religious yet does not bridle his tongue, and so deceives his heart, his religion is futile.” “Futile” can also be translated “worthless.” A faith that doesn’t change how a person speaks and lives is not genuine. (3) Finally, another major theme is being faithful in trials (Jam 1:1-18). This would have been extremely important since believers throughout the ancient world were experiencing persecution. Most likely, Jewish Christians experienced this more than Gentile believers since Jews treated them as a sect or cult. Therefore, James teaches them how to respond to trials in the very beginning of the letter, which shows the prominence of this theme.

As we consider this theme in the initial verses of James, we must ask ourselves, “What is our typical response to trials?” and “How can we respond better?” From this text, several principles will be drawn to help us prepare for trials and be faithful when experiencing them.

Big Question: How can believers respond well to the various trials they experience, as demonstrated in James 1:2-4?

To Respond Well to Trials, We Must Expect Them

My brothers and sisters, consider it nothing but joy when you fall into all sorts of trials

James 1:2

It must be noticed that James doesn’t say “if you fall into all sorts of trials” but “when.” This means that being a Christian does not remove trials from our lives. In fact, it may increase them! Christians still experience sickness, discouragement, loss, and at times, even persecution. In 1 Peter 4:12 (ESV), Peter tells suffering Christians, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.”

Interpretation Question: What types of trials were these scattered Jewish Christians experiencing, as seen throughout the book?

(1) The Jewish believers were experiencing religious persecution. James says the rich were oppressing them, dragging them into court, and blaspheming God’s name (Jam 2:6-7). Some had even been murdered by the rich (Jam 5:6). (2) There was conflict with other believers happening within the churches. James talked about quarrels, fights, and envy among them—some had even been murdered in the disputes (Jam 4:1-2). He called for them to not grumble against one another—less they be judged by God (Jam 5:9). (3) Obviously, some were struggling with poverty in the church, as James continually spoke to the poor or about them throughout the letter (Jam 1:9, 2:1-6, 5:1-6). No doubt, some were poor from fleeing persecution in their countries—they were essentially refugees. (4) Finally, a major trial amongst the Jewish Christians was temptation to compromise with the world—maybe to escape criticism and persecution. James said to them “friendship with the world means hostility towards God” (4:4). No doubt, there were also common trials like sickness, loneliness, and discouragement.

Two things to note about trials we experience:

The word “fall” suggests something sudden and unpredictable. Often trials happen quickly and come out of nowhere. Earlier today we were fine, and now we are not. Family situations happen, criticism happens, physical problems happen. Sometimes, they happen so quickly, we don’t even realize that we are in a trial.
But secondly, James says “all sorts” of trials. This can be translated variegated or multicolored.^¹⁰ This means that we all encounter various types of trials. Some are small things that simply bother us like being stuck in traffic or being late to an appointment. Other things are big like a long-term sickness, difficult family issues, conflict at work, or financial problems. Living in a fallen world means that we will experience sudden and various types of trials. We shouldn’t be surprised at them, but instead, we should expect them.

Unfortunately, some errant church doctrines or evangelistic techniques imply or directly teach people that following Christ will make life easier. They might even promise health and wealth! That is not necessarily true, and James certainly doesn’t teach the poor Christians that in this letter. When a person becomes a follower of Christ, they become an enemy of Satan. When Satan attacked Job, it manifested in financial loss, family problems, and physical sickness—all allowed under the sovereignty of God. People who are won to Christ based on promises that everything in life will get better, including wealth and health, often don’t last very long when trials come.

When Christ sought to win people to himself, he told them if they were going to be his disciples, they had to be willing to hate their father, mother, wife, children, brothers, sisters, and even their own life. They had to be willing to take up their cross—meaning to be willing to die for him—if they were going to be his disciples (Lk 14:26-27). He told his disciples that in this world they would have tribulation, including people hating them (cf. John 16:33, 15:18, Matt 24:9). Christ was not a religious salesman—selling the benefits but hiding the difficulties. They come together. Following Christ has tremendous benefits, but it is a narrow road which means we’ll often be lonely and have to leave things behind (including people). It is carrying a cross—meaning it will be difficult. Therefore, if we are going to respond well to trials, we must expect them and not be surprised when we encounter them.

Application Question: Why is expecting difficulties so important to responding well to trials? How have teachings infiltrated the church which lessen believers’ expectations of suffering and therefore make them unprepared for it? Share a time when the surprise of a difficulty overwhelmed you (or someone else) and hurt your faith (or their faith).

To Respond Well to Trials, We Must Biblically Evaluate Them

My brothers and sisters, consider it nothing but joy when you fall into all sorts of trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect effect, so that you will be perfect and complete, not deficient in anything.

James 1:2-4

As James spoke to suffering Christians, he said that in order to respond well to trials, they must think properly about them. In verse 2, he says to “consider,” and in verse 3, he says “because you know.” “Consider” is actually a financial term—meaning to “count” or “evaluate.”^¹¹ Often when trials come, we just respond emotionally with anger, frustration, or discouragement. And these negative responses often make the situation worse. When we respond negatively to conflict with a friend, family member, or co-worker, it provokes a negative response from them. Negative seeds produce negative fruits (Gal 6:7). Instead of responding negatively, James says that when we encounter a trial, we must first think biblically about them. We must take some time to consider and ponder what we know.

Interpretation Question: What should believers think about when considering their trials?

1. Believers should think about trials as a test of faith.

James says when a trial happens, we must remember that it has come to test our faith (v. 3). When taking a test, one passes the test by focusing on the subject being tested. One will never pass a math test if he spends all his time studying history. In the same way, though there are practical things we must take care of when encountering a trial, the main thing we must focus on is our faith—because that’s what God is testing.

The word “test” was used of testing the genuineness of a metal ^¹² and also purifying that metal from impurities in order to make it stronger.^¹³ Similarly, God allows trials to prove whether we trust in him or not. Therefore, when a trial comes, one should ask himself, “Do I trust God with this situation? Do I believe what God says about trials?” Trials come to reveal the quality of our faith—is it weak, strong, or even authentic? For some, trials make them forget about God—they don’t pray, don’t read their Bibles, and it actually leads them further into sin. This demonstrates a weak faith. For others, their faith draws them to worship, pray, read God’s Word, serve and depend on others, and this demonstrates a strong faith. However, for some, the trial proves that their faith is not authentic at all. Christ described this in the Parable of the Sower of the Seeds (Matt 13:20-21). The seed sown on rocky ground received the Word joyfully but when trial or persecution over the Word came, it did not endure. In fact, because persecution, false teaching, and lawlessness will only grow in these end times, Christ said that the love of many would grow cold and only those who endured to the end would be saved (Matt 24:9-13). We should not be surprised when we find many falling away from biblical Christianity as persecution increases. Their falling away (and not returning) proves that their faith was never truly genuine—their seed was on rocky ground.

Therefore, one of the things we must evaluate as we encounter various trials is our faith. What does the test say about our faith? Are we trusting and obeying him as we encounter the trial or are we drawing away from him? God told Israel that he led them into the wilderness to test them and see what was in their hearts, to see if they would obey his commands (Dt 8:2 NIV). God does the same with us. Will we obey him? When encountering trials, our focus must be on our faith, more than people, circumstances, or other things.

2. Believers should think of endurance as a goal in trials.

Often our focus when in a trial is simply getting out of it. However, one of the main things God desires to create in us during a trial is endurance (v. 3-4). The Greek word literally means to “remain under.”^¹⁴ It’s a picture of a person standing under the pressure of a heavy weight for a long time. Likewise, that is something we must consider when we encounter trials. The trial at our job does not mean it’s necessarily time to quit or find a new one. The trial in our body does not mean it’s time to give up hope and neither does the trial at home. God often will put us in a trial and require us to stay there for a season until his purpose is accomplished in it. Remember, there is value in holding that heavy weight. When a person wants to get stronger, they put their body under stress and weight in the gym, track, or sports field. And God does the same with our spiritual lives through trials. We must consider this reality in trials, especially in long ones.

