Dig Deeper - Sunday 12th October
Sermon Reflection Questions - James - Genuine Faith: Joys in Trials
James 1:1-18
Dig Deeper notes from Sunday 12th October service:
The letter by James, Jesus’ half-brother, was written to Jewish Christians who had been scattered to different areas because of the threat of persecution. The communities that this letter would’ve been aimed towards would be facing hardship and difficulties, pain and fear for their lives. This letter was to give them hope and encouragement. To provide them with strength and to help them navigate a faith-filled life. Early Christians were under immense pressure, with many being martyred for their faith in Jesus. James’ letter was a small token of unity and love, to provide wisdom in knowing what to do, and a reminder that they weren’t alone.
If we take a look through the Bible and look at all those who have faced trials, the list is extremely long. We have Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt, Job lost all that he had, including his children and livelihood, Naomi lost her husband and both sons, the apostle Paul, who was thrown into prison and beaten, John the Baptist, the disciples, and Jesus.
When we think of these people, the one constant and beacon of hope for them all was their love for God. The strength that was provided even at the worst times in their lives. During the midst of the worst times in their lives, their faith grew, and they used their struggles to help shape them as Christians.
Trials in our own lives can take many different forms. When we face trials, we don’t necessarily consider them joyful. When we face times of difficulty or anguish, our first reaction is usually worry, stress or sadness. James doesn’t say in his letter ‘if’ you face trials, but ‘when’. Facing trials throughout life for all of us is inevitable, and they can take many forms, sometimes, we can even face multiple trials at the same time.
James acknowledges this concern in his opening sentence, says, ‘consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds – because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.’ We can sometimes question God when we have trials and say ‘God, why is this happening to me?’ We feel targeted and alone. God does not cause us pain. James isn’t saying we should have joy because of the pain we are feeling; he is saying we should have joy because these trials give us the space to grow. Perhaps instead of asking ‘why is this happening’, we should be asking ‘God, how can this form me?’
James isn’t dismissing life trials either; what he is doing is showing a purpose for the trials that we face. They are there in order for us to grow in perseverance and grow within our faith and spiritual maturity. The goes on to say, ‘Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.’ James reminds us that those who persevere under trials will be crowned with the eternal life that God has promised to his faithful followers. It reiterates to us Jesus’ teachings that worldly wealth has no relevance to God, but we are all rich through the eternal wealth we receive from our Father in Heaven.
James’ letter reminds us that when we ask God for wisdom, we are told it is given to us by a generous God. That we should not be doubtful. Not only does God give us wisdom, but He gives it generously and without any catches. We ask for wisdom, He provides. It is that simple and straightforward.
From these verses we are reminded that with each trial in our life, and there will most likely be many, we need to shift our focus on what from this situation is God teaching us. What gift is God allowing us to practice and work on? How are we growing in our relationship with God through these times of difficulty?
We need to remember these five things:
1. Trials are not a punishment, but an opportunity to grow in faith.
2. Ask God for wisdom when we face trials.
3. The importance of spiritual wealth.
4. Pray continuously.
5. Remember that God is an unchanging God.
Discussion & Application Questions:
1. Are we facing trials or temptations in our lives at the moment? How can we find joy and use this time as a time to grow closer to God?
2. When we face trials, are we asking God for wisdom before trying to fix things in our own strength?
Let’s pray:
Lord, we ask that you give us strength in trials. Help us to recentre our hearts and minds on you so that the obstacles we face become opportunities to help us grow in our faith towards you. Thank you that throughout everything, You remain the constant.
In Your name we pray, Amen.
