1. Count It All Joy James 1:2-4 2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

2. The Book of James A book written to all Christians Trial and temptation come to all This does not mean something is wrong with you Trials and temptations came to Jesus There are 3 kinds of people: Those in the middle of a trial Those just coming out of a trial Those who are about to go through a trial

3. FACT of Trials James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials NOT “if” but “when” NOT “might” but you will have trials Job had them Daniel had them Joseph had them Paul had them

4. FACT of Trials James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials “Various” (NKJV) and “divers” (KJV) Greek word is origin of our word “polka dot” Means – multi-colored, multi-sized Trials come in all shapes, sizes, and colors

5. FORM of Trials James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials “Trials” and “temptations” - from same Greek word Trial = a test – from God Temptation = a test – from Satan Trials lead us to maturity Temptations lead us to misery

6. FORM of Trials 1 Peter 4:12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; To be temped or tried is not a sin The question is how we handle them when they come

7. FALLING into Trials Luke 10 Man going from Jerusalem to Jericho - “fell among thieves” He wasn't looking for them He did not want them Temptation often sneaks up on us from behind Galatians 6:1a Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass

8. FALLING into Trials Your next phone call may be the greatest trial of your life. We are not prepared for these. We are not looking for them. We “fall” into these things.

9. FACING of Trials COUNT IT ALL JOY This does not mean – grin and bear it It means – overcome it Hebrews 12:11 Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

10. FACING of Trials COUNT Means – to look ahead, look forward Look what we will be accomplished when we overcome Christ looked ahead of the cross to the lives changed, souls saved, and the good work done in His name

11. FRUIT of Trials James 1:3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. Tests reveal our strengths Tests reveal our weakness Proverbs 24:10 If you faint in the day of adversity, Your strength is small. If your faith fails when trouble comes, your faith is weak.

12. FRUIT of Trials Patience - Endurance Not doing a 1,000 piece puzzle Learn to bear up under pressure Perfect – Maturity Not sinless, not without flaw But complete, mature, full grown

13. FRUIT of Trials Perfect – Maturity A mighty oak and a little acorn So when you are feeling discouraged and a little blue Take a look at a mighty oak and see what a nut can do.

14. 1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

15. FAILURE of Trials EXCUSES: My temptation is unique My trial is too strong I have no way out GOD SAYS: “Such as is common to man” “Not tempted above what you are able” “Will make a way of escape”

16. EVERY INVITATION SONG How will you handle the test? Will you pass or fail? Will you come to Christ?