In Romans 5:3-4, Paul says we know “that suffering produces endurance, and endurance, character, and character, hope.” While faithfully enduring trials, we grow in godly character traits like patience—waiting on God to change our circumstance or bring people to repentance—joy—regardless of our situation—self-control—controlling our emotions and our emotions not controlling us, and many other virtues. Paul said this is something that we “know” (Rom 5:3). When encountering trials, we must consider the value of enduring—remaining under a heavy weight. It is to be desired, and it is priceless!

3. Believers should think about the ultimate outcome of the trial—Christlikeness.

James says, “let endurance have its perfect effect, so that you will be perfect and complete, not deficient in anything” (v. 4). God’s purpose in the trial is to make us “perfect” and “complete.” Some have tried to argue that “perfect” only refers to spiritual maturity and not sinless perfection. However, both aspects seem to be wrapped up in the word “perfect.” “Perfect” is the same word Christ used in Matthew 5:48 when he said to his disciples, “So then, be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Christ gave members of his kingdom an impossible standard—perfection, being like God. Certainly, we will never reach perfection on this earth; however, it should be our continual aim—to be more like Christ every day (cf. Phil 3:10-15, Rom 8:28-29). We do this by practicing obedience to his commands, spiritual disciplines like prayer and reading God’s Word, and by turning away from sin and temptation; however, one important aspect of our growth in Christlikeness is trials. God uses them to perfect us—help us get rid of sin and add various virtues to our lives. And, the more like Christ we become, the more God can use us for his kingdom.

When encountering trials, we must think deeply about being conformed to Christ’s image. In fact, it must be our goal. It’s easy to be patient when not having to wait. It’s easy to endure when life is pleasant. It’s easy to love when not dealing with someone who is difficult. It’s easy to be holy when not being tempted. In our trials, our goal must be to become complete, mature, lacking nothing—looking like Christ!

4. Believers should think of how God is in control of our trials.

James never says this, but it is implied. If God were not in control of our trials, they wouldn’t always work to make us more complete—like Christ. That’s the promise of Romans 8:28-29. It says:

And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose, because those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

This promise is only for true believers. For those whose faith is not genuine, all things don’t work for their good. Trials often lead them into further sin and possibly to turning fully away from God. Death leads to them ultimately being separated from God. But for true believers, everything works for our good. Even death leads us to becoming just like Christ—without sin.

We must remember that God holds the temperature gauge on our trials. First Corinthians 10:13 says, “No trial has overtaken you that is not faced by others. And God is faithful: He will not let you be tried beyond what you are able to bear, but with the trial will also provide a way out so that you may be able to endure it.” This means that our boss is not in control; terrorists are not in control, and Satan is not in control. God is! And he only allows us to go through things we can bear and which work for our good. As we evaluate our trials, we must see God as totally in control of them and not people or the devil. If we don’t recognize this, we’ll be more prone to anxiety and worry, which commonly lead to depression (cf. Prov 12:25), and we’ll forfeit a lot of the hope that is meant to sustain us in the trial.

If we are going to respond well to trials, we must evaluate our trials biblically. We must consider that the major trial and the minor trial are really about our faith. Even when Satan tried to sift Peter like wheat, the trial was all about his faith. Christ said that he had prayed for him that his faith not fail (Lk 22:32). Are you trusting God in your trial or doubting and drawing away from him? We must remember that endurance is a virtue. Many times, it is not his will to immediately remove that difficult person, that sickness, the busyness, or the waiting season—there is value to it. God uses endurance to make us mature—more like Christ, lacking no virtues.

Application Question: How do you typically respond in trials? What are some of your common negative responses when encountering them? How have you experienced trials that God used to add virtues to your life like humility, patience, joy, and discipline? Why is it important to remember that God is in total control of trials rather than Satan or people?

To Respond Well to Trials, We Must Rejoice in Them

My brothers and sisters, consider it nothing but joy when you fall into all sorts of trials,

James 1:2

Some might think James is insensitive when considering his command to suffering saints to “consider it nothing but joy.” However, as mentioned, James’ command is based on theology—a person properly evaluating their trial in light of God’s Word. This is taught throughout Scripture. Matthew 5:11-12 says,

Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things about you falsely on account of me. Rejoice and be glad because your reward is great in heaven, for they persecuted the prophets before you in the same way.

Why should believers rejoice when persecuted for righteousness? It’s because their reward is great in heaven and because the godly prophets were also persecuted. After considering their persecution in light of Scripture, they should have pure joy. Certainly, we saw this practiced by the apostles in the book of Acts. In Acts 5:40-41, after the apostles were beaten for speaking in Christ’s name, they left rejoicing because they were considered worthy to suffer for Christ. Likewise, in Acts 16:25, Paul and Silas sang hymns to God in prison after suffering. It was a logical conclusion after considering their trials in light of God’s purposes. Again, Paul said this in Romans 5:3-4, “Not only this, but we also rejoice in sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance, character, and character, hope.”

Application Question: How can we practice rejoicing in trials?

1. To rejoice in trials, we must understand that rejoicing is an act of the will and not necessarily emotional.

Joy in trials is not natural, which is why “consider it nothing but joy” is a command in the original language.^¹⁵ We must choose to rejoice as an act of obedience to God—despite negative thoughts, emotions, and circumstances.

2. To rejoice in trials, we must understand rejoicing is based on our knowledge of God’s Word.

James is not commanding us to enjoy our pain or difficulty (cf. Heb 12:11). He is not encouraging some type of masochism. Again, this joy is based on knowing what God is doing through the trial. He is producing endurance in us and making us mature so he can use us. It’s also based on our recognition of God being in control. It is possible to believe these realities are true and not think upon them in a trial or live them out. For this reason, we must spend greater time in God’s Word when experiencing trials. It helps fill our mind with truth when we are tempted to doubt and despair. If our knowledge of and time in God’s Word is small, our joy will be small or nonexistent in trials. Therefore, we often must increase our spiritual disciplines when in trials to maintain this supernatural joy.

3. To rejoice in trials, we must understand that rejoicing is not independent of proper mourning.

James is not telling believers who have lost their homes or experienced the death of relatives to not mourn or to deny that they are in pain. It is possible for mourning to exist alongside joy. In the second beatitude, “Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted,” the word “blessed” can also be translated “happy” (Matt 5:4). In mourning over sin and its tragic effects, we can also have pure joy because God is in control, has conquered sin, and somehow will use it for good. It’s possible for both genuine joy and mourning to exist together. For example, when Lazarus died and the relatives cried, Christ did not rebuke them. In fact, he cried with them, even though he would raise Lazarus from the dead (John 11:33-35). Paul, in fact, described himself as “sorrowful but always rejoicing” (2 Cor 6:10). Therefore, James is not telling us to put on our happy face and deny the fact that we are hurting. Sometimes it’s wrong to not mourn. We are called to “Rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn” (Rom 12:15 NIV). The only difference between Christian mourning and non-Christian mourning is that ours should be done in hope (1 Thess 4:13).

4. To rejoice in trials, we must reject typical, wrong attitudes.

In writing to persecuted believers, the writer of Hebrews warns against two negative responses to trials in Hebrews 12:6:

You have not yet resisted to the point of bloodshed in your struggle against sin. And have you forgotten the exhortation addressed to you as sons? “My son, do not scorn the Lord’s discipline or give up when he corrects you. “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves and chastises every son he accepts.”

