THE BOOK OF JAMES Lesson 2 Chapter 1 vss. 2-4

The Conundrum of Trials James 1:1–4 (NASB95) James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings. Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

The Conundrum of Trials “It does not appear from the rest of this letter that the persons to whom it was addressed were under the pressure of any particular trouble or affliction. Seeing that they are ‘the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, the width of that superscription makes it improbable that the recipients were undergoing any common experience. Alexander Maclaren Exposition of Holy Scripture

The Conundrum of Trials The Reality is; 1 Peter 4:12–14 (NASB95) Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. In light of this…we need to ‘consider’ them; plan and prepare

The Conundrum of Trials The Reality is; Matthew 10:29–31 (NASB95) “Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.”

The Conundrum of Trials The Reality is; 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NASB95) No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.

The Conundrum of Trials The Example is; Hebrews 12:1–3 (NASB95) Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

The Conundrum of Trials The Reason is; Hebrews 12:7–8 (NASB95) It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

The Conundrum of Trials The Reason is; Philippians 3:7–8 (NASB95) But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.