Doing Faith

Genuine faith is more action than it is conviction.

(James 1:1-3; 12) James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings. Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything... 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.

RETHINKING TRIALS

I want to understand trials from the Lord’s perspective.

1. Trials are GOOD

(2) Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trails of many kinds.

A. We naturally associate pain, hardship and difficulty with “bad”.

B. We naturally associate ease, comfort and pleasure with “good”.

C. The New Rules regarding trials:

· God is sovereign.

· My trials have been allowed by God.

· God allows them because He loves me.

· Now – life’s trials are good for me.

2. Trials are TESTS

(2-3) Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

A. One purpose for tests is to evaluate us.

B. Another purpose for tests is to develop us.

(3) …the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

3. Trials are REWARDED

A. If we keep our faith in Jesus throughout the trials – perseverance develops.

(Hebrews 12:1-2a) Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith…

B. For our perseverance – the Lord will reward us.

· (12) Crown of life.

· (4) Completeness of life.