Believers should be careful to not “scorn” God in the midst of their trials. In trials, we are tempted to doubt God’s love for us, his goodness, and therefore become angry with him. That’s why the author of Hebrews challenged suffering Jewish Christians to not scorn God’s discipline, which in the context included their persecution. Others may not directly scorn God, but they do so through their complaining. By complaining, they say, “God you are not in control!” or “God you don’t care!” Philippians 2:14 commands us to “Do everything without grumbling or arguing.”
Believers should be careful to not “give up” or lose courage in the midst of trials. Some give up on God altogether in a trial—they stop reading their Bibles, stop coming to small group and church, and commonly turn to some type of sin or addiction to cope instead of turning to God. They ultimately lose faith that God is using the trial for their good.

When we adopt either of these bad attitudes in our trials, we hinder God’s purposes (cf. Phil 4:6-7). Oftentimes, by responding negatively, we extend our trials. Like Israel, instead of entering the promised land, we spend extended time in the wilderness until we learn our lesson. If trials are a test of our faith, when we fail the test, we repeat it, and sometimes, the test is harder the next time.

5. To rejoice in trials, we must understand that rejoicing leads to God’s special enablement during and after our trials.

Consider what Paul said when God refused to remove his thorn in the flesh but to instead display power in Paul’s weakness: “… So then, I will boast most gladly about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may reside in me” (2 Cor 12:9). Paul boasted in his trial “so that the power of Christ” would reside in him. Paul understood that an obedient response to trials leads to blessing. If he complained against God or murmured against others, it would rob him of God’s power and potentially lead to discipline (cf. 1 Cor 10:10-11). If we endure and rejoice, we reap the benefits of James’ promise—God uses the trial to complete us, to make us more like Christ.

Some who don’t endure and instead cultivate wrong attitudes and actions in their trials become crippled by their trials instead of stronger through them. They develop a lack of trust for God and others, lack of peace, anxieties, and addictions. After challenging persecuted believers to have right attitudes in their trials and to trust God’s purposes, the author of Hebrews said, “Therefore, strengthen your listless hands and your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but be healed” (Heb 12:12-13). It is certainly possible to become spiritually and emotionally crippled by our trials if we respond wrongly to them.

However, if we trust God by rejoicing in our trials, it leads to God’s special enablement—both to endure our trials and to be empowered through them. It was after thirteen years of slavery and prison that God used Joseph powerfully to help nations and the poor people in them. It was after Moses fled for his life from Egypt and became a shepherd for forty years in the wilderness that God called and anointed him to lead Israel. It was after Christ’s time in the wilderness, experiencing temptation, that the Spirit empowered him for his teaching and miracle ministry (cf. Lk 4:14). Often God uses our trials for the same purpose—to prepare us and equip us for a greater ministry if we are faithful in them (cf. 2 Cor 1:3-7). Are we rejoicing as an act of faith in our trials? God wants to bless, equip, and prepare us for greater works through our trials.

Application Question: Why is it so difficult to rejoice in our trials? How can joy and mourning both exist together? In what ways have you seen or experienced how rejoicing in trials leads to God’s blessing and how complaining compounds problems? How have you seen God equip you (or others) for greater ministry through a trial or series of trials?

Conclusion

How can we respond well to trials?

To Respond Well to Trials, We Must Expect Them
To Respond Well to Trials, We Must Biblically Evaluate Them
To Respond Well to Trials, We Must Rejoice in Them

Prayer Prompts

Let’s give God thanks for our trials—declaring that he is good and that he has good plans for us through them.
Pray that God through the Holy Spirit would give us endurance in our trials and that our character would develop through them—becoming more patient, loving, joyful, and self-controlled.
Pray for those who are suffering for their faith throughout the world, just as the audience James wrote to. Pray that God would protect them, strengthen them, and even convert their persecutors.
Pray for others who we know are struggling through some trial—a financial trial, a trial of physical or mental sickness, a relationship trial, etc.—for God’s grace and mercy to be abundant over their lives and situations.

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, Copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (NASB) are taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, and 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

Scripture quotations marked (KJV) are from the King James Version of the Bible.

All emphases in Scripture quotations have been added.

¹ Accessed 9/15/19 from https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/James_the_Just

^² Hughes, R. K. (1991). James: faith that works (p. 16). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.

^³ Guzik, D. (2013). James (Jas 1:1). Santa Barbara, CA: David Guzik.

^⁴ MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1998). James (p. 5). Chicago: Moody Press.

^⁵ MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1998). James (p. 2). Chicago: Moody Press.

^⁶ MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1998). James (p. 2). Chicago: Moody Press.

^⁷ Richardson, K. A. (1997). James (Vol. 36, p. 24). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

^⁸ Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 336). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

^⁹ MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1998). James (p. 13). Chicago: Moody Press.

^¹⁰ MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1998). James (p. 25). Chicago: Moody Press.

^¹¹ Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 338). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

^¹² MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1998). James (p. 26). Chicago: Moody Press.

^¹³ Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953–2001). Exposition of James and the Epistles of John (Vol. 14, p. 33). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.

^¹⁴ Moo, D. J. (2000). The letter of James (p. 55). Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, England: Eerdmans; Apollos.

^¹⁵ Richardson, K. A. (1997). James (Vol. 36, p. 58). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

Related Topics: Christian Life

2. How to Gain Wisdom for Our Trials (James 1:5-8)

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But if anyone is deficient in wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without reprimand, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed around by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord, since he is a double-minded individual, unstable in all his ways.

James 1:5-8 (NET)

How can we gain wisdom for our trials?

After commanding suffering Jewish Christians to rejoice and persevere through their trials so God could mature them (Jam 1:2-4), James encourages these believers to ask God for wisdom. Since James was writing to Jewish Christians, they would have had a strong theology of wisdom based on the Old Testament. For Jews, wisdom was not intellectual; it was spiritual. Proverbs 9:10 says, “The beginning of wisdom is to fear the Lord.” And Psalm 14:1 says, “Fools say to themselves, ‘There is no God.’ They sin and commit evil deeds; none of them does what is right.” Therefore, to be wise in this context essentially refers to being obedient to God in our trials, and even more, allowing these trials to mature us—making us more into the image of Christ (cf. Jam 1:2-4).

In considering these verses, Warren Wiersbe questioned:

Why do we need wisdom when we are going through trials? Why not ask for strength, or grace, or even deliverance? For this reason: we need wisdom so we will not waste the opportunities God is giving us to mature. Wisdom helps us understand how to use these circumstances for our good and God’s glory.^¹

He then shares a story about a former secretary and her request during a major trial. She had a stroke; her husband had gone blind and had been taken to the hospital to probably die. When talking with Pastor Wiersbe, she asked for prayer to “have the wisdom to not waste all of this.”^² She clearly knew the meaning of James 1:5.

In considering this, it is good to remember that it’s possible to miss God’s purpose for our trials. It is possible to fail trials—to fall further away from God through them, instead of closer to him. It is possible to become more immature instead of more mature. It’s possible to grow in anxiety instead of peace, to become more bitter instead of forgiving, to increase in sin instead of righteousness. The author of Hebrews said this in the context of considering God’s purpose in our trials: “Therefore, strengthen your listless hands and your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but be healed” (12:12-13). Essentially, the author says it’s possible to go from being hurt to maimed in our trials, instead of being healed and strengthened by them. This is why we need supernatural wisdom. Trials contain both the ability to tremendously bless us and hurt us.

In 1 Corinthians 10:13, God promises this:

No trial has overtaken you that is not faced by others. And God is faithful: He will not let you be tried beyond what you are able to bear, but with the trial will also provide a way out so that you may be able to endure it.

