1) James was writing to encourage early Christians experiencing intense persecution who had been scattered from their homes. 2) He tells them to consider trials as opportunities for their faith to grow stronger through perseverance. Their faith will be "tested like metal" and come out mature. 3) James advises those facing hard times to ask God for wisdom, but to believe he will provide it without doubting. Doubt will make them unstable like waves tossed about.

1. An overview of what Christians can expect in life and how they should respond. James 1

2. A Brief Historical Context: James was the brother of Jesus Christ, who can to faith after Jesus’ death and resurrection. Written to the believers who had been scattered due to intense persecution. At this point, there wasn’t a large church of believers anywhere. Only a few believers could be found in any one location or city.

3. James 1:2-42 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James is responding to overwhelming reports of discouragement. As with most people, the believers saw their challenging circumstances to be the result of God’s rejection or punishment. James was helping them with a “perspective” issue. He was pointing to the fact that this trial would only make then stronger and more powerful for Kingdom work. *** You cannot follow Jesus Christ and build personal kingdoms.

4. James 1:5-85 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.6 But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.7 That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord8 he is a double‑minded man, unstable in all he does. James, then, turns to a solution for us who find ourselves in difficult circumstances. Ask God… Trust the nature of God… And, Believe God for what you have asked… Don’t Doubt. Doubt:1. to be uncertain about; consider questionable or unlikely; hesitate to believe. 2. to distrust. 3.to fear; be apprehensive about. Belief is a choice that produces emotion and determines behavior… You will never have an emotion that will produce faith and rest assured your behavior will be irrational.

5. James 1:9-109The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position.10 But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business. 12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. Our perspective, today, is that worldly success is the mark of spiritual maturity and blessing. However, James, is reminding the persecuted followers not to place much value on the things of this temporary life. The life to come is greater. He assures us that BLESSING awaits us… The crown of life eternal.

6. James 1:13-1513 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;14 but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full‑grown, gives birth to death. James understands that there will be temptation in difficult times. It is the natural byproduct when man finds himself in situations that do not gratify his flesh. Over the years, many people have blamed God for not resolving their difficulties. However, they blame Him for the bad times and forget Him in the good times. The reason is… We just sin as a concession for our suffering!

7. James 1:16-1816 Don't be deceived, my dear brothers.17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. He ends this section by reminding the followers of Jesus not to be deceived. Blessing comes from God, never Satan! And, some times what see as blessings are truly curses and vice versa. The greatest blessing we have been given is life in Jesus Christ, which is eternal. Thus, our lives are the fruit of His blessing. We are an example to His Kingdom and nature.