JAMESJAMES

Live with integrity.Live with integrity.

JAMES 1:2–12JAMES 1:2–12LESSON 2

I. The Purpose of Adversity (1:2–4)

Please read

I. The Purpose of Adversity (1:2–4)

Please read

• Count (hegeomai)– to lead, to rule, command– to consider, deem, account, think

• My brothers- shows a personal identification as he introduces this section on trials. These brothers could be and most likely are both physical and spiritual brothers.

• all joy (chara)– Joy is not happiness; happiness is an emotion

based on circumstances and changes with those circumstances; joy is a state of being which remains constant regardless of circumstances.

– Joy can be defined as an attitude of contentment in light of present circumstances which is based on who God is, and our relationship to Him through Christ Jesus.

• when- shows the inevitability of trials• You meet (peripipto) so to fall into as to be

encompassed – Only used two other times in the New Testament

(Lu 10:30; Ac 27:41) – This means that

• they tend to come at an undetermined time

• their arrival can not be pinpointed

• they can be expected at any time

• they are unavoidable

• trials (peirasmos)– To try; test; prove as genuine (1 Pet. 4:12)

Trials(Testing)

Steadfastness(Endurance)

Lack in Nothing(Maturity)

Faith

Remember…The ultimate goal of trials is that when stripped of all that we hold dear, we see that God is sufficient alone to satisfy. (Acts 17:28)

Prove genuine faithProve genuine faith

Build enduranceBuild endurance

Enhance maturityEnhance maturity

A. The focus of the prayer (1:5)A. The focus of the prayer (1:5)

II. The Prayer in Adversity (1:5–8) readII. The Prayer in Adversity (1:5–8) read

• The Acquiring of Wisdom (vs. 5) – Recognize the need– Respond with request– Realize the source

• The Absolute of Faith (vs. 6a) – Can not please God apart from it (Heb. 11:6)– Provided at salvation (Eph. 2:8)“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” (Heb 11:6)

“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” (Heb 11:6)

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,” (Eph 2:8)

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,” (Eph 2:8)

Prove genuine faithProve genuine faith

Build enduranceBuild endurance

Enhance maturityEnhance maturity

Seeking wisdom

A. The focus of the prayer (1:5)A. The focus of the prayer (1:5)

B. The hindrances to prayer (1:6–8)B. The hindrances to prayer (1:6–8)

II. The Prayer in Adversity (1:5–8)II. The Prayer in Adversity (1:5–8)

The Absurdity of Doubt (vss. 6b-8)Doubt produces instabilityDoubt produces divided allegiance

Prove genuine faithProve genuine faith

Build enduranceBuild endurance

Enhance maturityEnhance maturity

Seeking wisdom

Doubt and questioning

A. The perspective of the poor (1:9)A. The perspective of the poor (1:9)

B. The perspective of the rich (1:10, 11)B. The perspective of the rich (1:10, 11)

III. The Perspective on Adversity (1:9–11) readIII. The Perspective on Adversity (1:9–11) read

• Trials develop common focus between different classes of Christians (1: 9-10a)

• Trials cause recognition of the brevity of life (1:10b-11)

Note: These verses connect to the previous ones in that both classes of people tend to focus on their circumstances, and have divided interests

Note: These verses connect to the previous ones in that both classes of people tend to focus on their circumstances, and have divided interests

Note: Christ is the great equalizer in that the Poor brother forgets earthly poverty, and the Rich brother forgets earthly riches, all in the light of eternal riches which never fade. (Matt 6:33)

Note: Christ is the great equalizer in that the Poor brother forgets earthly poverty, and the Rich brother forgets earthly riches, all in the light of eternal riches which never fade. (Matt 6:33)

Prove genuine faithProve genuine faith

Build enduranceBuild endurance

Enhance maturityEnhance maturity

Seeking wisdom

Doubt and questioning

Rejoice in heavenly citizenship

IV. The Promise in Adversity (1:12)

read

IV. The Promise in Adversity (1:12)

read

Prove genuine faithProve genuine faith

Build enduranceBuild endurance

Enhance maturityEnhance maturity

Seeking wisdom

Doubt and questioning

Rejoice in heavenly citizenship

Reward for faithful endurance

Application: How do I persevere through trials?

•Have a Joyous Attitude (v.2)

•Have an Understanding Mind (v.3)

•Have a Submissive Will (v.4)

•Have a Believing Heart (v.6)

•Have an Eternal Focus (v.12)

Helpful Devotion

Live with integrity.

Show resilience in trials.Show resilience in trials.