It must be noted that when the verse says God will “provide a way out,” in context, it doesn’t necessarily refer to God removing the trial but enabling us to “endure it.” This is why we need supernatural wisdom: For one, the “way” to endure may be by being transparent with others so he can receive help and prayer. For another, the “way” to endure might be by serving others, even though she feels weak. Proverbs 11:25 (NIV) says that “whoever refreshes others shall be refreshed,” and Matthew 5:7 says that the merciful shall receive mercy. For another, the way to endure might be through deep times of prayer, fasting, and time in God’s Word. For most, it may be a combination of these. God has a specific strategy for each trial, and therefore, we must seek his wisdom while in them.

In realizing this, we must understand that the trials of various kinds we encounter are gigantic opportunities to not only grow in maturity (1:4) but also in supernatural wisdom (1:5). The wisest and most mature people are often those who have gone through some especially hard times which God used for their good. This is God’s purpose for us in our trials as well. And, as we grow in maturity and wisdom, we can then help more people, especially those who encounter similar difficulties as us (cf. 2 Cor 1:3-5). In this study, we will consider how to gain wisdom to grow through our trials and to not waste them.

Big Question: In James 1:5-8, what principles can be discerned about gaining wisdom to grow through our trials?

To Gain Wisdom for Our Trials, We Must Recognize Our Need for It

But if anyone is deficient in wisdom…

James 1:5

This is where many fail in the midst of their trials; they simply don’t recognize their need for wisdom and therefore God. This is often the very reason God allows trials in our lives. He does it to humble us and show us our weakness so that we will draw near him. Before the trial, we may have been content not reading God’s Word, not praying, not going to church, not being obedient, or simply not progressing in our spiritual lives. Then the trial came to wake us up, reveal our deep need for God and his wisdom, and energize us to pursue it. Remember what God said to Israel about their wilderness journey:

Remember the whole way by which he has brought you these forty years through the desert so that he might, by humbling you, test you to see if you have it within you to keep his commandments or not. So he humbled you by making you hungry and then feeding you with unfamiliar manna. He did this to teach you that humankind cannot live by bread alone, but also by everything that comes from the Lord’s mouth.

Deuteronomy 8:2-3

The long, wilderness journey came to humble the Israelites, to reveal what was in their hearts, to show them that they didn’t just need material things like bread, and to teach them that they needed God and his Words to sustain them. Likewise, God does the same with us.

James could have said, “You all need wisdom for your trials!” but he didn’t. He used tact and said, “If anyone is deficient of wisdom…” He does this to make his readers stop in the midst of their trials and evaluate themselves—to help them become humble and recognize their need for God. We must properly evaluate ourselves as well. “Do we realize how much we need God and his supernatural wisdom for our daily lives and especially in trials?” We can tell by how much we daily seek him or neglect him for lesser things. We can also tell by how we respond to God in our trials. If we’re going to gain divine wisdom to not waste our trials, we must recognize our desperate need for it.

Application Question: Why is it so important to recognize our need for wisdom in the midst of trials and even in our daily lives? How have you experienced God humbling you through trials to reveal your great need for him and how did you respond to that humbling experience?

To Gain Wisdom for Our Trials, We Must Continually Pray for It

James 1:5-6

When James says, “ask God,” it is in the imperative.^³ It’s not a suggestion to pray; it is a command for us to pray.

Observation Question: What does James 1:5-6 teach us about how to pray for wisdom?

1. Believers must go to God before going to others.

This is implied by the fact James says, “ask God.” Charles Spurgeon said this when considering James’ command:

We are all so ready to go to books, to go to men, to go to ceremonies, to anything except to God.… Consequently, the text does not say, ‘Let him ask books,’ nor ‘ask priests,’ but, ‘let him ask of God.’^⁴

Maybe this is why James commands us to “ask God” instead of suggesting it. For some of us, we are more prone to rely on our own wisdom or the wisdom of others, rather than God’s wisdom. We are fast to search the Internet, read a book, or pull somebody to the side. Now certainly, God will often give us wisdom through others, but we must go to the source first. Let us ask God and seek him in trials before anyone or anything else. Remember, this is often God’s primary purpose in the trial—to draw us to himself. In James 4:8, the author says, “Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.” After seeking God, often he will provide guidance through his Word, others, circumstances, or simply his work in our hearts.

2. As mentioned, believers will often have to pray continually for God’s guidance.

In the Greek, “ask” is not only an imperative but also in the present tense. It could be translated “ask and keep asking.” Often when seeking God for wisdom in our trials, we will need to pray more than once. Before going to the cross, Jesus, who was weary unto death, prayed three times for one hour each. Paul, when dealing with a thorn in the flesh, likewise, prayed three times. Often in wilderness seasons, it is wise to implement fasting, extra prayer, and more disciplined and consistent quiet times. Unfortunately, when trials come, we often get busier, more anxious, then discouraged, which can make us struggle with spiritual motivation. However, those are the times we must seek God the most and will often find his presence and grace more abundant and tangible. Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is near the brokenhearted.” To gain wisdom, we must ask and keep asking. Like Solomon said in the Proverbs, we must seek after wisdom more than silver and precious stones for it will bring protection, health to our bodies, and prosperity.

3. Believers must pray in faith, without doubt.

James describes believers who pray but yet doubt God’s character, like the waves of the sea, tossed by the wind. Throughout Scripture, the necessity of faith to receive God’s promises is continually mentioned. In Hebrews 11:6, it says, “Now without faith it is impossible to please him, for the one who approaches God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” God is pleased by faith, and he rewards it. Matthew 21:21 says if we have faith the size of a mustard seed, we can tell a mountain to move and be tossed into the sea. This seems to be a figure of speech for conquering an impossible situation or trial. Likewise, we must believe God’s promise to give us wisdom for our trial and not doubt that we will receive it.

Now with that said, verses on our need for faith have, at times, been twisted to mean for us to have faith in faith instead of faith in God. For those who teach this, they would say something like if we just believe in what we want or think is right and push all the doubt out of our mind, we can claim anything, including miracles. This is incorrect. First John 5:14-15 says:

And this is the confidence that we have before him: that whenever we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in regard to whatever we ask, then we know that we have the requests that we have asked from him.

Our faith must be in God’s clearly revealed will—not simply in achieving our desires.

How do we know what God’s will is? We know it according to his Word. In the context of James 1:5, God’s revealed will is that he will give us wisdom for our trials, as long as we trust him. We should have faith in that and not doubt. However, we can’t always have full confidence it is God’s will to remove a specific trial. With Paul, he prayed continually for God to remove his thorn in the flesh, and God said no (2 Cor 12:7-9). Therefore, he chose to rejoice and persevere because God was going to empower him through the trial.

Our faith must always be in God’s clearly revealed will; which means in situations where God’s will has not been revealed, we should pray with our limited knowledge and in faith trust that God knows best and will do what is best. Like Christ, we might pray, “Lord take this away, but nevertheless your will be done.”

Interpretation Question: How can we develop faith so we can experience God’s promises as we pray for them?

Faith comes from knowing God’s Word.

The more we know Scripture and the promises God has given us, the more faith we will have to receive God’s promises. Romans 10:17 says faith comes by hearing and hearing by God’s Word. Therefore, to not consistently be in God’s Word is to have weak faith and therefore have many unanswered prayers.

In addition, there may be times where God supernaturally gives clarity of his will in situations that are not addressed in his Word. As mentioned, God told Paul it wasn’t his will to remove the thorn in his flesh. In the same way, God may give someone a supernatural word on revival, healing, or deliverance, and they should pray in accordance. With these types of impressions, they must be tested by God’s Word and other mature believers (cf. 1 Cor 14:28). Most times, we won’t ultimately know these impressions are God’s will until God accomplishes them. This was the criteria God gave the Israelites for testing prophecies in Deuteronomy 18:20-22. They asked, “How can we tell if the message is from the Lord?” He, then, essentially said, “If the prophecy doesn’t come true, it’s not from me.” Therefore, we must hold our impressions of God’s will lightly until God confirms. Many don’t do this and become angry at God when what they thought was God’s will didn’t work out. Impressions are fallible; God’s revealed will in Scripture is not.

