Responding to Trials

1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings. 2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing… 12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:1-4, 12

I. A Right Response to Trials

2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

“Trials are tests that challenge faith.” -ESV study Bible

“Trial refers to any difficulty in life that may threaten our faithfulness to Christ.”
-Dr. Doug Moo

II. A Promise of Reward

4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. 12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

Suffering brings discouragements, because of our impatience. ‘Alas!’, We lament, ‘I shall never get through such a trial.’ But if God brings us into the trial, he will be with us in the trial, and at length bring us out, more refined. We shall lose nothing but dross. From our own strength, we cannot bear the least trouble, but by the spirits assistance, we can bear the greatest. -Richard Sibbes