James: A Handbook on Holiness

Joy and Trials

James 1:2-4

General outline of chapter 1:

1. The Way to Holiness: The Divine Perspective 1:2-27

   1. The Trial-Temptation Complex 1:2-18

      1. The Confrontation with Trials 1:2-8

         1. Joy and Trials 1:2-4

         2. Wisdom and Trials 1:5-8

      2. The Range of Trials 1:9-11

         1. The Trial of Poverty 1:9

         2. The Trial of Riches 1:10-11

      3. The Outcome of Trials 1:12-18

         1. Confidence in Trials 1:12

         2. Defeat in Trials 1:13-15

         3. Victory in Trials 1:16-18

James 1:2-4

Exhortation

2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,

Reason

3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

Goal

4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Questions:

1. What are some ways you often respond to trials?

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2. Are trials a reason for joy? Why? Why not? Notice James says "when you fall into trials."

3. Why does James say "Count it" all joy in v. 2? Consider Phil. 3:8.

4. What does it mean to "Count it all joy?" Consider Gen. 50:20; Rom. 8:28.

5. What results do trials bring about? Trials produce the t___________________________, which produces s_______________, which makes you p_______________________________. How does each thing produce the next thing?

6. What is God's goal in your trials, according to v. 4?

7. What is one better way for you to respond in the next trial you face? _____________________