Faith comes from knowing God’s character.

In this text, James aims to increase our faith while in trials by telling us more about God’s character. (1) By implication, James shares with us that God is wise. That’s why we can gain wisdom from him. Scripture teaches that he is not just wise but also omniscient—all-knowing. (2) James says that God is generous. He delights to give. He gave us his Son as he died on the cross for our sins. Since he gave us his best, how much more will he not give us everything else we need for life (cf. Rom 8:32)? Certainly, he will give us wisdom so that we can persevere and mature through our trials. (3) In addition, James shares with us that God is gentle in response to our requests for wisdom. Since God has promised to give us wisdom, he will never “reprimand” us for continually asking (Jam 1:5). With humans, it’s very easy to wear out someone’s generosity by staying at their house too long, continually asking for things, etc. But with God, James says that’s impossible. He will not reprimand us for asking for wisdom. He won’t say, “Oh! You again!” or “What did you do with the wisdom I gave you last time?” or “What took you so long to ask?” God won’t do that to us; therefore, James encourages us to boldly seek God for wisdom in our trials. God is wise; he is generous, and he is gentle. He wants to bless us. The more we understand God’s character, the more our faith will increase.

This is the same logic Christ used with his disciples in Luke 11:11-12 when encouraging them to pray. He essentially says, “Don’t human fathers, who have sin natures, give good gifts to their children? Well then, how much more will God give good gifts to his children when they ask—including the ministry of the Holy Spirit?” Christ wanted the disciples to reflect on God’s good character, so they would, in faith, pray to God for good things.

Likewise, James is trying to make sure these suffering saints know that God is good, even though their trials might suggest differently. In James 1:13, he does the same thing when he says, “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God.’” Later, James says every good and perfect gift comes from God, which in context includes our trials (1:15). James probably continually emphasized God’s good character in the context of trials because, in the midst of trials, we are more tempted to doubt God’s love and care for us. Often when we go through trials, Satan tries to attack our view of God. He says, “God doesn’t love you! God doesn’t want to bless you or care for you! If he did, why would he allow this to happen?” As with Job, Satan’s desire for us is to doubt God and then curse him. We must be aware of this tendency and temptation in our trials. Therefore, James continually emphasized God’s good character to these suffering saints as a protection for them and to help them not only stand in trials but receive God’s best during them, including wisdom.

If we are going to receive wisdom, we must ask God first before others, pray continually, and pray in faith—in accordance with God’s Word and character. Then God promises to give us wisdom—his strategy for our trial—so that we can mature through it.

Application Question: In what ways has God, at times, used trials to help you grow in your prayer life? How has the teaching about “praying in faith” for things been abused by the church? How can we have faith while praying for things that are not clearly revealed in God’s Word?

To Gain Wisdom for Our Trials, We Must Be Fully Committed to God

For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord, since he is a double-minded individual, unstable in all his ways.

James 1:7-8

When James challenged these believers to not be double-minded, he wasn’t just referring to not doubting (v. 8). It’s not just referring to a person who is up and down with believing God will give him wisdom or not. “Double-minded” can literally be translated “double-souled.” James seems to be pointing to a deeper problem amongst these scattered Jewish Christians. To be double-souled is to be uncommitted to God. It suggests a person that asks God for wisdom but who isn’t sure he will even follow what God says. If he likes what God says, then he will obey. If he doesn’t like what God says, then he will do what he already wanted to do.

Evidence that James is referring to an uncommitted believer is in how he addresses the same people later in the letter. In James 4:4, he describes them as adulterers and worldly. He says, “Adulterers, do you not know that friendship with the world means hostility toward God? So whoever decides to be the world’s friend makes himself God’s enemy.” Then, in James 4:8, he calls these same believers “double-minded” and for them to “cleanse” themselves and make their “hearts pure.” To be double-minded means to be worldly—wanting to live for God and the pleasures of the world at the same time.

However, James 5:16 says, “The prayer of a righteous person has great effectiveness.” John 15:7 says, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you want, and it will be done for you.” Likewise, Psalm 66:18 says, “If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” There is power in the prayers of those who are fully committed to Christ and living by faith. Worldliness and compromise make our prayers ineffective, which was the double-minded believers’ problem. If God blessed them while they were living in sin and pursuing the world, it would only encourage further sin instead of repentance. As James taught, answered prayer is often tied to righteous living (5:16).

If we are going to gain wisdom to grow from our trials, we must be fully committed to the Lord. The prayers of the righteous, who live by faith, are effective. But, double-minded, worldly believers will receive nothing from God (1:7-8)—they will have ineffective prayer lives. Therefore, instead of maturing through their trials, the trials will be wasted and continually repeated until the double-minded repent and devote themselves to the Lord and to living by faith.

Application Question: In what ways have you experienced double-mindedness—wanting to live for God and for the pleasures of the world, wanting to know God’s will but not sure if you would follow it if you knew? What are some of the consequences of being double-minded? How can we rid ourselves of double-mindedness so we can gain wisdom to grow in our trials?

Conclusion

Pastor Steve Cole shares about Joni Eareckson Tada in his sermon on this passage. He said,

Joni Eareckson Tada, as most of you know, was paralyzed from the neck down in a diving accident when she was 17. She wrote this about her suffering (Joni [Zondervan], p. 154):

God engineered the circumstances. He used them to prove Himself as well as my loyalty. Not everyone had this privilege. I felt there were only a few people God cared for in such a special way that He would trust them with this kind of experience. This understanding left me relaxed and comfortable as I relied on His love, exercising newly learned trust. I saw that my injury was not a tragedy but a gift God was using to help me conform to the image of Christ, something that would mean my ultimate satisfaction, happiness—even joy.

That is God’s wisdom on how to endure a major trial with joy! She did not get that wisdom from the world. She did not make it up herself. It came from God, through His Word. If you need God’s wisdom for how to endure any major or minor trial with joy, ask Him in faith and He will give it.⁵

How can we gain God’s wisdom to grow through our trials and not waste them?

To Gain Wisdom for Our Trials, We Must Recognize Our Need for It
To Gain Wisdom for Our Trials, We Must Continually Pray for It
To Gain Wisdom for Our Trials, We Must Be Fully Committed to God

Prayer Prompts

Let’s confess our need for God and his wisdom and ask for forgiveness for not seeking him as we should.
Pray for God to supply wisdom abundantly and the strategy for this specific season of life.
Pray for God to give perseverance, joy, and ultimately make us more like Christ.

Scripture quotations marked (KJV) are from the King James Version of the Bible.

All emphases in Scripture quotations have been added.

^¹ Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 340). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

^² Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 340). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

^³ MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1998). James (p. 36). Chicago: Moody Press.

^⁴ Guzik, D. (2013). James (Jas 1:5–8). Santa Barbara, CA: David Guzik.

⁵ Accessed 9/16/19 from https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-2-how-obtain-wisdom-god-james-15-8

Related Topics: Christian Life

3. Applying God’s Wisdom to Our Trials (James 1:9-12)

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Now the believer of humble means should take pride in his high position. But the rich person’s pride should be in his humiliation, because he will pass away like a wildflower in the meadow. For the sun rises with its heat and dries up the meadow; the petal of the flower falls off and its beauty is lost forever. So also the rich person in the midst of his pursuits will wither away. Happy is the one who endures testing, because when he has proven to be genuine, he will receive the crown of life that God promised to those who love him.

