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joy in suffering

James 1:1-4 – Endurance

All too often trials prompt groanings and complaints. This kind of response does not contribute to Christian maturity. It only makes matters worse. Trials are not to be seen as tribulations but testings. A test is given to see if a student can pass, not pass out. James gave sound advice on how to score high on every test. One who brings the right attitude to the trial, who understands the advantage of the trial, and who knows where to obtain assistance in the trial will certainly end up on God’s honor roll.

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, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • God has a plan for us that will refine us, purify us, and cause us to be more mature. This growth will develop in us the traits necessary to have spiritual victory.
  • When we face trials with an outlook of growing in Christ and becoming more mature, this will allow us to take joy even though we are in pain
    • Remember Joseph. Enduring affliction had produced in Joseph an ability to see God’s greater hand in the malicious intentions of his brothers. God had used trials to make Joseph mature and complete.
    • We should look at trials as an occasion for joy because of their potential for producing something good in us
  • Endurance is the staying power that believers can have because they trust God. Tested faith becomes spiritually tough and rugged.
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