TEXT”  James 1:1-12

Introduction:  The things we have looked at regarding God’s lovingkindness even in suffering as found in:  Isaiah 53; Matthew 5:10-12; Acts 5:33-42;  Hebrews 2:7-12;  Acts 7:54 – 8:8; Romans 5:1-5;  Acts 16:19-40

1. The joy of God’s work in trials      James 1:2-4
   1. Consider the trial to be a cause for joy when you are going into it
   2. Know that God is working in us by the trying of our faith
   3. believe that God is maturing His child through the trials of life
2. The joy of faith in God’s supply     James 1:5-8
   1. God’s supply of His wisdom in our living of life
   2. God’s faithfulness to supply what we need in our trials
   3. God’s ability to meet our needs through our trials
3. The joy of God’s unchanging goodness     James 1:9-11
   1. God is good when I am being lifted up
   2. God is good when I am being lowered down
   3. God is good when life is fading
4. The joy of God’s eternal rewards     James 1:12
   1. To those who remain faithful
   2. To those who have trusted in God’s promises
   3. To those who love God because of His love for them

• Action Points:
  • What hinders you from counting trials to be joy to you?
  • How do you need to grow in trusting God so you can count trials joy?
  • How does your view of God, His Word and His eternity affect you in “counting it all joy”?