James 1:9-12 (NET)

What is some practical wisdom for our trials—insights which will help us persevere and grow through our difficulties?

James is writing to Jewish Christians who have been scattered throughout the ancient world because of persecution. They have left their homes, properties, and lands. Consequently, many of them became poor because of this. James encourages these believers to see their trials from God’s perspective. Though evil people have mistreated them, God was using their trials to develop their character—making them mature like Christ. In James 1:4, he said, “And let endurance have its perfect effect, so that you will be perfect and complete, not deficient in anything.” Though evil people and circumstances were against them, God was in control and using everything for their good.

With that said, James realized not everybody becomes more complete and mature through their trials. Sometimes we become more broken through them—less trusting of people, more bitter, and more prone to doubt God. Therefore, he calls these believers to ask God for wisdom to grow in maturity from their trials (Jam 1:5)—wisdom in order to not waste them. We all need this supernatural wisdom; therefore, when encountering trials, we should continually petition God for it and trust that he will give it. God promises to answer this prayer as long as we approach him in faith—not doubting (1:6-8).

In James 1:9-12, James is still dealing with the theme of seeking wisdom for our trials—so he gives practical wisdom for two specific groups experiencing trials. Amongst these scattered Jewish Christians, there were both poor and rich. Though we are tempted to think that the poor have it most difficult, from a spiritual perspective, the rich may have it even worse. Both poverty and wealth are trials that can hinder our spiritual growth if we don’t understand and respond to them well. Therefore, he challenges these two types of believers to respond to their trials wisely so they can mature in Christ and ultimately be rewarded for how they handled their trials.

In James 1:9-12, we gain practical wisdom for our trials. James speaks to the poor first, then to the rich, and finally, to all believers. As we consider these, though James’ comments might seem straightforward, there are diverse views on the meaning of them—all with merit and rich applications for us. We’ll consider these and their applications.

Big Question: What practical wisdom does James offer believers who are going through trials in James 1:9-12?

In Trials, the Poor Should Rejoice in Their High Spiritual Position

Now the believer of humble means should take pride in his high position.

James 1:9

When James says, “the believer of humble means,” he seems to be primarily dealing with people who lack financial resources, but it could also have reference to those who might not be looked highly upon in society for various reasons—disabilities, limited education, old age, appearance, ethnic background, etc. In general, societies typically lift up the “haves” and put down the “have nots.” For these humble believers, they would be tempted to become discouraged and hopeless because they evaluated themselves by society’s wrong standards—not educated enough, wealthy enough, beautiful enough, or athletic enough. Many believers struggle with great insecurity and even depression because they have accepted society’s negative views of them and their situation—instead of how God views them and their situation. James speaks to these suffering Christians and says, they should “take pride in their high position.” To “take pride” could also be translated to “boast” or “glory.”

Interpretation Question: What does James mean by calling these poor believers to take pride in their high position?

As mentioned, there is actually quite a bit of debate about what James is saying, since he doesn’t clearly explain it. We are left to discern by considering the context. Here are two views:

1. Some believe to take pride in their high position means that the poor should focus on their spiritual status instead of their earthly status.

Instead of focusing on what the world says about them, they must consider their heavenly status in Christ. Christ was also poor on this earth; he lost his father at a relatively young age and had to care for his family. He was mocked because of the neighborhood he was from. They said, “Can anything good come out of Galilee?” He most likely lacked the education others might have from schools in Jerusalem and other places. Eventually, he was rejected, lied about, and crucified by the leaders of Israel. However, though his earthly status was low, his heavenly status was high. He was the Son of God, the Creator of earth, the owner of all things, and the Savior of the world, and while on earth, he never forgot that.

Likewise, though these poor believers might be rejected by the world, they needed to recognize their supreme, heavenly position. They were children of God, co-heirs with Christ (Rom 8:17)—whatever is Christ’s is theirs. They will one day inherit the earth and judge those on the earth, including angels (1 Cor 6:3). If Christ focused on his earthly position and how people viewed him, it might have kept him from doing the things God had called him to—ultimately, saving the world. Likewise, his disciples were also poor, despised, and hated, and yet, through Christ, God called them to save the world. Poor believers may be rejected, but God has called for them to be the salt and light to all. They are immensely valuable. Their earthly body is just their cocoon; they will one day shed their temporary abode and earthly status and be revealed as the children of God.

To respond wisely to their trials, poor believers must recognize their heavenly status. To do the things God has called them to do, they must realize how special they are. The majority of the early church was poor—many of them were slaves—and yet, they turned the world upside down. We now have the gospel because of them and their witness. For James, wisdom for the poor in their trials meant continually remembering their status and mission given by God.

2. Others believe to take pride in their high position refers to the poor rejoicing in the spiritual benefit of their trials.

These interpreters focus on the connection of verse 9 with verses 2-4, where James called for suffering believers to consider their trials nothing but joy because God was maturing the believers through them. They should not only consider their situation a joy but take pride in it and boast in it. Why? It’s because their earthly situation was tremendously beneficial from a spiritual perspective. Though Scripture does not say that being poor is better than being rich, it does say that poverty has potential for being spiritually advantageous, and wealth has some strong potential for being spiritually disadvantageous. Christ said it was hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God (Matt 19:24). Paul said that the desire to be wealthy is a temptation, and the love of wealth is the root of all kinds of evil—many have pierced themselves with many sorrows because of it (1 Tim 6:9-10). And about the poor, James said, “Did not God choose the poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that he promised to those who love him?” (Jam 2:5). The poor are more likely to run to God in the midst of their trials because they see him as their only hope; while the rich are more likely to trust in their bank account—their financial reserves to take care of them—instead of God in their trials. Because poverty is a trial, the poor are more inclined to prayer—seeking God’s wisdom to provide for their situation. If one ever does missions to a third world country, the churches in those nations are often more vibrant than in developed nations. There is shouting, crying, and great religious zeal. Often services can last more than half a day. The poor are more prone to make God their everything, because they have nothing else.

Now with that said, poverty also has many temptations. The poor sometimes have unique temptations towards crime to meet their basic needs. They might be tempted to love money because they have none or even get mad at God. However, their trial also has many unique benefits when properly viewed. That’s why James commands them to take pride in their high position. Christ essentially told his disciples the same thing. In Luke 6:20, he said, “Blessed are you who are poor.” This doesn’t seem to be referring to being “poor in spirit,” as in the Sermon on the Mount, or the poor in general. Christ referred to his disciples who had become poor to serve Christ—leaving their homes and careers to spread the gospel. God would bless them for their sacrifice. Likewise, the Jewish believers James addressed, who were suffering persecution and poverty for Christ, should rejoice in their high position before God.

With all that said, this doesn’t mean that the poor shouldn’t work hard to have a better financial standing. Scripture says that we should work hard to provide for our families and to have reserves to help others in need (cf. Eph 4:28, 1 Tim 5:4, 8, 2 Cor 8:7).

Though poor believers may be mocked, they must remember their high position before God and the fact that their trial is an ideal ground for spiritual growth (cf. Jam 1:2-4). That’s the wisdom James encourages them to apply in their trials so they could endure them with joy and become mature through them. Likewise, we must remember these realities as well so we can benefit from our trials.

Application Question: Which view (1 or 2) do you think fits more with the context? In what ways could poor believers having a low estimation of themselves by accepting the world’s standards hinder their ability to grow in trials and to complete their God-given mission to reach the world for Christ? How should James’ counsel to poor believers affect how we view them (or ourselves)?

In Trials, the Rich Should Rejoice in Their Humbling

But the rich person’s pride should be in his humiliation, because he will pass away like a wildflower in the meadow. For the sun rises with its heat and dries up the meadow; the petal of the flower falls off and its beauty is lost forever. So also the rich person in the midst of his pursuits will wither away.

