James (series 2): Growing Through Trials February 10, 2008 Pastor Doug Humphrey

2. Growing Through Trials Speaker: Doug Humphrey Senior Pastor

4. Let those who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful creator in doing what is right. 1 Peter 4:19

6. 1 James, a bond servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad, greetings. 2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

7. 5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.

8. 7 For let not that man expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, 8 being a double minded man, unstable in all his ways. 12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love him.

10. I. How do you grow through trials?

13. 2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,

15. 2 When all kinds of trials and temptations crowd into your lives, my brothers, don't resent them as intruders, but welcome them as friends! (Phillips Translation)

17. 2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,

19. 2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

20. 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

21. 16 O Nebuchadnezzer, we are not worried about what will happen to us. 17 If we are thrown into the flaming furnace, our God is able to deliver us; and he will deliver us out of your hand. 18 But, if he doesn't, please understand, sir, that even then we will never, under any circumstance, serve your Gods or worship the gold statue you have erected. Daniel 3:16-18

23. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

25. A. Cultivate a positive attitude toward trials. (vs. 2) B. Realize that God uses trials to develop endurance . (vs. 3) C. Cooperate with God in the process of character development . (vs. 4) Review

27. 5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.

28. 7 For let not that man expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, 8 being a double minded man, unstable in all his ways.

33. II. What is promised to those who handle trials correctly? (vs. 12)

34. II. What is promised to those who handle trials correctly? (vs. 12) A. Genuine happiness (12a)

35. 12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love him.

36. II. What is promised to those who handle trials correctly? (vs. 12) A. Genuine happiness (12a) B. Abundant Life (12b)

37. 12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life , which the Lord has promised to those who love him.

38. The Victor’s Crown

39. James 1:12 Rev. 2:10 For enduring trials A crown of life 1 Peter 5:4 For faithfully shepherding God’s flock A crown of glory 2 Tim. 4:8 For loving the Lord’s appearing A crown of righteousness 1 Thess. 2:19 For evangelism and discipleship A crown of rejoicing 1 Corinthians 9:25 For leading a disciplined life An imperishable crown Reference Reason Title Believer’s Crowns

41. 4. Pray for wisdom to deal with trials. (vv. 5-8) How To Grow Through Trials

42. Don't resent trials when they come; rather welcome them as God's instrument to develop godly character. Application/Challenge