James 1:2-4 Count It All Joy WC
McCarter
Introduction
Time would not allow for us to tell the stories we have of
the trials we have faced. Allow your mind to survey the memories of the
hardships you have endured. Some of us have encountered one trial after another
while others of us have endured more difficult trials than others. The fact of
the matter is that as long as we live in this present age, we are not finished
confronting troubling moments. This is our calling as Christians. We are to
follow the path of the One who has gone before us, the Man of Sorrows. He was
well acquainted with grief, despised, oppressed, and afflicted (Isa 53). We,
too, are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not
in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed –
always carrying in us the dying of the Lord Jesus (2 Cor 4).
Today, we will discuss a passage of Scripture that declares
again what the entire New Testament teaches; that is, Christians are to rejoice
in times of trial. The Lord Jesus taught this, “Blessed are those who are
persecuted for righteousness’ sake. . . . Rejoice and be exceedingly glad. . .”
(Matt 5:10, 12). The Apostle Paul said the same, “. . . but we also glory in
tribulations. . .” (Rom 5:3). And Peter, too, encouraged, “In this you greatly
rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by
various trials. . .” (1 Pet 1:6). Today, we will see what the James, an Elder
in Jerusalem
READ Scripture- This
is the Word of God
Various Trials
Notice how James puts the subject of trials forefront in his
letter. He doesn’t even finish the typical opening of a letter before he
interrupts himself by getting to the task at hand. This tells us that the
Christians he was writing to in the first century were facing tough times. They
needed to be encouraged, and James wastes no time getting to that job. We also
know that this is a major subject for all Christians of all ages. We need to be
encouraged to continue through various trials as well.
The phrase “various trials” tells us that there are all
sorts of unexpected struggles in this life, and plenty of them, that Christians
must face with joy. Trials will come on the inside and on the outside:
1. Outside-
A. In the home: financial
hardships, relationship problems with your spouse or child, illness, loneliness
B. In the workplace: social and
economic persecution, competition
C. In the church: jealousy,
discouragement
2. Inside-
A. Moral
temptations to sin
B. A struggle with
the old you
Count It All Joy
When James commands his brothers and sisters to consider
trials “all joy” it is not to say that this is the only response allowed as if
we cannot be saddened or mournful. What it means is trials are occasions for pure
joy. He will explain this is in the following verses.
Joy is more than a smile on your face; it is something that
is known in the soul/mind. That is why you can face various trials with joy. It is
because you know what you have in Christ and what the future will bring!
Testing of Your Faith
There is no doubt that God permits testing, even of
believers. Let’s be clear, He does not tempt us to sin, but He allows us to be
tested by various trials. As Christians, we learn that these trials are
opportunities to demonstrate our faith. When it is all said and done, we come
out stronger than we were at first.
The language refers to the process of refining silver or
gold. “The difficulties of life are intended by God to refine our faith. . .”
(Moo, 54). When our faith is put through the heat of suffering the impurities
of our lives are refined away leaving a only a purified offering to the Lord.
Thus, the point is not to see if we have faith or not, but to perfect the faith
we already have in Christ, our Savior.
Produces Patience
“Patience” here means “perseverance.” It is the picture of
someone carrying a heavy load for a long period of time. Christians learn to
trust in God the more they meet trouble. When our faith is tested, this is the
first and immediate result. “Completeness” or “perfection” is the goal. Testing
produces perseverance which is the first step toward that end. You see,
perseverance needs to perfect its work in you so that you may be perfect.
Conclusion and
Application
So, what is it that you are called to do? You are to meet
trials of various kinds with joyous confidence in God and Spirit-led
determination to endure.
1) At the very
least, we are called to respond positively to our trials. Of course, this is
against all of our natural, worldly instincts.
2) Do not be
surprised when you are challenged with a difficult moment in life. This is what
we have been called to in the Lord.
3) There is a
purpose to be found in all of this. God is allowing you opportunities to become
mature and complete in your faith. You see, faith is what saves a person. If
your faith becomes weak, you run the risk of falling away from Christ. Yet, if
you grow strong in your faith, if you can better understand the Christian life,
then you will be saved from this present wicked age and the wrath to come.
4) No matter what
your trial may be in the present moment or in days to come, you can stand
spiritually whole even when things have fallen apart and crumbled all around
you.