James 1:10-11

Unlike the poor, the rich face a different trial: People celebrate them, rejoice in their success, and want to befriend them. The rich are tempted towards pride—causing them to think highly of themselves and sometimes to even look down on others. Therefore, the rich are called to rejoice in their humiliation. Again, there are various views on what James is saying.

Interpretation Question: What does the text mean by calling the rich to rejoice in their humiliation?

1. Some believe that the rich taking pride in their humiliation means for them to rejoice in their humble status as ones associated with Christ—the one who was rejected and despised.

The rich are challenged to remember that their Lord Jesus Christ was rejected and despised by the world and many fellow believers with him. Though the rich may be lifted up in society because of their wealth and abilities, and potentially avoid some persecution because of it, they must remember their true humble position as followers of Christ. Certainly, this is a discipline Christians in developed countries who are not openly persecuted must practice. Although they are not imprisoned like many believers around the world, they must remember that they are associated with them. They must not be fooled or dulled spiritually by a perceived accepted status in their society. Christ and his followers have historically been persecuted by the world, and therefore we must not forget it, even though we may not suffer at the moment. Like the author of Hebrews said to believers not suffering the same torment as others, “Remember those in prison as though you were in prison with them, and those ill-treated as though you too felt their torment” (Heb 13:3). We must rejoice in our humiliation—our association with Christ and suffering saints—and respond accordingly.

Therefore, the first view applied both to the poor and rich is to not focus on their material status but their spiritual status—associated with Christ. This will deliver the poor from discouragement and anger with God and deliver the rich from pride and spiritual apathy, which they so commonly struggle with. God has called wealthy and less persecuted believers to help those who are persecuted and to use their resources to support kingdom work throughout the world (cf. Matt 25:34-40, Lk 16:1-13).

2. Others believe that the rich taking pride in their humiliation refers to them rejoicing when they are humbled by trials.

These interpreters connect verse 10 with verses 2-4. Though the poor live in a constant state of trial (a high status) which reveals their vulnerability and need for God, the rich don’t. Therefore, the rich should rejoice when they are humbled. Trials reveal to them that they need God and reminds them that their wealth and their life will pass away just like the wildflowers (v. 10-11). Though flowers bloom and are beautiful for a season, that season is brief. The weather quickly changes causing them to wither. That’s how the rich man’s life and wealth are. Circumstances change—the stock market may crash, their health may fail resulting in an inability to work, or they might get caught up in litigation. Wealth is not something that we should put our trust in. Therefore, the rich should rejoice when God reminds them of the brevity of wealth and life. Nobody can take their wealth with them to eternity. Though the world exalts the wealthy, death is the great equalizer of people. We will all die.

The fact that life is fleeting should remind us to focus more on eternity instead of temporary things. For that reason, the wealthy should be thankful when they experience constant reminders of how temporary their life and wealth are. Those are meant to remind them to focus on God and eternal things. In developed nations, we need to consider this reality constantly. We are constantly tempted to be consumed with moving up the corporate ladder, getting the latest electronic products, watching the newest movie releases, and enjoying leisure. We are tempted to live from high to high (and document them all on social media). While doing this, we often forget that life is fleeting. God has a purpose for us in building his kingdom; therefore, we must live for eternity.

3. Others believe the rich taking pride in their humiliation refers to unbelieving wealthy people recognizing their mortality (and therefore repenting).

The reason some believe that the rich in this text are not believers is because the poor are called believers (v. 9, “lowly brother” ESV), but the rich are not. Also, James later refers to the wealthy who were not believers persecuting those who were. For example, in James 2:6-7, James describes how the rich were dragging believers to courts and blaspheming God’s name. Furthermore, some believe the wealthy landowners who were oppressing their poor workers in James 5:1-6 were not believers.

If James is writing directly to the unbelieving rich, he is writing like an Old Testament prophet who would at times address the oppressors (or even unbelieving nations) in his letter. If this is happening, James is speaking with irony. The rich unbelievers oppressing the Jewish Christians should boast in their approaching death. The irony is meant to shock these unbelievers and bring them to repentance.

James calls for the rich believers to focus on their low status, as those affiliated with Christ and suffering saints. This would remind them to not be haughty, to be faithful in serving Christ, to work to relieve the pain of the saints, and to continue spreading the gospel. When these wealthy believers went through trials, it should remind them that they and their wealth are like wildflowers—briefly here today and gone tomorrow. Again, they should live for the kingdom instead of temporary things.

Application Question: Which view seems most correct to you (1, 2, or 3) in the context? In what way is wealth a trial for believers (cf. Dt 6:10-12)? How can we keep our mind on spiritual things and not secular things when not going through trials? In what ways is James’ challenge to the wealthy needed to be heard by Christians in developed nations who don’t live in constant lack?

In Trials, All Believers Should Focus on God’s Reward

Happy is the one who endures testing, because when he has proven to be genuine, he will receive the crown of life that God promised to those who love him.

James 1:12

Wisdom from God not only makes us properly evaluate ourselves and our trials but also enables us to focus on God’s reward while in trials. God’s wisdom makes us look past the temporary to the eternal, which sustains us in difficult times.

Observation Question: What aspects of God’s reward should we focus on in our trials?

1. In trials, believers should focus on God’s blessing.

When James says, “Happy is the one who endures testing,” it can also be translated “Blessed is the one….” As hard as it may be to discern this in the various tests of life, whether that be the tests of poverty or wealth, we must realize that during these tests God is with us to bless. These blessings are both present and future oriented. During trials, God’s blessing is experienced as he equips us to persevere, transforms us into his image, and gives us joy as we focus on him (Jam 1:2-4). Therefore, as we experience God’s grace in these areas, we must rejoice and give God thanks. We must remember the truth that those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength, mount up on eagle’s wings, run and not grow weary, and walk and not faint (Is 40:31). Even if we’re in a season where we’re just walking and not fainting, that is God’s blessing for those hoping in him. In addition, divine joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit which is given as we abide in God (Gal 5:22). It is not based on our circumstances. Therefore, we must pursue it and seek to maintain it in our trials by abiding in God (Gal 5:16)—as we do this, we experience God’s blessing in our trials, his happiness. While in trials, we must focus on God’s blessing—perseverance, growing in character, and divine joy through the Holy Spirit.

With that said, God’s blessing is also future-oriented, which we will consider.

2. In trials, believers must focus on God’s eternal reward.

The word “crown” does not refer to the crown of royalty but the one earned in an athletic contest. It was the winner’s crown—the wreath placed on the winner’s head. It is called the crown of life. There is some argument about what the crown refers to.

Interpretation Question: Is the crown of life for all believers or only for those who are especially faithful during trials?

(1) Those who believe this crown is given to all believers point to the fact that the “crown of life” can be translated the “crown which is life.”^¹ This would mean that our perseverance and faithfulness in the various trials and tests of life prove that our faith is genuine—that we are truly saved. Therefore, though we all receive eternal life at the moment of faith (cf. John 17:3), the crown of life would be the full experience of it in heaven, which is for every believer. For further support that this crown is for every believer, they point to the fact that this crown is promised to those who “love” God. In Scripture, loving God is a characteristic of all true believers. First John 5:1 says, “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been fathered by God, and everyone who loves the father loves the child fathered by him.” Again, this fits with one of James’ major themes, he is providing tests of true salvation. Persevering through trials, instead of turning away from God in them (and ultimately denying him), proves that our faith is genuine. Therefore, we should be motivated to persevere in trials because one day we will receive the full experience of eternal life. This life is short, but our next life and its blessings last forever.

(2) Those who believe the crown is a special reward for those who persevere through suffering faithfully point to the fact that it is an athletic crown—one earned—instead of one given to royalty as a birthright. Since salvation is not something earned, they believe it’s best to consider this crown as one of the many rewards God promises believers for faithfulness. It then would be similar to how, in the Sermon on the Mount, Christ called those who were persecuted for righteousness to rejoice because their reward is great in heaven (cf. Matt 5:10-12). In heaven, not everyone will receive the same rewards. They will be given based on faithfulness. Therefore, the crown of eternal life might refer to a greater capacity to experience the joys of heaven. It’s been said that in heaven everyone’s cup will be full, but some will have bigger cups. For that reason, in trials, we must focus on future rewards as a motivation to persevere. This seems to be what Paul referred to in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 as he discussed his own sufferings:

Therefore we do not despair, but even if our physical body is wearing away, our inner person is being renewed day by day. For our momentary, light suffering is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison because we are not looking at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen. For what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal.

We must focus on the greater glory that persevering through trials is producing in heaven for us—a greater glory which makes our current sufferings light in comparison.

Either way, this crown pushes us to focus on eternity and how great it will be in comparison to our short experience of trials in this life. Both focusing on God’s present blessing and the eternal one will help us persevere in trials.

Application Question: Which interpretation of the crown of life (1 or 2) seems best in context? How has the experience of trials helped you grow in eternal hope and expectation (cf. Rom 5:3-4)? Is it wrong to be motivated by heavenly rewards? Why or why not?

In Trials, All Believers Should Focus on Their Love for God (And Growing in It)

Happy is the one who endures testing, because when he has proven to be genuine, he will receive the crown of life that God promised to those who love him.

James 1:12

Many commentators believe that not only is our love for God one of the reasons God will reward us in heaven, but also, as an implication of James 1:12, our love for God is possibly our greatest motivation to persevere under testing and temptation.

David Guzik said this, in considering temptation specifically:

Some resist temptation because of the fear of man. The thief suddenly becomes honest when he sees a policeman. The man or woman controls their lusts because they couldn’t bear to be found out and thus embarrassed. Others resist the temptation to one sin because of the power of another sin. The greedy miser gives up partying because he doesn’t want to spend the money. But the best motive for resisting temptation is to love Him; to love Him with greater power and greater passion than your love for the sin.^²

Charles Spurgeon’s comments are also helpful:

“So that those who endure temptation rightly, endure it because they love God. They say to themselves, ‘How can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?’ They cannot fall into sin because it would grieve him who loves them so well, and whom they love with all their hearts.”^³

As we grow in love with God, we will better persevere in trials and stand against temptation. We grow in love for God as we spend time with him, continually reflect on his goodness (and past goodness), and serve him faithfully. Unfaithfulness only pulls our hearts away from his and weakens us in our trials.

Application Question: In what ways is love for God a great motivation to persevere in trials or be faithful when tempted? How has growing in love for God been a protection for you in trials and temptations?

Conclusion

What is practical wisdom for our trials?

In Trials, the Poor Should Rejoice in Their High Spiritual Position. The poor must remember who they are in Christ, and act upon that—not their standing in the world. Also, they must remember that their trial is a special place for spiritual growth and experiencing God’s power in them.
In Trials, the Rich Should Rejoice in Their Humbling. The rich, though exalted in the world, must remember their association with their rejected Lord and persecuted believers. In addition, they must rejoice when God allows trials, as the trials help keep the wealthy humble and help them focus on eternity instead of their temporary life and riches.
In Trials, All Believers Should Focus on God’s Reward. Our temporary trials do not compare with God’s present blessing and the future glory of eternity. Focusing on those realities should encourage us and enable us to persevere.
In Trials, All Believers Should Focus on Their Love for God (and Growing in It). Love for God—wanting to please him and not disappoint him—will help us remain faithful in trials and not fall to temptation. Therefore, we must seek to grow in our love for God—by being with him and enjoying him.

Prayer Prompts

Pray to grow in maturity and wisdom through present and coming trials.
Pray to have the joy of the Lord regardless of our situations, for it is our strength (Neh 8:10).
Pray to view ourselves according to our identity in Christ and not what others, including the world, say.

Scripture quotations marked (KJV) are from the King James Version of the Bible.

All emphases in Scripture quotations have been added.

^¹ MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1998). James (p. 42). Chicago: Moody Press.

^² Guzik, D. (2013). James (Jas 1:12). Santa Barbara, CA: David Guzik.

^³ Guzik, D. (2013). James (Jas 1:12). Santa Barbara, CA: David Guzik.

Related Topics: Christian Life

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Romans

Ephesians

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Genesis

Heaven

Colossians: Christ is all-Sufficient

Discipleship: The Great Omission And The Greatest Mission Of All Time (Matthew 28:16-20)

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1. Responding Well to Trials (James 1:1-4)

Recipients

Uniqueness of the Epistle

Themes

To Respond Well to Trials, We Must Expect Them

To Respond Well to Trials, We Must Biblically Evaluate Them

1. Believers should think about trials as a test of faith.

2. Believers should think of endurance as a goal in trials.

3. Believers should think about the ultimate outcome of the trial—Christlikeness.

4. Believers should think of how God is in control of our trials.

To Respond Well to Trials, We Must Rejoice in Them

1. To rejoice in trials, we must understand that rejoicing is an act of the will and not necessarily emotional.

2. To rejoice in trials, we must understand rejoicing is based on our knowledge of God’s Word.

3. To rejoice in trials, we must understand that rejoicing is not independent of proper mourning.

4. To rejoice in trials, we must reject typical, wrong attitudes.

5. To rejoice in trials, we must understand that rejoicing leads to God’s special enablement during and after our trials.

Conclusion

Prayer Prompts

From the series: The Bible Teacher’s Guide, James: Developing A Faith That Works PREVIOUS PAGE | NEXT PAGE

From the series: The Bible Teacher’s Guide, James: Developing A Faith That Works PREVIOUS PAGE | NEXT PAGE

2. How to Gain Wisdom for Our Trials (James 1:5-8)

To Gain Wisdom for Our Trials, We Must Recognize Our Need for It

To Gain Wisdom for Our Trials, We Must Continually Pray for It

1. Believers must go to God before going to others.

2. As mentioned, believers will often have to pray continually for God’s guidance.

3. Believers must pray in faith, without doubt.

To Gain Wisdom for Our Trials, We Must Be Fully Committed to God

Conclusion

Prayer Prompts

From the series: The Bible Teacher’s Guide, James: Developing A Faith That Works PREVIOUS PAGE | NEXT PAGE

From the series: The Bible Teacher’s Guide, James: Developing A Faith That Works PREVIOUS PAGE | NEXT PAGE

3. Applying God’s Wisdom to Our Trials (James 1:9-12)

In Trials, the Poor Should Rejoice in Their High Spiritual Position

1. Some believe to take pride in their high position means that the poor should focus on their spiritual status instead of their earthly status.

2. Others believe to take pride in their high position refers to the poor rejoicing in the spiritual benefit of their trials.

In Trials, the Rich Should Rejoice in Their Humbling

1. Some believe that the rich taking pride in their humiliation means for them to rejoice in their humble status as ones associated with Christ—the one who was rejected and despised.

2. Others believe that the rich taking pride in their humiliation refers to them rejoicing when they are humbled by trials.

3. Others believe the rich taking pride in their humiliation refers to unbelieving wealthy people recognizing their mortality (and therefore repenting).

In Trials, All Believers Should Focus on God’s Reward

1. In trials, believers should focus on God’s blessing.

2. In trials, believers must focus on God’s eternal reward.

In Trials, All Believers Should Focus on Their Love for God (And Growing in It)

Conclusion

Prayer Prompts

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